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Showing posts with label Malware Attack. Show all posts
Malwares
CVE CVE exploits CVE vulnerability CVEs Cyber Attacks Cyber Threat Intelligence Google GSMA GTIG Hacker attack Malware Attack Malwares

Hackers Exploit End-of-Life SonicWall Devices Using Overstep Malware and Possible Zero-Day

 

Cybersecurity experts from Google’s Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) have uncovered a series of attacks targeting outdated SonicWall Secure Mobile Access (SMA) devices, which are widely used to manage secure remote access in enterprise environments. 

These appliances, although no longer supported with updates, remain in operation at many organizations, making them attractive to cybercriminals. The hacking group behind these intrusions has been named UNC6148 by Google. Despite being end-of-life, the devices still sit on the edge of sensitive networks, and their continued use has led to increased risk exposure. 

GTIG is urging all organizations that rely on these SMA appliances to examine them for signs of compromise. They recommend that firms collect complete disk images for forensic analysis, as the attackers are believed to be using rootkit-level tools to hide their tracks, potentially tampering with system logs. Assistance from SonicWall may be necessary for acquiring these disk images from physical devices. There is currently limited clarity around the technical specifics of these breaches. 

The attackers are leveraging leaked administrator credentials to gain access, though it remains unknown how those credentials were originally obtained. It’s also unclear what software vulnerabilities are being exploited to establish deeper control. One major obstacle to understanding the attacks is a custom backdoor malware called Overstep, which is capable of selectively deleting system logs to obscure its presence and activity. 

Security researchers believe the attackers might be using a zero-day vulnerability, or possibly exploiting known flaws like CVE-2021-20038 (a memory corruption bug enabling remote code execution), CVE-2024-38475 (a path traversal issue in Apache that exposes sensitive database files), or CVE-2021-20035 and CVE-2021-20039 (authenticated RCE vulnerabilities previously seen in the wild). There’s also mention of CVE-2025-32819, which could allow credential reset attacks through file deletion. 

GTIG, along with Mandiant and SonicWall’s internal response team, has not confirmed exactly how the attackers managed to deploy a reverse shell—something that should not be technically possible under normal device configurations. This shell provides a web-based interface that facilitates the installation of Overstep and potentially gives attackers full control over the compromised appliance. 

The motivations behind these breaches are still unclear. Since Overstep deletes key logs, detecting an infection is particularly difficult. However, Google has shared indicators of compromise to help organizations determine if they have been affected. Security teams are strongly advised to investigate the presence of these indicators and consider retiring unsupported hardware from critical infrastructure as part of a proactive defense strategy.
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Malware Attack
AI Models AI Prompt AI prompt injection attack Cyber Security cybercriminals DNS DNS attacks DNS Hacking DOH DoT Hacker attack Malware Attack

Hackers Use DNS Records to Hide Malware and AI Prompt Injections

 

Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging an unexpected and largely unmonitored part of the internet’s infrastructure—the Domain Name System (DNS)—to hide malicious code and exploit security weaknesses. Security researchers at DomainTools have uncovered a campaign in which attackers embedded malware directly into DNS records, a method that helps them avoid traditional detection systems. 

DNS records are typically used to translate website names into IP addresses, allowing users to access websites without memorizing numerical codes. However, they can also include TXT records, which are designed to hold arbitrary text. These records are often used for legitimate purposes, such as domain verification for services like Google Workspace. Unfortunately, they can also be misused to store and distribute malicious scripts. 

In a recent case, attackers converted a binary file of the Joke Screenmate malware into hexadecimal code and split it into hundreds of fragments. These fragments were stored across multiple subdomains of a single domain, with each piece placed inside a TXT record. Once an attacker gains access to a system, they can quietly retrieve these fragments through DNS queries, reconstruct the binary code, and deploy the malware. Since DNS traffic often escapes close scrutiny—especially when encrypted via DNS over HTTPS (DOH) or DNS over TLS (DOT)—this method is particularly stealthy. 

