The Rise of Operation Rewrite

In March 2025, alarming revelations emerged about a sophisticated SEO poisoning operation dubbed "Operation Rewrite." This campaign, attributed to Chinese-speaking cybercriminals, exploits search engine algorithms to redirect traffic to malicious websites, capitalizing on unsuspecting users.

How BadIIS Works its Malicious Magic

At the heart of this operation is a sinister tool known as BadIIS, a malicious Internet Information Services (IIS) module that hijacks web traffic from compromised servers. By acting as a reverse proxy, BadIIS alters legitimate traffic, leading visitors to sites laden with gambling or inappropriate content.

A Targeted Attack on East and Southeast Asia

Analysis revealed that the attackers have a specific geographic focus, primarily targeting East and Southeast Asia. The malware’s configuration indicates a strategic approach tailored to regional search engines, enhancing its effectiveness.

The Attack's Two Phases: Luring and Trapping

Operation Rewrite unfolds in two distinct phases. First, the attackers lure search engines to index compromised sites using SEO-rich content fed from their command and control servers. In the second phase, they wait for victims to click on the poisoned links, redirecting them to nefarious websites.

Deep Dive into the Technical Arsenal

Alongside BadIIS, the attackers utilize a diverse toolkit, including lightweight ASP.NET and PHP scripts, showcasing their adaptability and reach. Each component serves a dual purpose: to manipulate search engine results and to deceive users.

A Tapestry of Linguistic Clues

Investigations into the code itself reveal crucial linguistic artifacts. Key terms like "chongxiede" (translated to "rewrite" in English) strongly suggest the attackers’ origins, while the presence of simplified Chinese comments confirms their linguistic background.

The Bigger Picture: Cyber Threat Alliances

Our findings link Operation Rewrite not only to the notorious Group 9 but also suggest potential ties to the DragonRank campaign—both notorious for their Chinese-speaking operational frameworks. This implies a broader network of malicious actors sharing tools and methodologies.

Protection Strategies: Defending Against Operation Rewrite

For those concerned about being compromised, cybersecurity solutions like Palo Alto Networks' Advanced URL Filtering and Cortex XDR provide robust defenses. These tools are essential for detecting and thwarting attacks coming from this deceptive campaign.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Cyber Defenders

Operation Rewrite starkly illustrates the evolving tactics of cybercriminals and the importance of vigilant cybersecurity practices. As attackers become more sophisticated, security teams must bolster their defenses to combat such insidious threats.