security researchers Archives

Winsage

June 24, 2026

Windows RAT Uses Encrypted HTTP C2 and Registry Persistence After npm Infection

A malware campaign targets Windows systems through a malicious npm package named postcss-minify-selector-parser, which mimics the legitimate postcss-selector-parser. This counterfeit package installs a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) on developer machines, beginning with a multi-stage attack triggered by the installation of the package. The RAT can steal credentials, execute shell commands, and communicate with a remote attacker. Security researchers at JFrog identified this threat and reported it on June 22, 2026, noting that two additional related packages, postcss-minify-selector and aes-decode-runner-pro, are linked to the same publisher and remain live on the npm registry. The RAT employs encrypted HTTP communication with a command-and-control (C2) server and ensures persistence by creating a registry key under the Windows Run key. It has capabilities for remote shell execution, file uploads and downloads, and can steal saved login data from Google Chrome using Windows decryption APIs. The malware is designed for organized batch exfiltration of stolen data. Indicators of compromise include specific IP addresses, domains, file paths, and SHA-256 hashes associated with the malware components. JFrog advises users to remove the malicious packages, inspect their dependency trees, and treat any stored credentials as compromised.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Hundreds of Android banking and crypto apps hit by dangerous new Rokarolla malware

Security researchers at Zimperium have identified a new Android banking trojan named “Rokarolla,” which threatens users of over 200 banking and cryptocurrency applications. It is distributed through spoofed websites, third-party app stores, and social media, but has not been found on the Google Play Store or other official Android repositories. Rokarolla requests extensive permissions, particularly concerning Accessibility services, SMS, calls, and notifications. Its capabilities include accessing WhatsApp contacts, capturing keystrokes, recording the screen, blocking incoming calls, and sending screenshots. Zimperium has not specified which geographical areas may be most vulnerable or the estimated number of potential infections. Users are advised to download applications only from official repositories to reduce the risk of encountering this malware.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

New Rokarolla Android Malware Steals PINs, SMS Codes, and Crypto Wallet Funds

Security researchers at Zimperium's zLabs have identified a new Android banking trojan named Rokarolla, which can target 217 banking and cryptocurrency applications and execute 137 remote commands. The malware spreads through deceptive websites that impersonate popular apps, installing a dropper that mimics Google Play Protect to gain Accessibility access. It uses overlay techniques to capture sensitive information by displaying counterfeit login pages and can intercept SMS messages, including one-time codes from banks. Rokarolla also features a keylogger, screen logger, and can rewrite clipboard contents to divert cryptocurrency payments. It employs advanced methods for discreet data capture and has multiple fallback command-and-control domains, making it resilient against takedowns. There is no patch available for this malware, and users are advised to install apps only from Google Play and remain cautious of unexpected Accessibility requests. Zimperium's products can detect this malware, and indicators of compromise are available on their GitHub repository.

Winsage

June 15, 2026

New Windows Zero‑Day Flaws Target Defender and BitLocker

A cybersecurity researcher known as “Nightmare Eclipse” has revealed two zero-day exploits threatening Windows systems: RoguePlanet and GreatXML. RoguePlanet targets Microsoft Defender, allowing attackers to execute privileged actions and gain SYSTEM-level access on Windows machines. It is a local privilege escalation vulnerability that remains effective on fully updated systems. GreatXML claims to bypass BitLocker disk encryption by manipulating the Windows Recovery Environment, potentially granting access to protected files. However, its effectiveness may be overstated, as it might require administrator-level access. Microsoft advises organizations to implement security updates, treat lost or accessible devices as high-risk, enforce stricter policies, and monitor threat intelligence to mitigate exposure to these vulnerabilities.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Over 50 Android Apps Found Spreading MagicAd Trojan via Official Stores

A trojan named Android.MagicAd.1 has been identified as a significant threat to Android users, capable of delivering persistent background advertisements by circumventing built-in defenses. Detected in 2025, it has spread through over 50 infected games and utility applications, infiltrating both dubious download sites and official app stores like the Samsung Galaxy Store and Xiaomi’s GetApps. The malware employs a strategy of rotating applications to evade detection, remaining active on user devices after download. It uses hidden, encrypted components within native code libraries and conducts environment checks to avoid monitoring before launching its payload. Android.MagicAd.1 bypasses Android's restrictions by targeting trusted system applications, utilizing methods that vary by device manufacturer. For example, it uses a delayed system command on Xiaomi and Amazon devices, exploits Android Binder on Vivo devices, and employs a universal fallback method for other brands to gain priority for displaying ads. All identified malicious applications have been removed from official stores, but the campaign highlights the vulnerability of security software.

