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SPAWNSNARE is a Linux utility written in C that is part of the SPAWN malware ecosystem. It is used to extract the uncompressed Linux kernel image (vmlinux) into a file and encrypt it using AES without relying on command-line tools. Reporting places SPAWNSNARE alongside other SPAWN components including SPAWNSLOTH, used for log tampering, and SPAWNWAVE, described as an evolved implant utility. The SPAWN ecosystem deployment was observed following exploitation of Ivanti Connect Secure VPN appliances vulnerable to CVE-2025-22457, a buffer overflow leading to remote code execution in version 22.7R2.5 and earlier. Google Threat Intelligence Group attributed the exploitation and subsequent SPAWN deployment to UNC5221, a suspected China-nexus espionage actor. High-confidence context indicates the malware was used in post-exploitation activity targeting Linux-based edge devices, specifically Ivanti Connect Secure appliances.
Mallory pivots from this family to the IOCs, detections, and named campaigns that touch your stack, and pages you when something new lands.
1 CVE Mallory has correlated with this family across public research and vendor advisories. Each row links to the full Mallory page for that vulnerability.
On April 3, 2025, Ivanti disclosed a critical vulnerability, CVE-2025-22457, affecting Ivanti Connect Secure (ICS) VPN appliances version 22.7R2.5 and earlier. The flaw, initially underestimated as a denial-of-service risk, was later found to be a buffer overflow that allows remote code execution. Mandiant observed exploitation beginning in mid-March 2025... | The actor also used other SPAWN components such as SPAWNSLOTH (log tampering), SPAWNSNARE (kernel image extraction and encryption), and SPAWNWAVE (an evolved implant utility).
1 distinct threat actor attributed by public researchers. Open in Mallory to see the full evidence chain and overlapping campaigns.
The actor also used other SPAWN components such as SPAWNSLOTH (log tampering), SPAWNSNARE (kernel image extraction and encryption), and SPAWNWAVE (an evolved implant utility).
3 distinct techniques documented for this family, organized by ATT&CK tactic.
2 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.
Match every observed IP, domain, and hash against your live telemetry.
Named campaigns wielding this family, with evidence pinned to each claim.
CVEs this family uses for access and lateral movement.
YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.
Every documented technique, ranked by evidence weight.
Reddit, Mastodon, and CTI community discussion around this family.