APT28’s Operation MacroMaze: Webhook-Based Macro Malware Targeting Europe

A sophisticated cyber-espionage campaign attributed to the Russian state-linked threat group APT28 has emerged as one of the most notable intelligence-gathering operations observed in Europe over the past year. The campaign, referred to by researchers as Operation MacroMaze, reportedly ran between September 2025 and January 2026 and primarily targeted organizations across Western and Central Europe.

APT28—also widely known as Fancy Bear and tracked in Ukraine as UAC-0001—is one of the most extensively documented cyber-espionage groups associated with Russian intelligence operations. Over the years, the group has developed a reputation for targeting government institutions, military bodies, political organizations, and security agencies in order to obtain strategic information.

Operation MacroMaze represents a notable shift in approach. Rather than deploying complex malware frameworks alone, the attackers leveraged webhook-based macro malware combined with legitimate online services to create stealthy command-and-control channels and data exfiltration paths.

Background on APT28

APT28 has been active for more than a decade and is believed to operate in support of Russian geopolitical and intelligence objectives. The group frequently targets organizations that could provide insight into military planning, diplomatic strategy, defense infrastructure, and international policy discussions.

Common characteristics associated with APT28 operations:
  • Highly targeted spear-phishing campaigns
  • Use of document-based malware and malicious macros
  • Rapid infrastructure changes to avoid tracking
  • Credential harvesting and intelligence collection
  • Focus on government, defense, and geopolitical targets

APT28 has historically demonstrated strong technical capabilities, but Operation MacroMaze highlights how modern espionage campaigns sometimes rely on simpler methods that are harder to detect within everyday network traffic.

Overview of Operation MacroMaze

The MacroMaze campaign appears to have been designed for quiet infiltration and sustained surveillance rather than disruptive attacks. The attackers used malicious Office documents containing macros that initiated communication with attacker-controlled infrastructure through webhooks.

By using legitimate online services as intermediaries, the attackers were able to disguise malicious traffic as normal user activity. This technique significantly complicates detection because security systems often trust connections to widely used platforms.

Primary objectives of the campaign

  • Gain access to targeted government and security networks
  • Establish covert communication channels
  • Collect strategic documents and intelligence
  • Maintain long-term surveillance capabilities

Targets Across Western and Central Europe

Operation MacroMaze primarily targeted organizations tied to national security and policy development across Europe. The selection of victims indicates a strong intelligence-gathering motive aligned with geopolitical competition.

Key sectors targeted

  • Government ministries and agencies
  • Military and defense organizations
  • Security and intelligence-adjacent institutions
  • Strategic research and policy organizations

Access to these networks could provide valuable insight into regional defense planning, political decisions, and international cooperation efforts.

Initial Infection Vector: Malicious Macro Documents

The attack chain begins with carefully crafted phishing emails carrying document attachments. These files contain embedded macros that execute once the recipient enables document content.

While macros have been used in cyber attacks for decades, they remain effective due to the human element involved. A well-designed email combined with a convincing document can still bypass both technical controls and human suspicion.

Typical characteristics of the phishing stage

  • Emails impersonating trusted institutions or partners
  • Documents referencing current geopolitical topics
  • Requests to review reports, briefings, or policy updates
  • Macros triggering network communication after execution

Webhook-Based Command and Control

One of the defining aspects of Operation MacroMaze is the use of webhooks for command-and-control communication. Webhooks allow applications to send automated data messages to other services in real time, a feature commonly used in legitimate integrations between platforms.

In this campaign, attackers reportedly leveraged this mechanism to relay commands and transfer data through trusted services. Because these services are widely used in enterprise environments, traffic associated with them often appears normal to monitoring systems.

Advantages of webhook-based malware communication

  • Blends into legitimate internet traffic
  • Reduces need for suspicious custom infrastructure
  • Helps evade traditional network detection tools
  • Allows flexible command execution

Use of Legitimate Services for Stealth

Modern espionage groups increasingly abuse legitimate platforms to mask their activity. Instead of relying solely on attacker-controlled servers, they route commands and stolen data through widely trusted online services.

This technique provides several benefits:

  • Security systems are less likely to block known platforms
  • Traffic appears routine within enterprise environments
  • Attribution becomes more difficult
  • Infrastructure shutdown is harder for defenders

APT28’s use of this method in Operation MacroMaze demonstrates a strategic preference for subtlety and resilience over complexity.

Operational Evolution of APT28

Although APT28 has previously used sophisticated malware frameworks, Operation MacroMaze illustrates how advanced actors increasingly favor adaptable and lightweight tools. In many cases, simplicity can actually improve operational success by reducing detection risk.

Instead of deploying large custom implants immediately, attackers can rely on built-in system tools, macros, and trusted services to accomplish their goals with minimal footprint.

This shift reflects several broader trends in cyber espionage:

  • Living-off-the-land techniques
  • Cloud platform abuse
  • Low-noise persistence strategies
  • Use of everyday technologies for covert operations

Strategic Implications

The emergence of Operation MacroMaze underscores the continuing role of cyber operations in geopolitical competition. Intelligence gathered through cyber intrusions can provide governments with insights into diplomatic strategies, military planning, and security vulnerabilities.

Campaigns like this also demonstrate how cyber capabilities allow states to conduct surveillance across borders without physical presence.

For European institutions, this reinforces the need to treat cyber defense as a national security priority rather than solely an IT issue.

Defensive Strategies Against Similar Campaigns

Organizations can significantly reduce risk from campaigns like MacroMaze by strengthening multiple layers of security controls.

Email and document protections

  • Disable macros by default where possible
  • Use advanced phishing detection systems
  • Scan attachments in secure sandbox environments
  • Implement strict document execution policies

Endpoint monitoring

  • Deploy behavioral endpoint detection systems
  • Monitor suspicious script activity
  • Track abnormal process execution patterns
  • Maintain centralized logging and analysis

Network security

  • Inspect outbound connections for anomalies
  • Monitor communications with external services
  • Detect unusual data transfer behavior
  • Segment sensitive systems

The Future of Cyber Espionage Campaigns

Operation MacroMaze illustrates how state-sponsored actors continue refining their tactics to operate below the threshold of obvious detection. By blending malicious actions with normal digital behavior, attackers can remain embedded within networks for extended periods.

As geopolitical tensions evolve, similar operations are expected to become more common. Organizations operating in government, defense, and strategic industries are likely to remain primary targets.

Defending against these threats requires not only strong technical defenses but also improved awareness, intelligence sharing, and coordinated response across both public and private sectors.

The Operation MacroMaze campaign attributed to APT28 highlights the continued evolution of state-sponsored cyber espionage. By combining traditional macro-based attacks with webhook communication and legitimate service abuse, the group demonstrated that even relatively simple tools can be highly effective when used strategically.

For defenders, the lesson is clear: sophisticated attacks do not always rely on complex malware. Sometimes the most effective operations are those that hide in plain sight.

For more insights and updates on cybersecurity, AI advancements, and cyberespionage, visit NorthernTribe Insider. Stay secure, NorthernTribe.

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