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Opera Browser
API Browser Security Browser Vulnerability Cyber Attacks data security DNS Opera Browser

CrossBarking Exploit in Opera Browser Exposes Users to Extensive Risks

 

A new browser vulnerability called CrossBarking has been identified, affecting Opera users through “private” APIs that were meant only for select trusted sites. Browser APIs bridge websites with functionalities like storage, performance, and geolocation to enhance user experience. Most APIs are widely accessible and reviewed, but private ones are reserved for preferred applications. Researchers at Guardio found that these Opera-specific APIs were vulnerable to exploitation, especially if a malicious Chrome extension gained access. Guardio’s demonstration showed that once a hacker gained access to these private APIs through a Chrome extension — easily installable by Opera users — they could run powerful scripts in a user’s browser context. 
The malicious extension was initially disguised as a harmless tool, adding pictures of puppies to web pages. 

However, it also contained scripts capable of extensive interference with Opera settings. Guardio used this approach to hijack the settingsPrivate API, which allowed them to reroute a victim’s DNS settings through a malicious server, providing the attacker with extensive visibility into the user’s browsing activities. With control over the DNS settings, they could manipulate browser content and even redirect users to phishing pages, making the potential for misuse significant. Guardio emphasized that getting malicious extensions through Chrome’s review process is relatively easier than with Opera’s, which undergoes a more intensive manual review. 

The researchers, therefore, leveraged Chrome’s automated, less stringent review process to create a proof-of-concept attack on Opera users. CrossBarking’s implications go beyond Opera, underscoring the complex relationship between browser functionality and security. Opera took steps to mitigate this vulnerability by blocking scripts from running on private domains, a strategy that Chrome itself uses. However, they have retained the private APIs, acknowledging that managing security with third-party apps and maintaining functionality is a delicate balance. 

Opera’s decision to address the CrossBarking vulnerability by restricting script access to domains with private API access offers a practical, though partial, solution. This approach minimizes the risk of malicious code running within these domains, but it does not fully eliminate potential exposure. Guardio’s research emphasizes the need for Opera, and similar browsers, to reevaluate their approach to third-party extension compatibility and the risks associated with cross-browser API permissions.


This vulnerability also underscores a broader industry challenge: balancing user functionality with security. While private APIs are integral to offering customized features, they open potential entry points for attackers when not adequately protected. Opera’s reliance on responsible disclosure practices with cybersecurity firms is a step forward. However, ongoing vigilance and a proactive stance toward enhancing browser security are essential as threats continue to evolve, particularly in a landscape where third-party extensions can easily be overlooked as potential risks.


In response, Opera has collaborated closely with researchers and relies on responsible vulnerability disclosures from third-party security firms like Guardio to address any potential risks preemptively. Security professionals highlight that browser developers should consider the full ecosystem, assessing how interactions across apps and extensions might introduce vulnerabilities.
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Scams
Cyber Crime Cyber crimes DNS fraudulent activities Google Scams

New Coalition to Take Down Online Scams, Led by Google

 




As cybercrime continues to cost the world economy billions annually, a robust new coalition launched by Google, the DNS Research Federation, and the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) is working to disrupt online scammers at a global level. By all accounts, this partnership constitutes a "game changer." The United Coalition focuses on revealing and thwarting fraudulent activity online.

Online Scam Fighting via the Global Signal Exchange

The coalition will be launching a data platform called Global Signal Exchange, which will 24/7 scan open cyberspaces for signs of fraudulent activity and issue alerts. For a platform, it will leverage the DNS Research Federation's DAP.live: an aggregation platform that consolidates feeds from over 100 sources to spot potential scams. Google enhances these efforts while providing relevant feeds from DAP.live that should provide an even more comprehensive view of online fraud as it begins to take shape.

A Growing Threat in the Digital Age

Some scams are becoming almost too clever nowadays, to the extent that an estimated $8.6 billion is lost worldwide due to such scams each year, with few cases going to convictions. In the UK alone, each person is targeted nearly 240 times a year by a scammer via emails or texts from fake legitimate businesses or offices asking them for personal information, such as bank or credit card details.

