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The “cat-feeding planner” was not a real pet-care app. It was a deceptive window displayed by MATCHBOIL, a Windows downloader associated by ESET with the Russia-aligned group UAC-0099. Its malicious activity began only after a victim was tricked into running a script; in a late-2025 sample, the planner appeared when MATCHBOIL itself was launched manually without the expected -auto argument.
How the infection chain worked
- A spear-phishing email delivered the lure. The message contained a malicious link.
- The link led to an archive containing a VBScript. The victim had to be misled into running that script manually; simply seeing the fake planner was not the initial infection mechanism.
- The script downloaded and ran MATCHBOIL. ESET describes MATCHBOIL as a custom C# downloader that collected basic information identifying the machine and contacted command-and-control (C&C) infrastructure over HTTPS.
- MATCHBOIL retrieved another payload. It extracted the payload from an HTML-formatted response, installed it, and set up persistence. ESET says that in most cases it observed, the additional payload was a C# backdoor called MATCHWOK.
Persistence methods changed between versions, so the behavior described for one sample should not be assumed to apply identically to every MATCHBOIL build.
Why the malware showed a cat planner
ESET found the planner in a late-2025 sample when the downloader was executed manually without its expected -auto argument. The window was a decoy, not evidence of a downloadable cat-care service. In the sample ESET described, the file was stored at %LOCALAPPDATA%MeowCheckMeowMeowProgramm.exe.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The disguise was far from convincing. ESET researcher Fernando Tavella wrote: “The strength of this ruse is somewhat lessened by the appearance of this ‘planner’, the presence of two text fields both titled Today, as well as by a typo in the window name that suggests the program should be used to plan one’s milk product intake.” The awkward interface could make the program look suspicious, but its presence did not make the file harmless.
#1 Best Overall
- Quality Material: Our Pet Feeding Reminder is made of ABS material, durable and strong, two suspension methods are available, easy to operate.
- Feeding Reminder: the dog feeding reminder is divided into three parts(morning, afternoon, night), after you feed your pet, just move the slider from left to right, which helps to distinguish whether to feed on the day.
- Multifunctional: the feeding reminder can be used for more activities, such as taking pills, walking with your pet, training, learning, feeding your kid, etc. so that you no longer forget whether you have done something.
- Two Suspension Methods: This feeding reminder can be attached to the refrigerator or wall with a magnet or double-sided tape, or hung on the wall with a hook.
- What Will You Get: you can get 1 pcs pet feeding reminder, 4 pcs magnet, 2 pcs Double-sided adhesive tape and 1 pcs sticker.
How MATCHBOIL changed through April 2026
ESET’s October 8, 2026 analysis covers samples dated April 2024 through April 2026. The changes it describes show that the visible disguise and filenames evolved; they do not amount to a complete record of every version.
| Observed version or period | Decoy or launch detail | Other documented behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Late 2025 | A daily planner appeared when the sample was run manually without -auto; the observed path was %LOCALAPPDATA%MeowCheckMeowMeowProgramm.exe. |
In the described sample, MATCHBOIL checked system uptime and debugger state, then contacted C&C every two minutes when those checks passed. A scheduled task for the payload ran every seven minutes. These are separate intervals. |
| Samples through April 2026 | The cat planner was replaced by a text-file search utility. The most recent April sample described by ESET used %LOCALAPPDATA%SMTPClientSMTPClientApplication.exe. |
The April variant was a DLL run by a custom C# loader; earlier samples were EXEs. |
The two-minute C&C interval and seven-minute scheduled-task interval are behaviors observed in the late-2025 sample, not general timings for every version.
Rank #2
- Smart APP Control: Wi-Fi fully automatic dog feeder is 5GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi-enabled allowing you to program your pet's meals anywhere anytime through the PETLIBRO App on your iOS or Android smartphone.
- Never Miss A Meal: Easily schedule up to 10 meals per day and 1-48 portions per meal (1/12 cup each portion) with the Wi-Fi automatic cat feeder, you can easily customize your furry friend's feeding plan and check the feeding records to ensure your cat has been fed on a set schedule by the APP.
- Personalized Meal Call: Record a voice message for up to 10 seconds that plays for each feeding, and freely set the times the meal call play, so your pet can feel your care even when you're not at home. Not only that, but the thoughtful automatic cat food dispenser provides you with the ability to record up to 10 customized meal calls and adjust the volume to your needs!
- Freshness in Every Bite: Patent rotor in the tank base and twist-lock lid of the automatic pet feeder prevent pets sneaking into the food dispenser for extra food. Built-in desiccant bag and sealing strip keep food fresh and crunchy. Food-grade stainless steel bowl provides healthy and hygienic feeding, saving your pets from chin acne.