Ian Campbell, a senior security engineer at DomainTools, noted that even companies with their own internal DNS resolvers often struggle to distinguish between normal and suspicious DNS requests. The rise of encrypted DNS traffic only makes it harder to detect such activity, as the actual content of DNS queries remains hidden from most monitoring tools. This isn’t a new tactic. Security researchers have observed similar methods in the past, including the use of DNS records to host PowerShell scripts. 

However, the specific use of hexadecimal-encoded binaries in TXT records, as described in DomainTools’ latest findings, adds a new layer of sophistication. Beyond malware, the research also revealed that TXT records are being used to launch prompt injection attacks against AI chatbots. These injections involve embedding deceptive or malicious prompts into files or documents processed by AI models. 

In one instance, TXT records were found to contain commands instructing a chatbot to delete its training data, return nonsensical information, or ignore future instructions entirely. This discovery highlights how the DNS system—an essential but often overlooked component of the internet—can be weaponized in creative and potentially damaging ways. 

As encryption becomes more widespread, organizations need to enhance their DNS monitoring capabilities and adopt more robust defensive strategies to close this blind spot before it’s further exploited.
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North Korea cyberattack
Apple Apple MacOS Blockchain Blockchain Technology Crypto Attack crypto community cryptocurrency Cyber Attacks data security Data Theft Mac Mac Malware Malware Attack Malwares North Korea cyberattack

North Korean Malware Targets Mac Users in Crypto Sector via Calendly and Telegram

 

Cybersecurity researchers have identified a sophisticated malware campaign targeting Mac users involved in blockchain technologies. According to SentinelLabs, the attack has been linked to North Korean threat actors, based on an investigation conducted by Huntabil.IT. 

The attack method is designed to appear as a legitimate interaction. Victims are contacted via Telegram, where the attacker impersonates a known associate or business contact. They are then sent a meeting invite using Calendly, a widely-used scheduling platform. The Calendly message includes a link that falsely claims to be a “Zoom SDK update script.” Instead, this link downloads malware specifically designed to infiltrate macOS systems. 

The malware uses a combination of AppleScript, C++, and the Nim programming language to evade detection. This mix is relatively novel, especially the use of Nim in macOS attacks. Once installed, the malware gathers a broad range of data from the infected device. This includes system information, browser activity, and chat logs from Telegram. It also attempts to extract login credentials, macOS Keychain passwords, and data stored in browsers like Arc, Brave, Firefox, Chrome, and Microsoft Edge. Interestingly, Safari does not appear to be among the targeted applications. 

While the campaign focuses primarily on a niche audience—Mac users engaged in crypto-related work who use Calendly and Telegram—SentinelLabs warns that the tactics employed could signal broader threats on the horizon. The use of obscure programming combinations to bypass security measures is a red flag for potential future campaigns targeting a wider user base. 

To safeguard against such malware, users are advised to avoid downloading software from public code repositories or unofficial websites. While the Mac App Store is considered the safest source for macOS applications, software downloaded directly from reputable developers’ websites is generally secure. Users who rely on pirated or cracked applications remain at significantly higher risk of infection. 

Cyber hygiene remains essential. Never click on suspicious links received via email, text, or social platforms, especially from unknown or unverified sources. Always verify URLs by copying and pasting them into a text editor to see their true destination before visiting. It’s also crucial to install macOS security updates promptly, as these patches address known vulnerabilities.  

For additional protection, consider using trusted antivirus software. Guides from Macworld suggest that while macOS has built-in security, third-party tools like Intego can offer enhanced protection. As malware campaigns evolve in complexity and scope, staying vigilant is the best defense.
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Malware Attack
Crypto Platform cryptocurrency cryptocurrency security cryptocurrency theft Cyber Attacks Digital Assets Lazarus Group Lazarus Group attack Malware Attack

Lazarus Group Suspected in $11M Crypto Heist Targeting Taiwan’s BitoPro Exchange

 

Taiwanese cryptocurrency platform BitoPro has blamed North Korea’s Lazarus Group for a cyberattack that resulted in $11 million in stolen digital assets. The breach occurred on May 8, 2025, during an upgrade to the exchange’s hot wallet system. 

