information-stealing malware Archives

Tech Optimizer

November 13, 2025

New ClickFix Attack Targeting Windows and macOS Users to Deploy Infostealer Malware

Security researchers have identified a malware campaign using the ClickFix social engineering technique to spread information-stealing malware on Windows and macOS. The campaign targets users searching for cracked software, leading them to malicious Google-hosted landing pages. Victims encounter fake security warnings that prompt them to execute a malicious command, resulting in the installation of infostealer malware. Windows users receive the ACR stealer, while macOS users get the Odyssey stealer, both delivered in password-protected ZIP files. ACR also loads additional malware like SharkClipper, which hijacks cryptocurrency clipboard data. The campaign has seen a 700% increase in ACR logs in May 2025, with ClickFix becoming the most common initial access method, accounting for 47% of all initial access schemes. The malware collects various user data, including passwords and cryptocurrency wallets, and operates in a fileless manner to evade detection. Security experts advise against executing unverified commands and recommend enhancing endpoint detection capabilities to combat these threats.

Tech Optimizer

November 4, 2025

3,000+ YouTube videos deliver malware disguised as free software

YouTube has been identified as a platform for a sophisticated malware distribution network known as the Ghost Network, which has been active since 2021 and surged in activity in 2025. This network uses over 3,000 videos disguised as software cracks and game hacks to spread information-stealing malware, targeting users searching for free software or cheat tools. Cybercriminals utilize compromised accounts and social engineering tactics to create a false sense of security, with videos featuring positive comments from fake accounts. The malware includes programs like Lumma Stealer, Rhadamanthys, StealC, and RedLine, which harvest sensitive information. Two significant campaigns were highlighted: one involved the Rhadamanthys infostealer through a channel with nearly 10,000 subscribers, and the other offered cracked software via a channel with around 129,000 subscribers, with one video gaining over 291,000 views. Users are advised to avoid cracked software, use strong antivirus protection, never disable antivirus software, be cautious with links, use password managers and two-factor authentication, keep systems updated, and utilize trusted data removal services to protect against these threats.

Tech Optimizer

October 21, 2025

Luma Infostealer Malware Launches Attacks to Steal Browser Cookies, Cryptocurrency, and Remote Access Accounts

Lumma Infostealer is a sophisticated information-stealing malware that targets high-value credentials and sensitive assets on Windows systems. It is distributed through a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) model, allowing inexperienced attackers to conduct data theft campaigns. Lumma is primarily deployed via phishing campaigns disguised as cracked or pirated software, often hosted on legitimate platforms like MEGA Cloud. Upon execution, Lumma uses a multi-stage decryption process and process injection techniques to activate its payload while evading detection. The latest samples utilize the Nullsoft Scriptable Install System (NSIS) as a deceptive installer, extracting malicious payloads into the %Temp% directory and launching a counterfeit document that triggers a sequence of commands to deploy Lumma’s core. Once activated, Lumma communicates with command-and-control servers (including rhussois[.]su, diadtuky[.]su, and todoexy[.]su) to gather stored browser credentials, session cookies, Telegram data, remote access configuration files, and cryptocurrency wallet information, which is then exfiltrated for exploitation. The malware avoids detection by checking for security solutions and has a modular architecture that complicates signature-based detection. Effective detection requires behavior-based Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems that monitor real-time activities. To mitigate exposure, security professionals recommend avoiding storing credentials in browsers, enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA), and monitoring suspicious processes. Indicators of Compromise (IoC) include: - E6252824BE8FF46E9A56993EEECE0DE6 - E1726693C85E59F14548658A0D82C7E8 - 19259D9575D229B0412077753C6EF9E7 - 2832B640E80731D229C8068A2F0BCC39 Command-and-control domains include: - diadtuky[.]su - rhussois[.]su - todoexy[.]su

Tech Optimizer

July 5, 2025

Hackers Abuse Legitimate Inno Setup Installer to Deliver Malware

Cybercriminals are using legitimate software installer frameworks like Inno Setup to distribute malware, taking advantage of its trusted appearance and scripting capabilities. A recent campaign demonstrated how a malicious Inno Setup installer can deliver information-stealing malware, such as RedLine Stealer, through a multi-stage infection process. This process includes evasion techniques like detecting debuggers and sandbox environments, using XOR encryption to obscure strings, and conducting WMI queries to identify malware analysis tools. The installer retrieves a payload from a command-and-control server via a TinyURL link and creates a scheduled task for persistence. The payload employs DLL sideloading to load HijackLoader, which ultimately injects RedLine Stealer into a legitimate process to steal sensitive information. RedLine Stealer uses obfuscation techniques and disables security features in browsers to avoid detection. The Splunk Threat Research Team has developed detection methods focusing on indicators such as unsigned DLL sideloading and suspicious browser behaviors. Indicators of Compromise (IOC): - Malicious Inno Setup Loader Hash 1: 0d5311014c66423261d1069fda108dab33673bd68d697e22adb096db05d851b7 - Malicious Inno Setup Loader Hash 2: 0ee63776197a80de42e164314cea55453aa24d8eabca0b481f778eba7215c160 - Malicious Inno Setup Loader Hash 3: 12876f134bde914fe87b7abb8e6b0727b2ffe9e9334797b7dcbaa1c1ac612ed6 - Malicious Inno Setup Loader Hash 4: 8f55ad8c8dec23576097595d2789c9d53c92a6575e5e53bfbc51699d52d0d30a