Britain estimates the average loss per person due to scams is £1,169. Overall, 11% of adults admit that they have fallen for online fraud. More alarming is the economic loss in the proportion of older adults, which indicates people aged 55 and above lose an average amount of £2,151. Those between 36 and 54 lose about £1,270, while those less than 35 years old lose about £851.

The Call for International Cooperation

Another challenge while combating online scams is that many of the criminal organisations behind these scams are operating from abroad, often from such countries as Russia and North Korea. This international nature makes it even more difficult for local authorities to keep an eye on and legally prosecute them. The coalition aims to balance this gap by sharing scam information in real time, thereby creating a chance to respond quickly to new emerging threats. This collaborative approach will serve crucially because cybercriminals often operate in groups and have done all of this work so fast, which has made it really hard to fight scams alone by any single organisation.

Scammers collaborate, they pool and they act fast. The days when individual brands could combat cybercrime on their own are gone. Global Signal Exchange usher in a new chapter in the battle against cybercrime, and Google's partnership promises to be the game-changer," said Emily Taylor, Chief Executive of DNS Research Federation.

Scammers Use All Too Familiar Brand Names Trapping Victims

The research carried out by the coalition indicates that fraudsters make use of the identity of conspicuous brands to acquire victims. Some of the very popular brands currently being used in scams are: home delivery and courier services; financial services, including banks, insurance, and loan companies; companies in the Technology, Media, and Telecoms sector; many public sector organisations, including HMRC and local councils; and, in a few instances, prominent charities.

According to DNS Research Federation, the volume of scams seems to peak each year in November during the Black Friday promotions and associated online shopping. Much of such activity is occurring because of heightened online activity. Thus, proper defences are quite essential when activity reaches such peak levels.

An alliance towards consumers' protection around the world

The Global Anti-Scam Alliance was established in 2021 to create a network of businesses that stand together to protect consumers online from fraud. GASA, in partnership with Google and the DNS Research Federation, will decrease the profitability of scams in order to make them less appealing to cybercriminals.

As threats in cyber continue to grow and seemingly intensify, this alliance will very largely form a critical element in the protection of users internationally. The Global Signal Exchange represents a major leap forward in efforts on anti-scam activities as it promises that consumers will be better protected from online fraud, and are able to navigate an increasingly complex digital environment more securely.


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third party
Cyber Security Cyber Threats Risk Digital Infrastructure DNS DOH Domain Name System domains IP Address third party

Understanding the Domain Name System (DNS): How It Works and Why It Matters


The Domain Name System (DNS) serves as a critical element of the internet’s infrastructure, acting like a phone book that translates human-friendly domain names into the numerical IP addresses that computers use to communicate. Without DNS, accessing websites would be far more complicated, requiring users to remember lengthy strings of numbers instead of simple names like “google.com.” When you enter a website URL into your browser, the DNS process begins. This request, known as a “DNS query,” first goes to a DNS resolver—typically provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or a third-party DNS service like Google Public DNS or Cloudflare. 

The resolver acts as an intermediary, starting the process to find the corresponding IP address of the domain name you’ve entered. The DNS resolver contacts one of the 13 root servers that make up the top level of the DNS hierarchy. These servers don’t hold the IP address themselves but provide information about which “Top-Level Domain” (TLD) server to query next. The TLD server is specific to the domain extension you’ve entered (e.g., “.com,” “.net,” “.org”) and points the resolver to the authoritative name server responsible for the particular website. The authoritative name server then provides the IP address back to the resolver, which, in turn, sends it to your browser. 

The browser then connects to the web server using this IP address, loading the website you want to visit. This process, though complex, happens in milliseconds. Security is a vital aspect of DNS because it is a frequent target for cyberattacks. One common threat is DNS spoofing, where attackers redirect traffic to fraudulent websites to steal data or spread malware. DNS hijacking is another risk, where hackers manipulate DNS records to divert users to malicious sites. These threats emphasize the importance of DNS security protocols like DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT), which encrypt DNS requests to prevent interception by malicious entities, thus protecting users’ data and privacy. 

