Highly sophisticated group targeting telecoms and ISPs using multi-layered malware platforms with years-long persistence. This profile is mapped to MITRE ATT&CK G1013 and covers attribution, tooling, targeting, and defensive recommendations based on observed campaigns.
Overview & Attribution
Metador (also tracked as None publicly documented) is a threat group attributed to Unknown. The group primarily targets Telecoms, ISPs, universities, Middle East for intelligence collection and operational objectives aligned with state interests.
This group is tracked as G1013 in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. All techniques referenced in this report are mapped to ATT&CK for consistent threat modeling and detection engineering.
Arsenal & Tools
Known tools and malware associated with Metador include:
- metaMain
- Mafalda
Targeting & Operations
Metador operations focus on Telecoms, ISPs, universities, Middle East. The group typically gains initial access through spear-phishing, exploitation of public-facing applications, or strategic web compromises before deploying custom implants for persistent access and data exfiltration.
Organizations in the Telecoms sector should treat Metador as a relevant threat and validate their detection coverage against the MITRE ATT&CK techniques listed below.
MITRE ATT&CK Mapping
Key techniques observed in Metador operations:
| Technique ID | Technique Name | Tactical Context |
|---|---|---|
| T1059.001 | T1059.001 | Observed in Metador campaigns |
| T1027 | T1027 | Observed in Metador campaigns |
| T1071.001 | T1071.001 | Observed in Metador campaigns |
| T1105 | T1105 | Observed in Metador campaigns |
Full ATT&CK mapping: https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G1013/
Notable Campaigns
This threat group has been active in operations targeting Telecoms, ISPs, universities, Middle East. Security researchers have documented campaigns involving metaMain and other tools deployed against organizations in multiple countries. Attribution confidence varies by campaign, but consistent infrastructure and TTP overlap links activity to Unknown-nexus operations.
Detection & Defense
Recommended defensive measures against Metador:
- Network monitoring: Detect C2 beaconing patterns associated with metaMain and related implants
- Endpoint detection: Deploy behavioral rules for the ATT&CK techniques above, particularly T1059.001 and T1027
- Email security: Implement robust phishing defenses including URL sandboxing and attachment detonation
- Patch management: Prioritize patching of internet-facing applications exploited by this group
- Threat hunting: Proactively hunt for IOCs and behavioral indicators mapped to G1013 in MITRE ATT&CK
How Mjolnir Security Can Help
Defend Against Metador
Mjolnir Security provides tailored threat intelligence, detection engineering, and incident response services to help organizations defend against Unknown-nexus threat actors.
Contact us: mjolnirsecurity.com
Stay ahead of emerging threats. Get notified when we publish new intelligence reports and advisories.
Subscribe to Alerts