Sandworm
aka Seashell Blizzard, APT44, Unit 74455, IRIDIUM
A GRU unit known for destructive attacks such as switching off parts of Ukraine's power grid. Recently it has been grabbing internet-facing systems worldwide as footholds for later operations.
- Alert level
- 3/ 5
- Reports & advisories (90 days)
- 1
- Known exploited CVEs
- 7
- Personal data leaked (disclosed)
- None confirmed
Attribution
- Assessed as acting on behalf of Russian military intelligence Unit 74455 (GRU) — Microsoft
Exploited vulnerabilities and targeted products
CVE-2021-34473 CVE-2022-41352 CVE-2023-32315 CVE-2023-42793 CVE-2023-23397 CVE-2024-1709 CVE-2023-48788
If you run any of these products, first make sure they are updated to a fixed version.
How they attack
Entry
Exploiting internet-facing devices
Like finding a broken lock on the company's front gate (VPN or firewall) and walking in.
Inside
Blending in with built-in tools
Like a burglar who brings no tools and uses only what is already in the house, so nothing looks out of place.
Goal
Destroying systems
Not theft but sabotage, like smashing the switchboard to turn off a city's lights.
Recent articles
Sources
Attributions are quoted as assessed by governments and security vendors. VulnPulse does not make attributions itself.
Leak counts only add up figures disclosed by the affected companies or authorities, never the attackers' own claims. We do not list victim names or link to leak sites.
The alert level is calculated automatically from reports and advisories in the last 90 days, known exploited vulnerabilities, and whether the group has targeted Japan.
Updated 2026-10-23 · daily