infostealer Archives

Winsage

April 16, 2026

Fake Proton VPN sites are pushing NWHStealer malware to Windows users

A malware campaign is utilizing counterfeit Proton VPN websites and other deceptive tactics to distribute a Windows infostealer known as NWHStealer. This malware extracts sensitive information, including browser credentials and cryptocurrency wallet details, and operates stealthily by injecting itself into legitimate processes. Two primary infection vectors have been identified: malicious ZIP archives on a free web hosting platform and trojanized installers from fake Proton VPN sites. The malware employs DLL hijacking and can exfiltrate data to a command-and-control server while ensuring persistence through scheduled tasks and disguising payloads as legitimate system processes. It also exploits the Windows cmstp.exe utility to bypass User Account Control. Users are advised to avoid downloading software from unofficial sources and to verify file signatures and publisher information.

Tech Optimizer

April 16, 2026

MiningDropper Android Malware Exploits Lumolight App

Researchers at Cyble Research and Intelligence Labs (CRIL) have discovered an Android malware framework called MiningDropper, which is being used in various campaigns to distribute malicious payloads such as cryptocurrency miners, infostealers, Remote Access Trojans (RATs), and banking malware. Over 1,500 MiningDropper samples were detected in one month, with many showing minimal antivirus detection. MiningDropper operates as a multi-stage delivery framework that employs techniques like XOR-based obfuscation and AES encryption to evade detection. A recent variant uses a trojanized version of the Lumolight application as the initial infection vector, often spread through phishing links and fraudulent websites. The malware executes a series of stages, starting with decrypting an embedded asset and loading additional payloads, including a counterfeit Google Play update interface to deceive users. Two main campaign clusters have been identified: an infostealer campaign targeting Indian users by impersonating trusted entities, and a global campaign distributing the BTMOB RAT, which enables credential theft and device takeover. The final payload capabilities include extracting sensitive data, enabling full device compromise, facilitating financial fraud, and unauthorized cryptocurrency mining. MiningDropper's modularity allows it to adapt and scale across various campaigns while maintaining low detection rates.

Winsage

April 9, 2026

This fake Windows support website delivers password-stealing malware

A phishing campaign has been identified that uses a counterfeit Microsoft support website, microsoft-update[.]support, to trick users into downloading a malicious Windows update disguised as WindowsUpdate 1.0.0.msi. This file, created on April 4, 2026, appears legitimate but contains malware designed to steal sensitive information. The campaign targets French-speaking users, leveraging recent data breaches in France to create convincing scams. The malware, once executed, installs an Electron application that runs a Python interpreter, which then deploys various data theft tools. It employs two persistence mechanisms: modifying the Windows registry and creating a shortcut in the Startup folder. The malware connects to external sites for reconnaissance and data exfiltration, using domains like datawebsync-lvmv.onrender[.]com and store8.gofile[.]io. The malware's components have evaded detection by antivirus tools, with VirusTotal reporting zero detections for the main executable and its launcher. Users are advised to check their registry, remove suspicious files, change passwords, and run a full system scan if they suspect installation of the malicious update. Safe updating practices include using the built-in Windows update feature and being cautious of phishing attempts. Indicators of compromise include specific file hashes, domains associated with the phishing campaign, and file system artifacts related to the malware's installation.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

FBI Investigating After Malware Found Lurking in Steam PC Games

The FBI is investigating malware hidden in several video games on the Steam platform, targeting users from May 2024 to January 2026. The investigation includes games like BlockBlasters, Chemia, Dashverse, DashFPS, Lampy, Lunara, PirateFi, and Tokenova, with some previously removed from Steam for malicious content. Steam had over 132 million monthly active users and more than 117,000 games in 2025. The FBI is reaching out to affected gamers, ensuring victim confidentiality and potential eligibility for services under federal and state law. This incident is part of a broader trend of malware targeting gamers, with previous cases involving fan games and cheat software affecting millions of accounts.

Winsage

December 5, 2025

Microsoft Silently Activates Critical Windows Security Update

Microsoft has enhanced its Windows security measures by addressing the CVE-2025-9491 vulnerability, which has existed for nearly eight years and was exploited by state-sponsored groups for cyber espionage and data theft. The vulnerability was previously identified as ZDI-CAN-25373 and ZDI-25-148 by Trend Micro. The November Patch Tuesday updates have fixed this issue, which was described as having been demoted from a vulnerability to a functional bug. The update modifies the Properties dialog of a .lnk file to display the entire Target command in a single line. Microsoft has not officially acknowledged the update but stated that it is continuously rolling out enhancements for security and user experience.

