malware campaign Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 3, 2025

Misspell one word and you’re infected: New malware campaign fools developers on both Windows and Linux

Cybersecurity experts have highlighted the risks of typosquatting, where developers accidentally download malicious packages due to typographical errors. A report from Checkmarx reveals that attackers exploit this trust by creating counterfeit packages that can grant unauthorized access to systems. Malicious packages have been found in the Python Package Index (PyPI) and can enable remote control, posing serious threats to system integrity. Attackers employ a cross-platform strategy, mixing names from different programming environments to target unsuspecting users. On Windows, malware can create scheduled tasks and disable antivirus protections, while on Linux, certain packages facilitate encrypted reverse shells for data exfiltration. Although the malicious packages have been removed, the threat remains, prompting developers to verify package sources and spellings. Checkmarx recommends organizations conduct audits of deployed packages and scrutinize application code to enhance security.

Tech Optimizer

May 28, 2025

Hackers Mimic Popular Antivirus Site to Deliver VenomRAT & Steal Finance Data

Cybercriminals are executing a sophisticated malware campaign through a counterfeit Bitdefender antivirus website, specifically the domain “bitdefender-download[.]co,” which mimics the legitimate site. This fraudulent site distributes three types of malware: VenomRAT, StormKitty, and SilentTrinity, aimed at stealing financial data and maintaining persistent access to victims’ computers. When users click the “Download For Windows” button, they inadvertently download a ZIP file containing these malicious programs. VenomRAT acts as a remote access tool, allowing attackers to steal files, cryptocurrency wallets, and browser data, including credit card information. StormKitty quickly harvests sensitive credentials, while SilentTrinity provides stealthy long-term access for further exploitation. The fake Bitdefender site is linked to other malicious domains impersonating banks, indicating a coordinated phishing operation. The attackers utilize the same command and control infrastructure, with the IP address 67.217.228.160:4449 identified as a connection point. Bitdefender is working to take down the fraudulent site, and Google Chrome has begun flagging the link as malicious. Security experts recommend verifying website authenticity and downloading software only from official sources.

Tech Optimizer

April 2, 2025

Over 1,500 PostgreSQL Servers Hit by Fileless Malware Attack

A malware campaign has compromised over 1,500 PostgreSQL servers using fileless techniques to deploy cryptomining payloads. The attack, linked to the threat actor group JINX-0126, exploits publicly exposed PostgreSQL instances with weak or default credentials. The attackers utilize advanced evasion tactics, including unique hashes for binaries and fileless execution of the miner payload, making detection difficult. They exploit PostgreSQL’s COPY ... FROM PROGRAM function to execute malicious payloads and perform system discovery commands. The malware includes a binary named “postmaster,” which mimics legitimate processes, and a secondary binary named “cpu_hu” for cryptomining operations. Nearly 90% of cloud environments host PostgreSQL databases, with about one-third being publicly exposed, providing easy entry points for attackers. Each wallet associated with the campaign had around 550 active mining workers, indicating the extensive scale of the attack. Organizations are advised to implement strong security configurations to protect their PostgreSQL instances.

Tech Optimizer

April 2, 2025

Ongoing cryptomining campaign hits over 1.5K PostgreSQL servers

Over 1,500 PostgreSQL instances exposed to the internet have been targeted by a cryptocurrency mining malware campaign called JINX-0126. Attackers exploit weak credentials to access PostgreSQL servers and use the "COPY ... FROM PROGRAM SQL" command for arbitrary command execution. They deploy a shell script to terminate existing cryptominers and deliver the pg_core binary. A Golang binary, disguised as the PostgreSQL multi-user database server, is then downloaded to establish persistence and escalate privileges, leading to the execution of the latest XMRig cryptominer variant. JINX-0126 employs advanced tactics, including unique hashes for binaries and fileless miner payload execution, to evade detection by cloud workload protection platforms.

AppWizard

March 22, 2025

Nasty Android apps that steal credit cards and passwords downloaded 60 million times

Over 331 applications on the Google Play Store have been identified as potentially compromised by a widespread malware campaign, which has affected millions of Android devices. These malicious apps can steal sensitive information, including passwords and credit card details, and have accumulated over 60 million downloads globally. They often disguise themselves as benign utility applications, such as QR code scanners and fitness tools, and generate revenue through intrusive advertisements. The malware campaign began in April 2024, with many apps initially appearing benign before being updated with malicious components. Some apps can hide their icons and bypass Android security measures, making detection difficult. Victims are primarily located in Brazil, the United States, Mexico, Turkey, and South Korea. Despite Google's efforts to remove many of these apps, some remain active, and users must take proactive measures to protect their devices.

