Chinese Hackers Exploit Chrome-Windows Zero-Day Chain to Deploy CLEANGULP Malware

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A Chinese-linked threat actor known as UTA0565 has been observed exploiting a Chrome-Windows zero-day chain to deliver CLEANGULP malware. The attacks, detected on September 3 and 4, 2026, combined two Google Chrome vulnerabilities and a Windows ALPC flaw to escape the browser sandbox and achieve remote code execution. The campaign used phishing emails, fake websites, hidden iframes, and impersonated media organizations and NGOs to deceive targeted victims. In this episode, we examine how the BlueMoon exploit chain was used, how CLEANGULP operates, and why the reuse of the same exploit kit across multiple threat actors is attracting attention from cybersecurity researchers.