Switching to a third-party DNS service can enhance your internet experience in terms of speed, reliability, and security. Services like Google Public DNS, OpenDNS, or Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 offer faster query response times, better privacy protection, and can help circumvent geographical restrictions imposed by ISPs. These alternatives often provide built-in security features, such as blocking malicious sites, to offer an extra layer of protection. 

DNS is the backbone of internet browsing, seamlessly converting domain names into IP addresses. By understanding its role and the importance of security measures, users can better appreciate how DNS keeps the internet functional and secure. Whether ensuring that websites load correctly or protecting against cyber threats, DNS plays an indispensable role in our everyday online activities.
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Obfuscation Technique
Corporate Hacking Data Breach Data Exfiltration DNS IDS Obfuscation Technique

New Hacking Method: Akami DNS Data Exfiltration



 


When it comes to cybercrime, getting into a system is only half the battle; the real challenge is extracting the stolen data without being detected. Companies often focus on preventing unauthorised access, but they must also ensure that data doesn’t slip out undetected. Hackers, driven by profit, constantly innovate methods to exfiltrate data from corporate networks, making it essential for businesses to understand and defend against these techniques.

The Challenge of Data Exfiltration

Once hackers breach a network, they need to smuggle data out without triggering alarms. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are crucial in this fight. They monitor network traffic and system activities for suspicious patterns that may indicate unauthorised data extraction attempts. IDS can trigger alerts or even automatically block suspicious traffic to prevent data loss. To avoid detection, hackers use obfuscation techniques to disguise their actions. This can involve encrypting data or embedding it within harmless-looking traffic, making it difficult for IDS to identify and block the exfiltration attempts.

Reality vs. Hollywood

In Hollywood movies like "Mission Impossible," data theft is often depicted as a physical heist involving stealth and daring. In reality, hackers prefer remote methods to avoid detection and the risk of getting caught. By exploiting vulnerabilities in web servers, hackers can gain access to a network and search for valuable data. Once they find it, the challenge becomes how to exfiltrate it without triggering security systems.

One common way hackers hide their tracks is through obfuscation. A well-known method of obfuscation is image steganography, where data is embedded within images. This technique allows small amounts of data, such as passwords, to be hidden within images without raising suspicion. However, it is impractical for large datasets due to its low bandwidth and the potential for triggering alarms when numerous images are sent out.

Innovative DNS Data Exfiltration

The Domain Name System (DNS) is essential for internet functionality, translating domain names into IP addresses. Hackers can exploit this by sending data disguised as DNS queries. Typically, corporate firewalls scrutinise unfamiliar DNS requests and block those from untrusted sources. However, a novel method known as "Data Bouncing" has emerged, bypassing these restrictions and making data exfiltration easier for hackers.

How Data Bouncing Works

Data Bouncing leverages trusted web hosts to facilitate DNS resolution. Here’s how it works: hackers send an HTTP request to a reputable domain, like "bbc.co.uk," with a forged "Host" header containing the attacker’s domain. Akami Ghost HTTP servers, configured to resolve such domains, process the request, unknowingly aiding the exfiltration.

Every HTTP request a browser makes to a web server includes some metadata in the request’s headers. One of these header fields is the "Host" field, which specifies the requested domain. Normally, if you request a domain that the IP address doesn’t host, you get an error. However, Akami Ghost HTTP servers are set up to send a DNS request to resolve the domain you’ve asked for, even if it’s outside their network. This means you can send a request to a trusted domain, like "bbc.co.uk," with a "Host" header for "encryptedfilechunk.attackerdomain.com," and the trusted domain carries out the DNS resolution for you.

To prevent data exfiltration, companies need a comprehensive security strategy that includes multiple layers of defence. This makes it harder for hackers to succeed and gives security teams more time to detect and stop them. While preventing intrusions is crucial, detecting and mitigating ongoing exfiltration attempts is equally important to protect valuable data.

