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Showing posts with label Cybersecurity Threats. Show all posts
ransomware attacks
Cybersecurity Threats Document converter malware Fake file converters malware Online Scams ransomware attacks

FBI Warns Against Fake Online Document Converters Spreading Malware

 

iThe FBI Denver field office has issued a warning about cybercriminals using fake online document converters to steal sensitive data and deploy ransomware on victims' devices. Reports of these scams have been increasing, prompting authorities to urge users to be cautious and report incidents.

"The FBI Denver Field Office is warning that agents are increasingly seeing a scam involving free online document converter tools, and we want to encourage victims to report instances of this scam," the agency stated.

Cybercriminals create fraudulent websites that offer free document conversion, file merging, or media download services. While these sites may function as expected, they secretly inject malware into downloaded files, enabling hackers to gain remote access to infected devices.

"To conduct this scheme, cybercriminals across the globe are using any type of free document converter or downloader tool," the FBI added.

These sites may claim to:
  • Convert .DOC to .PDF or other file formats.
  • Merge multiple .JPG files into a single .PDF.
  • Offer MP3 or MP4 downloads.
Once users upload their files, hackers can extract sensitive information, including:
  • Names and Social Security Numbers
  • Cryptocurrency wallet addresses and passphrases
  • Banking credentials and passwords
  • Email addresses
Scammers also use phishing tactics, such as mimicking legitimate URLs by making slight alterations (e.g., changing one letter or replacing "CO" with "INC") to appear trustworthy.

“Users who in the past would type ‘free online file converter’ into a search engine are vulnerable, as the algorithms used for results now often include paid results, which might be scams,” said Vikki Migoya, Public Affairs Officer for FBI Denver.

Cybersecurity experts have confirmed that these fraudulent websites are linked to malware campaigns. Researcher Will Thomas recently identified fake converter sites, such as docu-flex[.]com, distributing malicious executables like Pdfixers.exe and DocuFlex.exe, both flagged as malware.

Additionally, a Google ad campaign in November was found promoting fake converters that installed Gootloader malware, a malware loader known for:

  1. Stealing banking credentials
  2. Installing trojans and infostealers
  3. Deploying Cobalt Strike beacons for ransomware attacks

"Visiting this WordPress site (surprise!), I found a form for uploading a PDF to convert it to a .DOCX file inside a .zip," explained a cybersecurity researcher.

Instead of receiving a legitimate document, users were given a JavaScript file that delivered Gootloader, which is often used in ransomware attacks by groups like REvil and BlackSuit.

In order to stay safe,
  • Avoid unknown document conversion sites. Stick to well-known, reputable services.
  • Verify file types before opening. If a downloaded file is an .exe or .JS instead of the expected document format, it is likely malware.
  • Check reviews before using any online converter. If a site has no reviews or looks suspicious, steer clear
  • Report suspicious sites to authorities. Victi
  • ms can file reports at IC3.gov.
  • While not all file converters are malicious, thorough research and caution are crucial to staying safe online.
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Zero-Day Vulnerabilities
(RCE) Cybersecurity Threats Remote Code Execution Telegram security Vulnerabilities and Exploits Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

Operation Zero Offers Up to $4M for Telegram Exploits

 

Operation Zero, a firm specializing in acquiring and selling zero-day vulnerabilities exclusively to Russian government entities and local companies, has announced a significant bounty for exploits targeting Telegram. The company is willing to pay up to $4 million for a full-chain exploit that could compromise the popular messaging app.

The exploit broker has set tiered rewards for different vulnerabilities:
  • Up to $500,000 for a one-click remote code execution (RCE) exploit.
  • Up to $1.5 million for a zero-click RCE exploit.
  • Up to $4 million for a full-chain exploit, potentially allowing hackers to gain full access to a target’s device.
Operation Zero’s focus on Telegram is strategic, given its widespread use in Russia and Ukraine. The company's offer provides insight into the Russian zero-day market, which remains largely secretive.