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

Android malware Albiriox abuses 400+ financial apps in on-device fraud and screen manipulation attacks

A new malware-as-a-service (MaaS) called Albiriox has emerged, targeting banking and cryptocurrency applications, particularly focusing on Austrian users. It is marketed on the dark web and employs deceptive tactics, such as mimicking legitimate businesses and creating fake landing pages and app listings on the Google Play Store. Victims are tricked into providing their phone numbers, leading to the delivery of a malicious APK file via SMS or WhatsApp. This APK acts as a dropper, designed to bypass detection methods and requests permissions under the guise of a “software update” to download the actual malicious payload. Once installed, it can take control of the device or function as an infostealer, extracting sensitive information like phone numbers and passwords, which is sent to a Telegram channel. Cleafy researchers suggest that the Albiriox campaign is linked to Russian cyber actors based on their activities on cybercrime forums and communication style.

Winsage

November 25, 2025

ClickFix attack uses fake Windows Update screen to push malware

Recent observations have identified ClickFix attack variants where cybercriminals use deceptive Windows Update animations on full-screen browser pages to hide malicious code within images. Victims are misled into executing harmful commands through specific key sequences that copy and execute commands via JavaScript. Security researchers have documented these attacks since October, noting the use of LummaC2 and Rhadamanthys information stealers. Attackers utilize steganography to embed malware payloads within PNG images, reconstructing and decrypting them in memory using PowerShell and a .NET assembly called the Stego Loader. A dynamic evasion tactic known as ctrampoline complicates detection by initiating calls to numerous empty functions. The shellcode extracted from the encrypted image can execute various file types directly in memory. Following a law enforcement operation on November 13, the Rhadamanthys variant's payload delivery through fake Windows Update domains ceased, although the domains remain active. Researchers recommend disabling the Windows Run box and monitoring suspicious process chains to mitigate risks.

Winsage

November 25, 2025

Attackers are Using Fake Windows Updates in ClickFix Scams

Threat actors have adapted the ClickFix attack model, using a fraudulent Windows Update screen to disguise malicious code. This screen mimics the legitimate Windows Update interface and prompts users to execute harmful commands. The execution of these commands leads to the installation of LummaC2 and Rhadamanthys info-stealing malware. A report from ESET noted a 500% increase in ClickFix attacks, which now account for nearly 8% of all blocked attacks in early 2025. Huntress researchers tracked ClickFix lures that used steganography to deliver LummaC2 and Rhadamanthys malware, concealing malicious software within image files. The attacks involve a full-screen display that instructs users not to turn off their computers, ultimately prompting them to paste a malicious command. The execution process includes using mshta.exe and PowerShell to load and inject malicious assemblies. European law enforcement recently dismantled infrastructure used by threat actors, but Rhadamanthys is no longer distributed through the fraudulent Windows Update campaign. The use of steganography helps these payloads evade detection while relying on victims to manually execute commands.

Winsage

November 25, 2025

New ClickFix attacks use fake Windows Updates to swipe creds

A surge in ClickFix attacks is occurring, where attackers use deceptive Windows update screens to trick users into downloading infostealer malware. This method has become the primary means of initial access for cybercriminals, as reported by Microsoft. State-sponsored actors and organized crime groups are increasingly using this tactic. Huntress security experts have noted a shift from traditional prompts to convincing fake Windows update screens, showcasing the attackers' adaptability. Cyber adversaries are utilizing a steganographic loader to deliver infostealing malware like Rhadamanthys, encoding malicious code within PNG images to evade detection. Between September 29 and October 30, 2025, Huntress investigated 76 incidents linked to this campaign across various regions, with one incident involving the IP address 141.98.80[.]175. Victims typically visit a malicious site that triggers a full-screen blue Windows Update screen, leading them to install a “critical security update” through a series of commands. This process involves executing a command that runs PowerShell code to deploy a steganographic loader, ultimately leading to the installation of Rhadamanthys, which captures login credentials. Comments in the lure site's source code are in Russian, suggesting the attackers' identity remains unknown. As of November 19, multiple domains continue to host the lure page, although the payload is no longer actively hosted. Organizations can defend against these attacks by blocking access to the Windows Run box and educating employees about the ClickFix technique.

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.