CURIUM

Suspected state-linked cyber threat groupTrackedPending verification

Also known as: Crimson Sandstorm, TA456, Tortoise Shell, Yellow Liderc

CyberIRN

Identification silhouette. Not drawn to scale between entries.

Fact cardConfidence · Source

System

TypeSuspected state-linked cyber threat group

Alternative designationsCrimson Sandstorm, TA456, Tortoise Shell, Yellow Liderc

ProliferationOrigin country only

Active since2018At least 2018Med^[1]

MITRE ATT&CK IDG1012High^[1]

Capabilities

ATT&CK techniques used19ATT&CK v20.1High^[1]

Malware and toolsIMAPLoader1 malware and tool entries linked in ATT&CKHigh^[1]

Attribution and activity

Attributed sponsorIranian threat groupMed^[1]

TargetsCURIUM is an Iranian threat group, first reported in September 2019 and active since at least July 2018, targeting IT service providers in the Middle East.Med^[1]

Notes

CURIUM is an Iranian threat group, first reported in September 2019 and active since at least July 2018, targeting IT service providers in the Middle East. CURIUM has since invested in building relationships with potential targets via social media over a period of months to establish trust and confidence before sending malware. Security researchers note CURIUM has demonstrated great patience and persistence by chatting with potential targets daily and sending benign files to help lower their security consciousness. Description adapted from MITRE ATT&CK®, © The MITRE Corporation, used under the ATT&CK Terms of Use.

Summary

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.

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Operators

Iran

Sources

CURIUM, Group G1012, MITRE ATT&CK
Published/updated 2026-07-31 · Tier 2 · checked 2026-11-08

Change log

2026-11-08 Entry created from MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise v20.1 (group G1012)