When checking the URL isn’t enough: a Device Code Phishing attack via a Microsoft website


One of the most common pieces of anti-phishing advice is to double-check the website’s domain name before providing your credentials. Typically, a fraudulent domain stands out to the trained eye, differing from the official URL by at least a few characters. Recently, however, Kaspersky encountered a campaign where attackers instruct victims to input data directly into a legitimate, trusted corporate site: the Microsoft Identity Platform, which supports an OAuth 2.0 specification known as the Device Authorization Grant.

This specific protocol extension was designed to simplify the login experience for smart TVs, IoT hardware, printers, and other input-constrained devices that lack a full browser or keyboard. It allows users to use a nearby smartphone or PC for authorizing these devices to access their accounts.

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:

  • Self-Propagating Malware Spreading Via WhatsApp, Targets Brazilian Users

    October 3, 2025

    Trend Research is currently investigating an aggressive malware campaign that leverages online instant messaging platform WhatsApp as its primary infection vector. Unlike traditional attacks focused on theft or ransomware, this campaign is engineered for speed and propagation, abusing social trust and automation to spread among Windows users. Trend Research analysis identifies the campaign as SORVEPOTEL, and ...

  • Cavalry Werewolf raids Russia’s public sector with trusted relationship attacks

    October 2, 2025

    BI.ZONE Threat Intelligence recorded Cavalry Werewolf activity from May to August 2025. In order to gain initial access, the attackers sent out targeted phishing emails disguising them as official correspondence from Kyrgyz government officials. The main targets of the attacks were Russian state agencies, as well as energy, mining, and manufacturing enterprises. Cavalry Werewolf relied ...

  • Confucius Espionage: From Stealer to Backdoor

    October 2, 2025

    The Confucius group is a long-running cyber-espionage actor operating primarily across South Asia. First identified in 2013, the group is believed to have links to state-sponsored operations in the region. Over the past decade, Confucius has repeatedly targeted government agencies, military organizations, defense contractors, and critical industries—especially in Pakistan—using spear-phishing and malicious documents as initial access ...

  • US Air Force admits SharePoint privacy issue as reports trickle out of possible breach

    October 1, 2025

    The US Air Force is reportedly investigating a potential data breach caused by a Microsoft SharePoint issue. A report from The Register revealed the Air Force Personnel Center Directorate of Technology and Information issued a data breach notification shared on social media. “This message is to inform you of a critical Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and ...

  • This new phishing kit turns PDF files into malware

    October 1, 2025

    A new PDF phishing kit is being sold on the dark web, promising customers advanced features, a simple interface, and competitive pricing, experts have warned. Security researchers from Varonis spotted MatrixPDF, an advanced solution being advertised as a legitimate tool, despite being circulated around the dark web. Its full name is MatrixPDF: Document Builder – Advanced ...

  • UK Government Wants to Keep $7 Billion in Stolen Bitcoin It Has Seized

    October 1, 2025

    The U.K. Government is seeking to keep most of the $7 billion in Bitcoin it seized in connection with a Chinese investment fraud, following the conviction of the fraud’s alleged organizer this week. Zhimin Qian pleaded guilty on counts of possessing and transferring criminal property at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, following last year’s conviction of ...