Tech Optimizer

June 13, 2026

Why Use App-Level Auth When Every Database Has Auth? (Splunk Enterprise CVE-2026-20253 Pre-Auth RCE)

On June 10th, Splunk released an advisory for CVE-2026-20253, a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS score of 9.8 that requires no authentication. The vulnerability is associated with the PostgreSQL Sidecar Service Endpoint and affects Splunk Enterprise versions 10 and above. In default installations, the service is not installed on Windows but is installed and enabled by default on AWS. The vulnerability allows unauthorized users to create and truncate arbitrary files through an API that lacks authentication controls. Additionally, it enables the execution of SQL commands via a backup and restore mechanism, potentially leading to remote code execution (RCE). A Detection Artefact Generator has been developed to help organizations assess their vulnerability to this issue.

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Hackers Use Fake Windows Update Installers to Deliver OnyxC2 Credential Stealer

OnyxC2 is a sophisticated credential stealer available for a subscription fee of 0 per month, distributed through disguised lures such as fake Windows updates and legitimate software installers. It functions as a commercial product with features like an automated payload builder, tiered licensing, and a centralized web dashboard. The malware boasts a 99% detection-evasion rate, successfully evading major antivirus solutions during tests. It is developed in C++, utilizing direct system calls and mutating with each build to avoid detection. OnyxC2 collects data from around 210 applications, targeting 45 web browsers, password managers, cryptocurrency wallets, and FTP clients. The malware is delivered using DLL sideloading, where a password-protected archive contains a legitimate application and a malicious DLL. The attacker's DLL is disguised by inflating its size and is loaded by a trusted binary. The malicious code remains encrypted on disk and decrypts in memory to evade analysis. OnyxC2 communicates with a Cloudflare-fronted command-and-control server to manage infected hosts and execute commands like hardware registration and cookie uploads. The threat extends to business environments, targeting FTP and email clients, with stolen session cookies allowing ongoing access to corporate infrastructure. Implementing anti-data exfiltration controls is recommended as a mitigation strategy.

Winsage

June 11, 2026

Nightmare Eclipse drops claimed BitLocker bypass for Microsoft Windows

Nightmare Eclipse has released a new zero-day vulnerability exploit called GreatXML, which allows unrestricted access to BitLocker volumes on Windows systems that have previously run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan. This discovery was made in four hours and adds to Nightmare Eclipse's total of eight zero-day vulnerabilities. Microsoft is investigating the claims related to another exploit, RoguePlanet, but has not commented on GreatXML or provided a patch timeline. Nightmare Eclipse, rumored to be a former Microsoft employee, has faced backlash from the security community for previous disclosures and has vowed to continue releasing vulnerabilities. Security expert Will Dormann has raised concerns about the practicality of the GreatXML exploit, noting that it requires administrative access and questioning the accuracy of the instructions provided by Nightmare.

Winsage

June 11, 2026

New Windows Zero-Day Exploit ‘RoguePlanet’ Released

A new zero-day exploit named RoguePlanet has been discovered targeting Microsoft’s Windows operating system, disclosed by security researcher Nightmare Eclipse. The exploit allows local privilege escalation (LPE) by exploiting a race condition in Microsoft Defender and can facilitate remote code execution (RCE) through deceptive .vhd(x) files. RoguePlanet may also bypass BitLocker encryption. The proof-of-concept has been tested on Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems but does not function on Windows Server, although the researcher believes all Windows Server versions are vulnerable. Following its release, RoguePlanet was confirmed by other researchers to spawn a command prompt with SYSTEM privileges on patched computers. This disclosure comes after Microsoft released patches for earlier exploits by Nightmare Eclipse, including GreenPlasma and YellowKey. The researcher has expressed dissatisfaction with Microsoft’s vulnerability disclosure process, alleging legal action against them and the suspension of their GitHub account, leading to the publication of RoguePlanet under a new account.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

Windows 11’s June update shuts down an intentional BitLocker backdoor with full file access

Microsoft addressed three zero-day vulnerabilities identified by security researcher Nightmare-Eclipse, named YellowKey, GreenPlasma, and MiniPlasma. The YellowKey vulnerability allows access to BitLocker-protected drives on Windows 11 using a USB key, leading to allegations that Microsoft may have left a backdoor in BitLocker. Microsoft implemented a mitigation strategy included in the June 2026 Patch Tuesday updates, which addressed over 200 security flaws. Tensions arose between Microsoft and Nightmare-Eclipse regarding vulnerability reporting protocols and researcher compensation, with Microsoft initially threatening legal action against the researcher. Following backlash, Microsoft retracted the threat but tensions persisted. Nightmare-Eclipse claimed retaliation from Microsoft, including the banning of their GitHub account and deletion of their Microsoft account, which Microsoft denied. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in cybersecurity and the relationship between tech companies and security researchers.