According to BitoPro, the tactics and methods used by the hackers closely resemble those seen in other global incidents tied to the Lazarus Group, including high-profile thefts via SWIFT banking systems and other major crypto platforms. BitoPro serves a primarily Taiwanese customer base, offering fiat transactions in TWD alongside various cryptocurrencies. 

The exchange currently supports over 800,000 users and processes approximately $30 million in daily trades. The attack exploited vulnerabilities during a system update, enabling the unauthorized withdrawal of funds from a legacy hot wallet spread across several blockchain networks, including Ethereum, Tron, Solana, and Polygon. The stolen cryptocurrency was then quickly laundered through decentralized exchanges and mixers such as Tornado Cash, Wasabi Wallet, and ThorChain, making recovery and tracing more difficult. 

Despite the attack taking place in early May, BitoPro only publicly acknowledged the breach on June 2. At that time, the exchange assured users that daily operations remained unaffected and that the compromised hot wallet had been replenished from its reserve funds. Following a thorough investigation, the exchange confirmed that no internal staff were involved. 

However, the attackers used social engineering tactics to infect a cloud administrator’s device with malware. This allowed them to steal AWS session tokens, bypass multi-factor authentication, and gain unauthorized access to BitoPro’s cloud infrastructure. From there, they were able to insert scripts directly into the hot wallet system and carry out the theft while mimicking legitimate activity to avoid early detection. 

After discovering the breach, BitoPro deactivated the affected wallet system and rotated its cryptographic keys, though the damage had already been done. The company reported the incident to authorities and brought in a third-party cybersecurity firm to conduct an independent review, which concluded on June 11. 

The Lazarus Group has a long history of targeting cryptocurrency and decentralized finance platforms. This attack on BitoPro adds to their growing list of cyber heists, including the recent $1.5 billion digital asset theft from the Bybit exchange.
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Malware Attack
Cyber Fraud Cyber Scams cybercriminals data security Financial Fraud Hacking WhatsApp Malicious Code Malware Attack

WhatsApp Image Scam Uses Steganography to Steal User Data and Money

 

With over three billion users globally, including around 500 million in India, WhatsApp has become one of the most widely used communication platforms. While this immense popularity makes it convenient for users to stay connected, it also provides fertile ground for cybercriminals to launch increasingly sophisticated scams. 

A recent alarming trend involves the use of steganography—a technique for hiding malicious code inside images—enabling attackers to compromise user devices and steal sensitive data. A case from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, brought this threat into the spotlight. A 28-year-old man reportedly lost close to ₹2 lakh after downloading a seemingly harmless image received via WhatsApp. The image, however, was embedded with malware that secretly installed itself on his phone. 

This new approach is particularly concerning because the file looked completely normal and harmless to the user. Unlike traditional scams involving suspicious links or messages, this method exploits a far subtler form of cyberattack. Steganography is the practice of embedding hidden information inside media files such as images, videos, or audio. In this scam, cybercriminals embed malicious code into the least significant bits of image data or in the file’s metadata—areas that do not impact the visible quality of the image but can carry executable instructions. These altered files are then distributed via WhatsApp, often as forwarded messages. 

When a recipient downloads or opens the file, the embedded malware activates and begins to infiltrate the device. Once installed, the malware can harvest a wide range of personal data. It may extract saved passwords, intercept one-time passwords, and even facilitate unauthorized financial transactions. What makes this form of attack more dangerous than typical phishing attempts is its stealth. Because the malware is hidden within legitimate-looking files, it often bypasses detection by standard antivirus software, especially those designed for consumer use. Detecting and analyzing such threats typically requires specialized forensic tools and advanced behavioral monitoring. 

In the Jabalpur case, after downloading the infected image, the malware gained control over the victim’s device, accessed his banking credentials, and enabled unauthorized fund transfers. Experts warn that this method could be replicated on a much larger scale, especially if users remain unaware of the risks posed by media files. 