- Smart Notifications and Indicators: Your phone receives notifications and the machine’s indicators also lights up red when the food tank of the cat feeder automatic is empty, food gets jammed, the battery is low, or has other problems. The infrared sensor keeps checking and stops food dispensing if the food outlet is blocked.
Who ESET links to the campaign
ESET reports finding victims in Ukraine across multiple sectors. Its telemetry recorded samples at transportation companies in July and August 2025, a manufacturing company in December 2025, and an energy-sector company in June 2026. These observations establish examples of activity, not a victim total or the campaign’s overall prevalence.
ESET characterizes UAC-0099 as a cyberespionage group that targets Ukrainian government organizations, financial institutions, and media. It assesses the group’s alignment with Russian interests at medium confidence; that is an attribution assessment, not proof of a particular state identity. ESET also says UAC-0099 can act as an initial-access broker for Sandworm.
Rank #3
- 2-in-1 Timed Cat Feeder: The 2-in-1 automatic feeder and water dispenser ensures your cat eats at the right times and in the right amounts. The 5L food and 3.5L water capacity ensures that your cat is well-fed and hydrated even during extended trips (up to 7 days for 2 cats). No more worries about food and water running out while you're away or working late
- Clean Food with Fresh Water: The dual-compartment design keeps cat food and water separate, preventing cross-contamination for a cleaner, healthier feeding area. The upgraded roof sealing keeps food fresh and safe from contamination. Crafted from BPA-free materials, this automatic feeder and dispenser helps ensure safe food and water for your cat
- Precision Feeding, Gravity Water: The cat feeder offers 1-6 meals per day, with 1-16 portions per meal (5-10g each). The gravity water dispenser ensures fresh water is always available, with no need for manual refills. Built-in LED light for easy water level check at night, with adjustable switch to avoid disturbing pets
- Dual Power for Reliability: This feeder keeps working during power outages, ensuring your cat never misses a meal,powered by both Type-C and 4 AA batteries (not included). The cat food and water dispenser set features a stable triangular base that helps prevent tipping, even with playful cats
- Easy to Setup & Clean: Set up and operate your automatic cat feeder effortlessly with a single knob. The memory function saves your settings, so you never have to reset them. The stainless steel bowl is dishwasher-safe to prevent black chin, and all accessories are easy to remove for quick, hassle-free cleaning
What to do if you encounter a similar file
- Do not run an unexpected script or executable simply because it opens a familiar-looking planner or utility.
- If you already ran a suspicious file, disconnect the affected computer from the network if practical and contact your organization’s IT or security team. Avoid deleting files or attempting cleanup before they can assess the device, particularly on a work computer.
- For a personal device, use trusted security support to investigate the incident. The cited reporting does not establish that any particular security product detects MATCHBOIL.
ESET’s technical account is available in “MATCHBOIL: New tricks, same old evil intentions”, published October 8, 2026. Cybernews also summarizes the findings in its report, “Russian hackers hide spyware behind bizarre cat feeding planner.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Package Includes: You will receive 1 cat medication feeder, now upgraded to be safer and easier for pet owners and animal caretakers to use at home.
- Safe & Durable Materials: This feeding tool for cats adopts ABS, TPR, and silicone, it is more sturdy with a smooth surface, overall firmness, high hardness, bite resistance, and can be used multiple times.
- Lightweight & Portable: Measuring 15x6cm/5.9x2.36in, it is very convenient to use, carry, and store. Appropriate length suits cats, kittens, puppies, and small dogs.
- Anti-drop Design: The fixed silicone tip is not easy to fall off, and pets are not likely to bite it off, effectively solving the problem of detachment.
- Wide Application: Very suitable for multi-pet households, clinics, and long-term medication plans, breeders, and anyone managing multiple pets.
Rank #4
- Quality Material: Our Pet Feeding Reminder is made of ABS material, durable and strong, two suspension methods are available, easy to operate.
- Feeding Reminder: the dog feeding reminder is divided into two parts(am, pm), after you feed your pet, just move the slider from left to right, which helps to distinguish whether to feed on the day.
- Multifunctional: the feeding reminder can be used for more activities, such as taking pills, walking with your pet, training, learning, feeding your kid, etc. so that you no longer forget whether you have done something.
- Two Suspension Methods: This feeding reminder can be attached to the refrigerator or wall with a magnet or double-sided tape, or hung on the wall with a hook.
- What Will You Get: you can get 1 pcs pet feeding reminder, 4 pcs magnet, 2 pcs Double-sided adhesive tape and 1 pcs sticker.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