Tech Optimizer

May 23, 2025

Cloudflare, Microsoft & police disrupt global malware service

Cloudflare, in collaboration with Microsoft and international law enforcement, has dismantled the infrastructure of LummaC2, an information-stealing malware service. This initiative led to the seizure and blocking of malicious domains and disrupted digital marketplaces used by criminals. Lumma Stealer operates as a subscription service providing threat actors access to a central panel for customized malware builds and stolen data retrieval. The stolen information includes credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, and sensitive data, posing risks of identity theft and financial fraud. Lumma Stealer was first identified on Russian-language crime forums in early 2023 and has since migrated to Telegram for distribution. Its proliferation is facilitated by social engineering campaigns, including deceptive pop-ups and bundled malware in cracked software. Cloudflare implemented measures to block access to Lumma's command and control servers and collaborated with various authorities to prevent the criminals from regaining control. Mitigation strategies for users include restricting unknown scripts, limiting password storage in browsers, and using reputable endpoint protection tools. The operation has significantly hindered Lumma's operations and aims to undermine the infostealer-as-a-service model contributing to cybercrime.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

Microsoft fixes bug causing incorrect 0x80070643 WinRE errors

Microsoft has resolved a known issue causing 0x80070643 installation failure errors during the deployment of the April 2025 Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) updates. This issue affected the KB5057588 update for Windows Server 2022 and the KB5057589 update for Windows 10, versions 22H2 and 21H2. The error message was misleading, as it did not reflect the actual status of the update or the device's performance. The error typically occurred when a device attempted to install the WinRE update while another update was pending a reboot. Microsoft confirmed that users will no longer see the incorrect error message after installing the affected updates. Additionally, in August of the previous year, Microsoft retired the January 2024 Windows security updates that also triggered 0x80070643 errors during WinRE updates. During that time, fraudulent IT support websites promoted malicious PowerShell "fixes" for these errors, leading to malware infections among users.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

Microsoft tells Windows users to ignore 0x80070643 WinRE errors

Microsoft has acknowledged that some users may experience installation failures with error code 0x80070643 when deploying the April 2025 Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) updates, specifically affecting the KB5057589 update for Windows 10 versions 22H2 and 21H2, and the KB5057588 update for Windows Server 2022. The company stated that this error is misleading and does not affect device functionality, as the WinRE update is typically applied successfully after a device restart. Users may see a failure indication in Windows Update, but this will be resolved after the next daily scan and restart. Microsoft is working on a resolution for this issue, which follows a similar situation from August 2024. Additionally, fraudulent IT support websites have been identified promoting malicious PowerShell "fixes" for these errors.

Winsage

March 18, 2025

New Windows zero-day exploited by 11 state hacking groups since 2017

At least 11 state-backed hacking groups from North Korea, Iran, Russia, and China have been exploiting a Windows vulnerability tracked as ZDI-CAN-25373 since 2017 for data theft and cyber espionage. Microsoft has classified this vulnerability as "not meeting the bar for servicing," meaning no security updates will be released. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected Windows systems by concealing malicious command-line arguments within .LNK shortcut files, using padded whitespaces to evade detection. Nearly 70% of the analyzed attacks linked to this vulnerability were related to espionage, while 20% aimed for financial gain. Various malware payloads, including Ursnif, Gh0st RAT, and Trickbot, have been associated with these attacks. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability, as the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. Microsoft has not assigned a CVE-ID to this vulnerability but is tracking it internally as ZDI-CAN-25373. A Microsoft spokesperson mentioned that the company is considering addressing the flaw in the future.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

Windows PCs targeted by new malware hitting a vulnerable driver

Researchers have identified a new threat campaign called SteelFox, which uses counterfeit software activators and cracks to infiltrate Windows systems. The campaign deploys a vulnerable driver, information-stealing malware, and a cryptocurrency miner, compromising sensitive data and exploiting system resources for illicit mining. Victims are reported globally, including regions from Brazil to China, affecting users of commercial software like Foxit PDF Editor, JetBrains, and AutoCAD. Cybercriminals continue to advertise these fake software solutions, increasing the potential for further infections.

Winsage

September 23, 2024

Hackers are leveraging pirated games to spread malware

Pirated or cracked versions of video games are increasingly being used by cybercriminals to distribute malware, with CAPTCHA challenges being employed to mislead users into believing that malicious websites or downloads are legitimate. A report from McAfee Labs indicates that this tactic is particularly common among individuals searching for cracked games, where dubious websites use CAPTCHAs to create an illusion of credibility. The malware, known as Lumma Stealer, targets sensitive data such as login credentials and cryptocurrency wallet information. It spreads through phishing campaigns, malicious downloads, and compromised websites, often hidden within pirated software. The use of CAPTCHA allows these malicious sites to evade automated security scanners, as users are tricked into thinking they are engaging with secure content. To mitigate risks, it is recommended to avoid pirated content and use legitimate platforms for downloading software.