Attackers typically try to pass off malware as legitimate applications or as potentially unwanted programs that users deliberately search for and download, such as cheats or cracks. They often rely on ad and affiliate networks to deliver their creations to victims’ devices. This post examines a less conventional case: a well-known backdoor distributed under the guise of adware. The attackers may have chosen this distribution method because the adware was signed by the developer. On top of that, users often manually add these apps to exclusions, so their useful features don’t get blocked.
Some time ago, a client asked us to analyze a file with the MD5 hash c24e99f9437feacaa63766a3cde3fe3d and add it to our detection database. We initially classified it as adware, but a cursory analysis turned up suspicious network activity, which prompted us to dig deeper. It turned out the sample did far more than serve ads. In fact, its advertising functionality doesn’t even work; instead, it triggers an infection chain that delivers the ValleyRAT backdoor.
Read more…
Source: Kaspersky
Sign up for the Cyber Security Review Newsletter
The latest cyber security news and insights delivered right to your inbox
Related:
- Security firm Check Point confirms data breach, but says users have nothing to worry about
April 1, 2025
A hacker is claiming to have stolen a “highly sensitive” dataset from Check Point – but the company is looking to play down any concerns users might have. The cybercriminal, going by the name of CoreInjection, posted about the dataset of compromised Check Point files on a cybercrime forum – and alleges that the information contains ...
- Someone is trying to recruit security researchers in bizarre hacking campaign
April 1, 2025
Are you willing to hack and take control of Chinese websites for a random person for up to $100,000 a month? Someone is making precisely that tantalizing, bizarre, and clearly sketchy job offer. The person is using what looks like a series of fake accounts with avatars displaying photos of attractive women and sliding into the ...
- UK: Man charged after cyber attack saw terror messages displayed at train stations
April 1, 2025
A man has been charged after a cyber attack saw terror messages displayed across screens at Scotland’s busiest train stations. British Transport Police received multiple reports of a cyber security incident affecting Network Rail Wi-Fi services, provided by a third party, that displayed imagery “intended to incite religious hatred” on September 25, 2024. Network Rail said ...
- GCHQ worker admits taking top secret data home
March 31, 2025
A former GCHQ intern has admitted risking national security by taking top secret data home with him on his mobile phone. Hasaan Arshad, 25, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Computer Misuse Act on what would have been the first day of his trial at the Old Bailey in London. The charge related to committing ...
- The Espionage Toolkit of Earth Alux: A Closer Look at its Advanced Techniques
March 31, 2025
The Earth Alux APT group’s schemes and tactics have been uncloaked through our relentless monitoring and investigation efforts. The China-linked intrusion set is actively launching cyberespionage attacks against the government, technology, logistics, manufacturing, telecommunications, IT services, and retail sectors. The first sighting of its activity was in the second quarter of 2023; back then, it was ...
- Oracle grapples with dual data breaches
March 31, 2025
Oracle is dealing with the fallout of a double data breach — one exposing patient data at US hospitals, and another raising concerns about its cloud security. Reports over the weekend suggest a breach at Oracle Health, formerly known as Cerner, has impacted multiple US healthcare organisations and hospitals. Threat actors are believed to have stolen ...