Exploit brokers often publicize bounties for vulnerabilities when they detect high demand. This suggests that the Russian government may have specifically requested Telegram exploits, prompting Operation Zero to advertise these high-value offers.

Zero-day vulnerabilities are particularly valuable because they remain unknown to software makers, making them highly effective for cyber operations. Among them, zero-click RCE exploits are the most sought after, as they require no user interaction—unlike phishing-based attacks—making them stealthier and more powerful.

A source familiar with the exploit market suggested that Operation Zero’s prices might be on the lower side, as the company could intend to resell these vulnerabilities multiple times at a higher margin.

“I don’t think they’ll actually pay full [price]. There will be some bar the exploit doesn’t clear, and they’ll only do a partial payment,” said the source.

Another industry expert noted that pricing depends on factors like exclusivity and whether Operation Zero intends to redevelop the exploits internally or act solely as a broker.

The Ukrainian government recently banned the use of Telegram for government and military personnel due to concerns over potential exploitation by Russian state-backed hackers. Security researchers have long warned that Telegram is less secure than alternatives like Signal and WhatsApp, primarily because it does not use end-to-end encryption by default.

“The vast majority of one-on-one Telegram conversations — and literally every single group chat — are probably visible on Telegram’s servers,” said cryptography expert Matthew Green.

Despite this, Telegram spokesperson Remi Vaughn stated: “Telegram has never been vulnerable to a zero-click exploit,” while also emphasizing the company’s bug bounty program.

The zero-day market has become increasingly competitive, driving up prices. In 2023, a WhatsApp zero-day was reportedly valued at $8 million. Operation Zero has previously offered $20 million for exploits capable of fully compromising iOS and Android devices but currently caps those payouts at $2.5 million.

With cyber threats escalating, the demand for zero-days—especially for widely used platforms like Telegram—remains at an all-time high.
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Jira server breach
Ascom cyberattack Cyber Attacks Cybersecurity Threats HellCat hackers Jira server breach

Ascom Confirms Cyberattack as HellCat Hackers Exploit Jira Servers

 

Swiss telecommunications company Ascom has disclosed a cyberattack on its IT infrastructure, confirming that the hacker group HellCat exploited compromised credentials to target Jira servers worldwide.

In an official statement, Ascom revealed that its technical ticketing system was breached on Sunday. The company has since launched an investigation to assess the impact of the attack.

With a presence in 18 countries, Ascom specializes in wireless on-site communication solutions. The HellCat hacking group has taken responsibility for the breach and informed BleepingComputer that it has stolen approximately 44GB of data, potentially affecting all divisions of the company.

Ascom assured that despite the intrusion into its technical ticketing system, the attack has not disrupted business operations. The company emphasized that its customers and partners do not need to take any precautionary measures.

“Investigations against such criminal offenses were initiated immediately and are ongoing. Ascom is working closely with the relevant authorities.” – Ascom

Rey, a representative of the HellCat hacking group, claimed that the stolen data includes source codes for multiple products, project details, invoices, confidential documents, and issue logs from Ascom’s ticketing system.

While Ascom has not shared technical specifics about the breach, HellCat has a track record of exploiting Jira ticketing systems, which are commonly used by software development and IT teams. These platforms often store critical data such as source code, authentication keys, IT roadmaps, customer information, and internal project discussions.

HellCat’s Widespread Jira Exploits

HellCat has previously been linked to cyberattacks on major corporations, including Schneider Electric, Telefónica, and Orange Group, all of which suffered breaches through their Jira servers.

Recently, the group also claimed responsibility for hacking British automaker Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), leaking around 700 internal documents. According to the hackers, the stolen data includes development logs, tracking information, source codes, and sensitive employee records.

“At the heart of this latest incident lies a technique that has become HELLCAT’s signature: exploiting Jira credentials harvested from compromised employees that were infected by Infostealers.” – Alon Gal, Co-founder and CTO, Hudson Rock

Gal noted that the JLR breach occurred through credentials belonging to an LG Electronics employee with third-party access to JLR’s Jira server. He further pointed out that these compromised credentials had been exposed for years but remained valid, enabling the hackers to infiltrate the system.