As cyber threats take new shapes, so must our defences. Understanding sophisticated exfiltration techniques like Data Bouncing is essential in the fight against cybercrime. By staying informed and vigilant, companies can better protect their data from falling into the wrong hands.





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Germany
botnet Golang C2 Server Cyber Security Cyber Threats DDOS Attack DNS Germany

New Golang-Based Botnet 'Zergeca' Discovered


 

Researchers at QiAnXin XLab have found a new and dangerous botnet called Zergeca. This botnet, written in the Go programming language (Golang), can launch powerful distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, which can overwhelm and shut down targeted websites or services.

How Zergeca Was Discovered

In May 2024, researchers came across a suspicious file uploaded from Russia to a security website called VirusTotal. This file, located at /usr/bin/geomi, had a unique identifier but wasn't marked as harmful. Another similar file was uploaded from Germany on the same day. This led experts to discover that these files were part of a new botnet, which they named Zergeca, inspired by a string in its code that reminded them of the Zerg creatures from the video game StarCraft.

Zergeca is capable of six different types of DDoS attacks. It also has additional features, such as acting as a proxy, scanning networks, upgrading itself, staying persistent on infected devices, transferring files, providing remote access, and collecting sensitive information from compromised devices. One unique aspect of Zergeca is its use of multiple DNS resolution methods, preferring DNS over HTTPS (DoH) for communicating with its command and control (C2) server. It also uses an uncommon library called Smux for encrypted communication.

The C2 server used by Zergeca has been linked to at least two other botnets named Mirai since September 2023. This suggests that the creator of Zergeca has prior experience with running botnets.

Between early and mid-June 2024, Zergeca was used to carry out DDoS attacks on organisations in Canada, the United States, and Germany. The primary attack method used was known as ackFlood. Victims of these attacks were spread across multiple countries and different internet networks.

Zergeca operates through four main modules: persistence, proxy, silivaccine, and zombie. The persistence module ensures the botnet stays active on infected devices, while the proxy module manages proxying tasks. The silivaccine module removes any competing malware, ensuring that Zergeca has full control of the device. The zombie module is the most critical, as it carries out the botnet's main functions, including DDoS attacks, scanning, and reporting information back to the C2 server.

To stay active, Zergeca adds a system service called geomi.service on infected devices. This service ensures that the botnet process restarts automatically if the device reboots or the process is stopped.

Researchers have gained insights into the skills of Zergeca’s creator. The use of techniques like modified file packing, XOR encryption, and DoH for C2 communication shows a deep understanding of how to evade detection. The implementation of the Smux protocol demonstrates advanced development skills. Given these abilities, researchers expect to see more sophisticated threats from this author in the future.

The discovery of Zergeca highlights the increasing intricacy of cyber threats. Organisations must remain vigilant and adopt strong security measures to protect against such advanced attacks. The detailed analysis of Zergeca provides valuable information on the capabilities and tactics of modern botnets, emphasising the need for continuous monitoring and proactive defence strategies in cybersecurity.


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Wifi vulnerability
Browser Security Cyber Security DNS Hackers attack Internet Speed Network Security VPN WiFi Routers Wifi vulnerability

Signs Your Home Network Has Been Hacked and How to Protect Yourself

 

While many are aware of the risks associated with public Wi-Fi, fewer realize that home networks are also vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers can infiltrate home networks to access sensitive information like bank details, private conversations, and personal photos. Here are key indicators that your home network may be compromised and steps to enhance your security. 

One sign of a compromised network is a sudden drop in internet speed. If your connection slows down without any issues from your provider, it could mean hackers are using your bandwidth for malicious purposes. Another warning sign is the appearance of unfamiliar devices on your network. Hackers might connect their devices to your network to steal information. To check for this, log into your router and review the list of connected devices. Unrecognized entries should be investigated. Unexpected changes to your Wi-Fi password are also concerning. If you haven't changed it but find it different, someone might have hacked into your network to lock you out. 

