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:
- Update Chrome now! Google releases emergency security patch
May 14, 2024
Google has released an emergency security update for its Chrome browser. The update includes a patch released four days earlier for a vulnerability which Google say is already being exploited. The easiest way to update Chrome is to allow it to update automatically, but you can end up lagging behind if you never close the browser ...
- Foxit PDF “Flawed Design” Exploitation
May 14, 2024
In the realm of PDF viewers, Adobe Acrobat Reader reigns supreme as the industry’s dominant player. However, while Adobe Acrobat Reader holds the biggest market share, notable contenders are vying for attention, with Foxit PDF Reader being a prominent alternative. With more than 700 million users located in more than 200 countries and significant customers in ...
- QakBot attacks with Windows zero-day (CVE-2024-30051)
May 14, 2024
In early April 2024, Kaspersky researchers decided to take a closer look at the Windows DWM Core Library Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability CVE-2023-36033, which was previously discovered as a zero-day exploited in the wild. While searching for samples related to this exploit and attacks that used it, they found a curious document uploaded to VirusTotal on ...
- Millions of Messages Distribute LockBit Black Ransomware
May 13, 2024
Beginning April 24, 2024 and continuing daily for about a week, Proofpoint observed high-volume campaigns with millions of messages facilitated by the Phorpiex botnet and delivering LockBit Black ransomware. This is the first time Proofpoint researchers have observed samples of LockBit Black ransomware (aka LockBit 3.0) being delivered via Phorpiex in such high volumes. The LockBit ...
- How cybercriminals steal one-time passcodes for SIM swap attacks and raiding bank accounts
May 13, 2024
The incoming phone call flashes on a victim’s phone. It may only last a few seconds, but can end with the victim handing over codes that give cybercriminals the ability to hijack their online accounts or drain their crypto and digital wallets. “This is the PayPal security team here. We’ve detected some unusual activity on your ...
- Philippine National Police checking alleged data breach in its logistics system
May 13, 2024
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it was looking into a possible breach in its logistics, data, information, and management system. “At about 10 a.m. today, it was reported that yun pong logistics, data, information, and management system experienced an alleged breach,” PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said in a presser. Read more… Source: GMA ...