infostealer Archives

Winsage

April 7, 2025

EncryptHub’s dual life: Cybercriminal vs Windows bug-bounty researcher

EncryptHub has been linked to breaches affecting 618 organizations and is associated with the disclosure of two Windows zero-day vulnerabilities, CVE-2025-24061 and CVE-2025-24071, to Microsoft. The vulnerabilities were addressed during the March 2025 Patch Tuesday updates, and the reporter was acknowledged as 'SkorikARI with SkorikARI.' Investigations revealed a connection between EncryptHub and SkorikARI, following an incident where EncryptHub exposed their credentials. SkorikARI's accounts were used to report the vulnerabilities, contributing to Windows security. Evidence linking SkorikARI to EncryptHub includes password files exfiltrated from EncryptHub's system and a GitHub account associated with SkorikARI. EncryptHub has previously attempted to market zero-day vulnerabilities on underground forums and is believed to have affiliations with ransomware groups. The threat actor has executed social engineering campaigns, phishing attacks, and developed a custom infostealer known as Fickle Stealer. They created fictitious social media profiles and websites, such as a fake project management application called GartoriSpace, which installed malicious files on unsuspecting users. EncryptHub has also been implicated in exploiting a Microsoft Management Console vulnerability, CVE-2025-26633.

Tech Optimizer

March 31, 2025

Watch Out for This Info-Stealing Malware on Windows

A new malware strain called CoffeeLoader has been identified, posing a significant risk to gamers by masquerading as a legitimate ASUS utility, specifically the Armoury Crate software. Once it infiltrates a system, it deploys the Rhadamanthys infostealer, which can extract sensitive information such as credentials from web browsers, email clients, cryptocurrency wallets, and password managers. CoffeeLoader evades detection by most security tools by operating on the GPU instead of the CPU and using advanced techniques like call stack spoofing, sleep obfuscation, and exploiting Windows fibers. To protect against CoffeeLoader, users should exercise caution when downloading software, navigate directly to official websites, avoid suspicious links, and adhere to basic cybersecurity practices. If infection is suspected, users should disconnect from the internet, reboot in safe mode, delete temporary files, and check Task Manager for unusual activity. Employing a reliable malware scanner can help identify and eliminate infections.

Tech Optimizer

March 27, 2025

This dangerous new Windows malware hides from your antivirus while impersonating a popular PC brand

A new strain of malware called CoffeeLoader targets Windows users by pretending to be an ASUS utility, specifically imitating ASUS's Armoury Crate. It has sophisticated evasion techniques that allow it to bypass antivirus software. Once installed, it deploys infostealers like Rhadamanthys Infostealer to extract sensitive information. CoffeeLoader operates undetected by executing code on the GPU instead of the CPU, using Call Stack Spoofing to disguise its activities, and employing Sleep Obfuscation to encrypt itself in memory when inactive. It also exploits Windows Fibers to evade detection. To protect against CoffeeLoader, users should download Armoury Crate only from the official ASUS website and be cautious of deceptive links and ads that may lead to malware installation.

Tech Optimizer

March 25, 2025

What the Tech? Avoiding malware threats

The ABC 6 News Team reports on the Infostealer malware, which has compromised over 2 billion credentials by using fake websites to trick users into providing sensitive information. Infostealer targets searches for free software, cracked software, game cheats, and activation tools, employing tactics such as search engine ads, SEO manipulation, social media promotions, and typosquatting to lure victims. Once installed, Infostealer can steal passwords, credit card information, cryptocurrency wallet data, and personal information. To mitigate risks, users are advised to download software from reputable sources, be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true, install robust antivirus software, enable ad blockers, verify URLs, use multi-factor authentication, keep software updated, and stay informed about cybersecurity threats. Additionally, users can check if their email addresses or passwords have been involved in data breaches at www.haveibeenpwned.com.

AppWizard

March 24, 2025

Malicious Game Infects Steam Users With Info-Stealing Malware

Steam removed the game Sniper: Phantom's Resolution due to a security breach involving malware designed to extract sensitive user information. The malware was disguised as a legitimate Windows process and employed tactics like executing Node.js scripts and establishing startup persistence. A month earlier, another game, PirateFi, was found to be spreading the Vidar infostealer, affecting up to 1,500 users. Both incidents highlight the risks associated with malware hosted on trusted platforms like Steam, which may exploit vulnerabilities in submission processes. Users often identified suspicious behavior before the platforms did, indicating delayed detection and response times. The lack of timely communication regarding breaches further exacerbates user concerns.