As platforms like WhatsApp continue working to enhance security, users must remain cautious and avoid downloading media from unfamiliar sources. In today’s digital age, even an innocent-looking image can become a tool for cyber theft.
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Russian Hackers
COLDRIVER Coldriver hacker group Cyber Attacks cyber espionage data security espionage Hacker attack Malware Attack Malwares Russian Hackers

Lostkeys Malware: Russian Group Coldriver Targets Western Officials in Espionage Campaign

 

A new wave of cyber espionage has emerged, with Russian hackers deploying a sophisticated malware strain known as “Lostkeys” to infiltrate the systems of Western officials, journalists, and NGOs. According to researchers from Google’s Threat Intelligence Group, the malware is linked to Coldriver, also known as UNC4057, Star Blizzard, or Callisto—a threat actor believed to be part of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), the successor to the KGB. 

Coldriver has traditionally been involved in phishing operations to steal credentials, but the emergence of Lostkeys demonstrates a significant leap in their cyber capabilities. Lostkeys appears to mark a shift in strategy for the group, moving beyond phishing and into deeper system infiltration. The malware is deployed in a targeted manner, reserved for high-value individuals such as political advisors, think tank members, journalists, and people with known connections to Ukraine.

Activity related to Lostkeys was observed by Google in the early months of 2024—specifically January, March, and April—with evidence suggesting its use might have started as far back as December 2023. The attack begins with a deceptive Captcha page, tricking victims into copying a malicious PowerShell script into the Windows Run dialog. This method, known as “ClickFix,” bypasses typical security filters and exploits user behavior rather than software vulnerabilities. 

Once executed, the script connects to a command-and-control server, downloading a series of payloads uniquely tailored to each victim. In an effort to avoid detection, the malware includes anti-sandbox measures. During the second stage of infection, the script checks the screen resolution of the host machine and halts if it matches known virtual machine environments used by analysts and cybersecurity researchers. If the device passes this check, the malware proceeds to the final stage—a Visual Basic Script that steals data, including specific file types, system details, and active processes. These are exfiltrated back to the attackers using an encoded system that applies a unique two-key substitution cipher for each infected machine. 

Lostkeys appears to be a more refined successor to a previous malware strain known as Spica, which Coldriver also deployed in 2024. While both strains focus on data exfiltration, Lostkeys features a more intricate delivery system and improved obfuscation techniques. Some earlier samples of Lostkeys mimicked legitimate software like Maltego and used executable files instead of PowerShell, though Google has not confirmed if these instances were part of the same campaign or the work of a different threat actor reusing Coldriver’s tactics. 

This development highlights an alarming evolution in state-backed cyber operations, where advanced social engineering and stealth techniques are being increasingly used to infiltrate high-profile targets. As geopolitical tensions persist, the risks posed by such targeted cyber espionage campaigns are expected to grow.
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Public Sector
Critical Infrastructure Cyber Attacks Cyber Warfare DDoS Hacker attack Hackers Indian Cyber Security Malware Attack Military Data Public Sector

India Faces Cyber Onslaught After Operation Sindoor Military Strikes

 

In the aftermath of India’s military action under Operation Sindoor, Pakistan responded not only with conventional threats but also with a wave of coordinated cyberattacks. While India’s defense systems effectively intercepted aerial threats like drones and missiles, a simultaneous digital assault unfolded, targeting the nation’s critical infrastructure and strategic systems. 

Reports from The Times of India indicate that the cyberattacks were focused on key defense public sector units (PSUs), their supporting MSMEs, and essential infrastructure including airports, ports, the Indian Railways, power grids, and major telecom providers such as BSNL. Additionally, digital financial platforms—ranging from UPI services to stock exchanges and mobile wallets—were also in the crosshairs. 

Sources suggest these cyber intrusions aimed to steal classified military data, disrupt daily life, and damage India’s global standing. Allegedly, the attackers sought intelligence on missile defense systems and military readiness. In retaliation, India reportedly struck back at Pakistani military infrastructure, although the cyber battlefield remains active. 