HellCat’s cyber activity has continued, with the group announcing another breach—this time targeting Affinitiv, a marketing and data analytics company serving OEMs and dealerships in the automotive sector. The hackers claim to have accessed Affinitiv’s Jira system, stealing a database containing over 470,000 unique email addresses and more than 780,000 records.

Affinitiv has acknowledged the reported attack and confirmed that an investigation is underway.

To validate their claims, the hackers have published screenshots revealing names, email addresses, postal addresses, and dealership details.

Cybersecurity experts warn that Jira has become a prime target for attackers due to its role in enterprise workflows and the vast amount of sensitive data it contains. Gaining unauthorized access can allow threat actors to move laterally, escalate privileges, and exfiltrate critical information.

Given the ease of acquiring credentials compromised by infostealers and the fact that many remain unchanged for extended periods, experts caution that such attacks may become increasingly common.


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ransomware evolution
Albabat ransomware Cross-platform malware Cybersecurity Threats GitHub ransomware malware ransomware evolution

Albabat Ransomware Evolves with Cross-Platform Capabilities and Enhanced Attack Efficiency

 

Cybersecurity researchers at Trend Micro have uncovered new variants of the Albabat ransomware, designed to target multiple operating systems and optimize attack execution.

Albabat ransomware 2.0 now extends beyond Microsoft Windows, incorporating mechanisms to collect system data and streamline operations. This version leverages a GitHub account to store and distribute its configuration files.

Trend Micro researchers identified ongoing development efforts for another iteration, version 2.5, which has not yet been deployed in live attacks.

"This use of GitHub is designed to streamline operations," researchers stated, emphasizing the evolving nature of ransomware tactics.

Albabat, originally written in Rust, was first detected in November 2023. The programming language facilitates its ability to locate and encrypt files efficiently.

Trend Micro analysts examined the ransomware’s functionality, revealing its selective encryption process. The malware specifically targets files with extensions such as .themepack, .bat, .com, .cmd, and .cpl, while bypassing system folders like Searches, AppData, $RECYCLE.BIN, and System Volume Information.

To evade detection and disrupt security defenses, version 2.0 terminates critical processes, including taskmgr.exe, processhacker.exe, regedit.exe, code.exe, excel.exe, powerpnt.exe, winword.exe, and msaccess.exe.

Further analysis uncovered that Albabat ransomware connects to a PostgreSQL database to log infections and manage ransom payments. This data tracking mechanism assists attackers in making financial demands, monitoring infections, and monetizing stolen information.

Notably, the ransomware’s configuration includes specific commands for Linux and macOS, suggesting that binaries have been developed to expand its reach across platforms.

Trend Micro found that the ransomware utilizes the GitHub repository billdev.github.io to store its configuration files. The account, created on February 27, 2024, is registered under the pseudonym “Bill Borguiann.”

While the repository remains private, an authentication token extracted via Fiddler revealed continued access. A review of commit logs indicates active development, with the most recent modification recorded on February 22, 2025.

A folder labeled “2.5.x” was discovered within the GitHub repository, pointing to an upcoming version of Albabat ransomware. Although no ransomware binaries were detected in this directory, researchers found a config.json file containing newly introduced cryptocurrency wallet addresses for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and BNB. However, no transactions have been identified in these wallets to date.

"The findings demonstrate the importance of monitoring indicators of compromise (IoCs) for staying ahead of constantly evolving threats like Albabat," Trend Micro researchers advised.

Tracking IoCs enables cybersecurity teams to identify attack patterns and develop proactive defense mechanisms against emerging ransomware threats.
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State-sponsored hacking
Chinese cyber espionage Cyber Security Cybersecurity Threats Email server vulnerability Government email breach State-sponsored hacking

State-Backed Hackers Escalate Attacks on Government Email Servers

 

Cyberattacks targeting government email servers have intensified in recent years, a trend that experts warn is expected to continue. This concern follows a recent breach involving a cyber-espionage group linked to China, which infiltrated the email servers of Belgium’s intelligence agency.