Tech Optimizer

March 20, 2025

What the Tech: Stolen passwords

Infostealer is a type of malware that has stolen over a billion credentials, posing significant risks such as identity theft and financial fraud. It targets users through specific search terms related to free software, cracked software, game cheats, and activation tools. Cybercriminals use tactics like search engine ads, SEO manipulation, social media promotions, and typosquatting to direct users to malicious sites. Once infected, Infostealer can steal saved passwords, credit card information, cryptocurrency wallet data, and personal information. To mitigate risks, individuals should download software from reputable sources, be cautious of too-good-to-be-true offers, install robust antivirus software, enable ad blockers, verify URLs, use multi-factor authentication, keep software updated, and educate themselves about cybersecurity threats. Additionally, checking for compromised email addresses or passwords at www.haveibeenpwned.com is recommended.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

11 nation-state groups exploit unpatched Microsoft zero-day

Since 2017, at least 11 state-sponsored threat groups have exploited a Microsoft zero-day vulnerability in Windows shortcut files for data theft and cyber espionage. Researchers from Trend Micro's Trend Zero Day Initiative have identified nearly 1,000 malicious .lnk files utilizing this flaw, designated as ZDI-CAN-25373, which allows attackers to execute hidden commands on victims' devices. The attacks involve various payloads, including the Lumma infostealer and Remcos remote access Trojan, with North Korean operatives responsible for over 45% of the incidents, while Iran, Russia, and China account for approximately 18% each. Notable advanced persistent threat groups involved include Evil Corp, Kimsuky, Bitter, and Mustang Panda. Microsoft has not yet released a patch for this vulnerability, which is considered unusual, and while Microsoft Defender can detect and block related threats, organizations are advised to remain vigilant and implement protective measures against potential exploitation.

Tech Optimizer

March 12, 2025

Malware steals bank cards and passwords from millions of devices

Infostealer malware has become a major cybersecurity threat, with around 25 million users targeted between early 2023 and the end of 2024. These malware variants capture sensitive information, including bank card details and passwords, with nearly 26 million devices affected during this period, resulting in over 2 million unique bank card details leaked. One in every 14 infections compromised bank card data, passwords, and second-factor authentication cookies. In 2024, infections increased significantly, with RisePro's share rising from 1.4% to 22.45% and Stealc from 2.65% to 13.33%. Redline remained the most prevalent infostealer, responsible for 34.36% of infections. By August 2024, an estimated 15.9 million devices had been affected in 2023, increasing to 16.49 million by March 2025. Over 9 million infections were tracked in 2024, with final counts expected to exceed those of 2023. To protect sensitive information, it is recommended to invest in robust antivirus software, use virtual cards for online transactions, set up transaction alerts and spending limits, avoid storing card details in browsers, use strong and unique passwords, and consider personal data removal services.

Tech Optimizer

March 3, 2025

New malware exploits fake updates to steal data

Recent developments indicate that Mac users are facing an escalating threat from malware designed for macOS systems, particularly with the emergence of a strain called FrigidStealer. This malware spreads through deceptive browser update prompts on compromised websites, leading users to download a malicious DMG file that seeks elevated privileges to steal sensitive information. Cybersecurity firm Proofpoint has traced the operations of FrigidStealer to two threat actors: TA2726, a traffic distribution service provider, and TA2727, which delivers the malware. This campaign also targets Windows and Android devices, indicating a multi-platform strategy. Additionally, the rise of infostealer malware has compromised approximately 330 million credentials in 2024, with around 3.9 billion credentials circulating from infostealer logs. Users are advised to adopt protective measures, including being cautious of fake software updates, enabling two-factor authentication, using password managers, and exercising caution with downloads and links.

Tech Optimizer

February 3, 2025

Thousands of WordPress sites hijacked to spread Windows and Mac malware – how to stay safe

Researchers from c/side have discovered a widespread campaign targeting WordPress sites, resulting in over 10,000 compromised sites that distribute info-stealing malware. The attack exploits outdated versions of WordPress and its plugins, employing a "spray and pay" method that affects anyone visiting the infected sites. Users encounter a fake Chrome browser page prompting them to download a malicious update, which steals personal information such as passwords. The malware includes Atomic Stealer, targeting macOS users, and SocGholish, aimed at Windows systems. To protect against these threats, users should verify download sources, keep software updated, use password managers, and consider identity theft protection services.