Winsage

March 17, 2025

Invisible Windows Rootkit Hides Dangerous Files Using This Prefix

Obscure#Bat is a malware campaign targeting Windows users that uses obfuscated batch scripts to deploy a user-mode rootkit, which can hide its activities from standard security measures. It stores hidden scripts in the Windows Registry and can conceal files, registry entries, and running processes through application programming interface hooking. The malware can embed itself within legitimate Windows processes, making it undetectable by conventional security methods, and is capable of deleting evidence of its activity. Attackers use social engineering tactics, such as fake CAPTCHA tests and legitimate software tools, to lure victims into executing the malicious batch file. The rootkit obscures files, processes, or registry keys that begin with the “$nya-” prefix and is identified as an open-source ring-3 rootkit known as r77. It avoids kernel modifications and relies on registry and scheduled tasks for persistence, allowing it to evade detection by traditional kernel-based security tools. Windows users are advised to be cautious of social engineering tactics and to inspect batch files in a text editor before execution.

AppWizard

March 11, 2025

PlayPraetor Malware Targets Android Users via Fake Play Store Apps to Steal Passwords

A malware campaign called PlayPraetor has been identified by cybersecurity firm CTM360, involving counterfeit Google Play Store websites that trick users into downloading malicious Android applications. These apps are advanced banking Trojans that steal sensitive information, including banking credentials and clipboard data. The operation spans over 6,000 fraudulent web pages designed to mimic the official Play Store, prompting users to install APK files that contain the PlayPraetor Trojan. This malware can log keystrokes, capture screen content, and monitor clipboard activity. Distribution occurs mainly through Meta Ads and SMS messages, exploiting psychological triggers to deceive users. The malware communicates with a command and control server to target specific banking and cryptocurrency wallet applications. The attackers aim for financial gain by draining compromised accounts, executing unauthorized transactions, and potentially engaging in ad fraud. The operation is particularly focused on South-East Asia, and users are advised to download apps only from the official Google Play Store and to maintain updated security software.

Winsage

March 9, 2025

Threat Actors Leverage YouTubers to Attack Windows Systems Via SilentCryptoMiner

Security researchers have identified a malware campaign targeting YouTubers to spread SilentCryptoMiner malware disguised as tools to bypass restrictions. Over 2,000 victims in Russia have been reported, with the actual number likely higher. The malware exploits Windows Packet Divert drivers, with over 2.4 million detections in the past six months. Threat actors issue copyright strikes to compel YouTubers to promote infected files, manipulating their reputations. One YouTuber with 60,000 subscribers linked to a malicious archive that was downloaded over 40,000 times. The infection starts with an archive containing a modified script that executes a malicious executable via PowerShell. If security software removes the file, users are prompted to disable their antivirus. The malware's infection chain is multi-staged, using a Python-crafted loader to retrieve payloads from specific domains. It employs anti-VM techniques, modifies defender exclusions, and stealthily mines cryptocurrencies while pausing during certain program activities. Security experts warn against using restriction bypass tools due to their association with malware distribution.

Winsage

March 6, 2025

Cybercriminals Exploit YouTubers to Spread SilentCryptoMiner on Windows Systems

A malware campaign has emerged, exploiting the popularity of Windows Packet Divert drivers. The SilentCryptoMiner malware, disguised as legitimate tools, has affected over 2,000 victims in Russia. Cybercriminals manipulate YouTubers to share malicious links, with one YouTuber having 60,000 subscribers attracting over 400,000 views on infected videos. Compromised files were hosted on gitrok[.]com, with over 40,000 downloads. Attackers issue copyright strikes to content creators, threatening channel shutdowns to propagate malware. The infection begins with a modified script that executes an executable via PowerShell, using a Python-crafted loader to fetch the payload. SilentCryptoMiner, based on XMRig, mines various cryptocurrencies stealthily, employing techniques to evade detection and dynamically adjust its behavior. This campaign highlights the evolving tactics of cybercriminals, leveraging demand for bypass tools to distribute malware. Users are advised to be cautious when downloading tools from untrusted sources.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

Android App With 220,000+ Downloads From Google Play Installs Banking Trojan

A sophisticated Android banking trojan campaign, known as Anatsa or TeaBot, has been downloaded over 220,000 times from the Google Play Store before its removal. The malware targets global financial institutions using a multi-stage infection process, deploying fake login overlays and exploiting accessibility services to steal user credentials and perform unauthorized transactions. The malicious app disguised itself as a "File Manager and Document Reader" and acted as a dropper, retrieving additional payloads from remote servers. It uses reflection-based code execution to evade detection and conducts anti-emulation checks to confirm it is on a genuine device. Anatsa requests critical permissions, including accessibility services and SMS access, to log keystrokes and bypass two-factor authentication. The campaign primarily targets users in Europe, especially Slovakia, Slovenia, and Czechia, but has the potential to expand to markets like the U.S., South Korea, and Singapore. It targets over 600 banking and cryptocurrency applications, enabling on-device fraud through automated transaction systems. Users are advised to avoid sideloading apps, audit app permissions, and monitor for updates from official stores. Google has removed the identified dropper, but similar threats persist. Indicators of compromise include specific network URLs and an MD5 hash for a sample.