Cybersecurity expert and Interpol trainer Pendyala Krishna Shastry confirmed the attacks involved a range of methods: malware deployment, denial-of-service (DoS) strikes, phishing schemes, and website defacements. These tactics targeted multiple sectors, including finance, telecom, and public services, aiming to breach systems and sow confusion. 

Website tracking portal Zone-H recorded several government domain breaches. Notable targets included the websites of the National Institute of Water Sports (niws.nic.in) and nationaltrust.nic.in, both of which were defaced before being restored. The Central Coalfields Ltd (CCL) website also experienced a breach, displaying a message from a group calling itself “Mr Habib 404 – Pakistani Cyber Force,” declaring, “You thought you were safe, but we are here.” 

Although CCL’s Public Relations Officer Alok Gupta dismissed the breach as a technical issue with no data loss, cybersecurity experts warn that downplaying such incidents could weaken national digital defense. 

This escalation underscores how cyber warfare is now being integrated into broader military strategies. Experts argue that India must urgently strengthen its cyber defenses to address the growing threat. Priorities include deploying AI-based threat detection, reinforcing CERT-In and sector-specific Security Operation Centres (SOCs), enforcing strong cybersecurity practices across public systems, and expanding collaboration on global cyber intelligence. 

As state-sponsored attacks become more sophisticated and frequent, India’s ability to defend its digital frontier will be just as crucial as its military strength.
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Malware Attack
Adobe Commerce and Magento Backdoor Attacks Backdoors Cyber Attacks Extensions Global Supply-Chain Attack Magento Malicious Code Malware Attack

Magento Extension Supply Chain Attack Backdoors Hundreds of E-Commerce Sites

 

A coordinated supply chain attack has compromised between 500 and 1,000 Magento-based e-commerce websites through 21 backdoored extensions, according to new research from cybersecurity firm Sansec. The breach affected sites globally, including the one being operated by a multinational corporation valued at $40 billion.  

Sansec revealed that malicious code was injected into the extensions as far back as 2019. However, it remained inactive until April 2025, when attackers remotely activated the malware and seized control of vulnerable servers. “Multiple vendors were hacked in a coordinated supply chain attack,” Sansec reported. “Curiously, the malware was injected six years ago, but came to life this week.” 

The compromised extensions originate from well-known Magento vendors Tigren, Meetanshi, and MGS. Affected extensions include: Tigren: Ajaxsuite, Ajaxcart, Ajaxlogin, Ajaxcompare, Ajaxwishlist, MultiCOD Meetanshi: ImageClean, CookieNotice, Flatshipping, FacebookChat, CurrencySwitcher, DeferJS MGS: Lookbook, StoreLocator, Brand, GDPR, Portfolio, Popup, DeliveryTime, ProductTabs, Blog.

Additionally, a version of the Weltpixel GoogleTagManager extension was found with similar code, though Sansec could not verify whether the source was the vendor or an already-infected site. The malware was embedded in files named License.php or LicenseApi.php — components that typically manage license validation for the extensions. The backdoor listens for HTTP requests containing special parameters like requestKey and dataSign. 

When matched against hardcoded keys, it grants attackers access to admin-level functionality, including the ability to upload files. These files can then be executed through PHP’s include_once() function, opening the door for data theft, credit card skimming, admin account creation, and complete server control. Earlier variants of the backdoor didn’t require any authentication. 

However, recent versions now rely on a static key for limited protection. Sansec confirmed that this method was used to deploy a web shell on at least one client’s server. When alerted, vendor responses varied. MGS did not respond. Tigren denied any security breach and reportedly continues to distribute the compromised code. Meetanshi acknowledged a server intrusion but denied their extensions were affected. 

BleepingComputer independently verified the presence of the backdoor in the MGS StoreLocator extension, which is still available for download. Sansec recommends that any site using the listed extensions immediately conduct full server scans and review indicators of compromise. 

Ideally, websites should be restored from a verified, clean backup. The security firm also highlighted the unusual delay between the malware’s insertion and its activation, suggesting the attack was carefully planned over a long timeline. An expanded investigation is ongoing.
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