On February 26, the Belgian federal prosecutor confirmed an investigation into the cyberattack targeting the country’s State Security Service (VSSE). According to a report by Belgian newspaper Le Soir, the attackers accessed approximately 10% of the VSSE’s incoming and outgoing emails between 2021 and May 2023. While classified data remained secure due to external hosting, the breach may have compromised personally identifiable information (PII) of nearly half of the agency’s personnel.

The hackers reportedly gained access to VSSE’s email systems by exploiting a critical remote command injection vulnerability, CVE-2023-2868, found in Barracuda Networks’ Email Security Gateway (ESG) appliance. Following the discovery of this security flaw, Barracuda enlisted Google security subsidiary Mandiant to investigate.

Mandiant tracked the espionage campaign to October 2022, identifying the threat actor as UNC4841. The firm established with "high confidence" that the group was connected to the Chinese government. UNC4841 reportedly distributed emails embedded with malicious attachments designed to exploit CVE-2023-2868, targeting various global organizations, including Belgian VSSE.

In response to the incident, VSSE ceased using Barracuda’s ESG appliance in 2023. Addressing concerns about the timeline of the breach, a Barracuda spokesperson clarified:

“Exploitation of the vulnerability impacting less than five percent of Email Security Gateway appliances took place in 2023 – not 2021. Our investigation data confirms that the vulnerability was not exploited in 2021. Barracuda promptly remediated the issue, which was fixed as part of the BNSF-36456 patch and applied to all customer appliances.”

Email Servers: A Prime Target for Cyber Threats

Email systems remain a preferred target for cybercriminals due to their role in communication, credential storage, and document exchange. High-profile cyber incidents, such as the Hafnium attack in 2020 and multiple government email breaches in 2023, underscore the risks associated with these platforms.

Vito Alfano, head of digital forensic and incident response at Group-IB, emphasized the long-standing threat posed by advanced persistent threats (APTs):

“APTs regularly target publicly exposed services, such as email systems, used by their victims and it has always been a long-standing tactic. Since 2006, nation-state-linked threat actors have targeted mail systems to gain access to confidential information.”

He referenced past attacks, including the APT28 breach of the US Democratic National Committee (DNC) in 2016, highlighting how state-sponsored hackers have historically leveraged email vulnerabilities for intelligence gathering and further infiltration. Alfano further explained the strategic importance of email servers for cyber-espionage campaigns:

“Email servers cover a central role in communication, credential management, document exchange, and they often represent a link between the external world and the internal protected perimeter of a targeted company. For this reason, APT groups consider them a high-value target.”

Once inside an email system, attackers can exploit login credentials to move laterally within an organization’s infrastructure. Additionally, compromised email servers can serve as a launchpad for supply chain attacks, particularly when third-party vendors and contractors use government email services.

Long-Term Infiltration and Espionage

Cyber-espionage groups often aim to maintain access for extended periods, allowing them to monitor assets and execute more sophisticated attacks. Alfano warned:

“Email servers also grant access to highly sensitive information and communications making them perfect for a long-term silent espionage campaign, allowing the access to sensitive mails or to be used to forge crafted phishing and impersonation attacks.”

The attack on Belgian VSSE exemplifies this strategy, with hackers likely seeking to exploit confidential data for further infiltration or intelligence operations.
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Vidar infostealer
Cybersecurity Threats malware Safety Steam game malware Vidar infostealer

Steam Removes Malware-Infested Game PirateFi

 

Valve recently removed a game from its online platform, Steam, after it was discovered to contain malware. The game, PirateFi, was analyzed by cybersecurity researchers who found that it had been modified to deceive players into installing the Vidar info-stealer.

Marius Genheimer, a researcher from SECUINFRA Falcon Team, told TechCrunch that based on the malware’s command and control servers and configuration, “we suspect that PirateFi was just one of multiple tactics used to distribute Vidar payloads en masse.”

“It is highly likely that it never was a legitimate, running game that was altered after first publication,” Genheimer added.

Investigations revealed that PirateFi was created by modifying an existing game template called Easy Survival RPG. This tool, designed for game development, costs between $399 and $1,099 for licensing. By leveraging this template, hackers were able to distribute a fully functional game embedded with malicious software with minimal effort.

Vidar, the malware found in PirateFi, is an infostealer designed to extract sensitive data from infected computers. According to Genheimer, the malware can steal passwords saved in web browsers, session cookies, browsing history, cryptocurrency wallet credentials, screenshots, two-factor authentication codes, and various other personal files.

Vidar has been linked to multiple cybercriminal campaigns, including attempts to steal Booking.com credentials, deploy ransomware, and insert malicious advertisements into Google search results. The Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center (HC3) reported that since its discovery in 2018, Vidar has become one of the most prolific infostealers in circulation.

Infostealers are commonly distributed through a malware-as-a-service (MaaS) model, making them accessible to even low-skilled hackers. This model complicates efforts to trace the origins of attacks. Genheimer noted that identifying those behind PirateFi is particularly challenging because Vidar “is widely adopted by many cybercriminals.”

Researchers analyzed multiple samples of the malware, including one uploaded to VirusTotal by a Russian gamer and another identified through SteamDB, a database tracking Steam-hosted games. A third sample was found in a threat intelligence repository, and all three exhibited the same malicious functionality. Valve has not issued a response regarding the incident.

The supposed developer of PirateFi, Seaworth Interactive, has no online presence. Until recently, the game had an X (formerly Twitter) account linking to its Steam page, but the account has since been deleted. Attempts to contact the owners via direct messages went unanswered before the account was removed.
Read more »
multifactor authentication password security
Android phishing apps Cybersecurity Threats Malware Detection Mobile Security multifactor authentication password security

Android Phishing Apps: A Growing Cybersecurity Threat in 2024

 

Cybercriminals are evolving their tactics, shifting from traditional email-based phishing scams to more sophisticated Android phishing apps. According to the 2025 State of Malware report by Malwarebytes, over 22,800 phishing apps were detected on Android devices in 2024 alone. Among them, 5,200 apps exploited text messages to bypass multifactor authentication (MFA), while 4,800 leveraged Android’s notification bar to steal sensitive data.

Despite their high-tech capabilities, Android phishing apps operate on a classic phishing principle. These malicious apps disguise themselves as legitimate services like TikTok, Spotify, and WhatsApp. Once installed, they trick users into entering their real credentials on fake login screens controlled by cybercriminals. Stolen credentials are often bundled and sold on the dark web, enabling fraudsters to attempt unauthorized access to banking, email, and other critical accounts.

For years, phishing was primarily an email-based threat. Fraudsters impersonated well-known brands like Netflix, Uber, and Google, urging users to click on fraudulent links that led to counterfeit websites. These sites mimicked official platforms, deceiving users into sharing their login details.

As email providers strengthened spam filters, cybercriminals adapted by developing Android phishing apps. Some of these apps masquerade as mobile games or utilities, luring users into linking social media accounts under false pretenses. Others imitate popular apps and appear on lesser-known app stores, bypassing Google Play’s security protocols.

How Android Phishing Apps Evade Detection

Cybercriminals continue to find ways to avoid detection. Some malicious apps contain no direct code for stealing passwords but instead serve deceptive ads that redirect users to external phishing websites. These seemingly harmless apps have a better chance of being approved on app stores, increasing their reach and effectiveness.

One of the most concerning developments is the ability of these apps to compromise multifactor authentication. Malwarebytes identified thousands of apps capable of intercepting authentication codes via text messages or notification access, undermining one of the strongest security measures available today.

Protecting Against Android Phishing Apps
  1. To safeguard personal and financial information, users should adopt a multi-layered security approach:
  2. Install mobile security software that detects and prevents phishing apps from infiltrating devices.
  3. Check app reviews before downloading; a low number of reviews may indicate a fraudulent app.
  4. Stick to official app stores like Google Play to minimize the risk of installing malicious software.
  5. Use a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for each account.
  6. Enable multifactor authentication for sensitive accounts, including banking, email, and social media, despite the evolving threats.

As Android phishing scams become more sophisticated, staying informed and implementing strong cybersecurity measures are crucial in protecting personal data from cybercriminals.
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Sandworm cyberattacks
Advanced persistent threat (APT) Cyber Security Cybersecurity Threats Russian cyber espionage Sandworm cyberattacks

Sandworm’s Evolving Cyber Threat: BadPilot Expands Global Reach

 

Sandworm, also known as Russia's Military Unit 74455 within the GRU, has established itself as one of the most notorious advanced persistent threats (APT). Its cyber operations have included NotPetya, the attack on the 2018 Winter Olympics, and two successful assaults on Ukraine’s power grid. More recent campaigns have targeted Denmark’s energy sector and attempted—both unsuccessfully and successfully—to disrupt Ukraine’s grid once again.

Recent developments indicate a shift in Sandworm’s tactics, moving toward quieter, more extensive intrusions. Microsoft, tracking the group under the name "Seashell Blizzard," has identified a specific subgroup within Unit 74455 that focuses exclusively on breaching high-value organizations. Dubbed "BadPilot," this subgroup has been executing opportunistic cyberattacks on Internet-facing infrastructure since at least late 2021, leveraging known vulnerabilities in widely used email and collaboration platforms.

Among the critical vulnerabilities exploited by BadPilot are Zimbra's CVE-2022-41352, Microsoft Exchange's CVE-2021-34473, and Microsoft Outlook's CVE-2023-23397. All three have received a severity score of 9.8 out of 10 under the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), indicating their high impact.

BadPilot’s primary targets include telecommunications, oil and gas, shipping, arms manufacturing, and foreign government entities, spanning Ukraine, Europe, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. Since early 2024, operations have expanded to the United States and the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on vulnerabilities in remote monitoring and management (RMM) software. Exploited vulnerabilities include CVE-2023-48788 in Fortinet Forticlient Enterprise Management Server (EMS) and CVE-2024-1709, a critical authentication bypass flaw in ScreenConnect by ConnectWise, rated a perfect 10 on the CVSS scale.

Upon breaching a system, BadPilot follows a systematic approach to maintain persistence and escalate its control. It deploys the custom "LocalOlive" Web shell and uses legitimate RMM tools under the name "ShadowLink" to configure compromised systems as Tor hidden services. The group collects credentials, moves laterally across networks, exfiltrates data, and engages in post-compromise activities.

“There is not a lack of sophistication here, but a focus on agility and obtaining goals,” says Sherrod DeGrippo, director of threat intelligence strategy at Microsoft. “These TTPs work because this threat actor is persistent and continues pursuing its objectives.”

BadPilot’s operations serve as a crucial enabler for Sandworm’s broader cyberattacks, aligning with Russia’s strategic objectives. Microsoft notes that "its compromises cumulatively offer Seashell Blizzard options when responding to Russia's evolving strategic objectives."

The subgroup emerged just months before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, actively contributing to cyberattacks aimed at organizations providing political or military support to Ukraine. Since 2023, BadPilot has facilitated at least three destructive attacks in the country.

Throughout the war, Sandworm has persistently targeted Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, including telecommunications, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, energy, water, and military organizations, as well as civilian support systems. Intelligence-gathering operations have also extended to military communities.

“These threat actors are persistent, creative, organized, and well-resourced,” DeGrippo emphasizes. To mitigate risks, "critical sectors need to ensure that they sustain above-average security practices, patch their software, monitor Internet-facing assets, and enhance their overall security posture."
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