Additionally, spotting unfamiliar software on your devices can indicate malware installation by hackers aiming to steal your data. Browser hijacking is another serious threat. If hackers gain access to your router, they can alter its DNS settings, redirecting your internet traffic to malicious sites that can steal information and install harmful software. If your browser frequently redirects to suspicious websites, your network might be compromised. Understanding how hackers operate can also help in recognizing threats. 

For example, they may pose as buyers in online transactions, sending phishing links to steal bank details from sellers. To protect your home network, ensure your router’s firmware is up to date and use strong, unique passwords for your Wi-Fi and devices. Enable network encryption, such as WPA3, and disable remote management features that can provide easy access to hackers. Using a virtual private network (VPN) can further secure your internet traffic and protect your online activities. 

Securing your home network requires vigilance and proactive measures. By staying aware of potential warning signs and implementing strong security practices, you can protect your personal information and maintain your digital privacy. Continuous learning and adaptation to new cyber threats are essential for keeping your network safe.
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Privacy
Ad Blocking AdGuard DNS Browser DNS phishing Privacy

Block Ads and Boost Security with AdGuard DNS

 



Advertisements are omnipresent, disrupting our web browsing and compromising our online security. Many ads slow down our internet speed, infringe on our privacy, and even pose malware risks. However, there is a solution that can alleviate these issues: AdGuard DNS.

AdGuard DNS offers a comprehensive way to block malicious websites, intrusive ads, and trackers while also enabling parental controls. This service stands out by allowing up to 20 devices to connect across more than 50 servers in 15 locations. Now, a five-year subscription is available for $24.97, down from the regular price of $719.64, but only until May 22.

Default DNS (Domain Name System) services translate website names into IP addresses, guiding your browser to the correct site. AdGuard DNS takes this further by filtering out unsafe sites before you even visit them. This added layer of protection can demonstrably enhance your digital security.


Benefits of Blocking Ads

Blocking ads with a DNS service like AdGuard can make web pages load faster. This is because ads often consume substantial bandwidth and processing power, particularly those that are interactive or video-based. By reducing the data your browser needs to load, AdGuard DNS can dramatically improve your browsing experience.

Unlike browser-based ad-blockers, AdGuard DNS provides network-wide protection. This means it blocks ads and trackers not only in your web browser but also across your entire operating system, installed programs, and mobile apps. This system-level blocking is far more effective than relying solely on browser extensions, which can't intercept ads and trackers operating outside the browser.

AdGuard DNS also enhances your privacy and security. Ads are not just annoying; they can be dangerous, containing trackers, malware, and phishing links. For example, in April 2021, hackers used malicious ads to distribute infected software via fake sites, leading to data theft for many users. By blocking such ads, AdGuard DNS protects you from these threats before they reach your device.

For those seeking even more robust protection, AdGuard DNS offers advanced features like AI-powered malware filtering. This level of protection ensures that even the most sophisticated cyber threats are kept at bay, providing peace of mind in an increasingly vulnerable digital environment. 

In conclusion, AdGuard DNS provides a powerful, comprehensive solution for blocking ads, strengthening privacy, and securing your digital experience. With its current discounted offer, it's an excellent opportunity to protect your online world effectively and affordably.


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Tracking
Cyber Crime DNS DNS Hacking Network Tracking

Hackers Tracking Victims with DNS Tricks


 


Cybercriminals have adopted a highly intricate technique known as DNS tunnelling to carry out malicious activities such as tracking victims and scanning network vulnerabilities, posing a significant threat to cybersecurity. DNS tunnelling involves the encoding of data or commands within DNS queries, effectively transforming DNS into a covert communication channel, which can be challenging for traditional security measures to detect.

Hackers leverage various encoding methods, such as Base16 or Base64, to conceal their digital footprints within DNS records, including TXT, MX, CNAME, and Address records. This covert communication method allows them to bypass network firewalls and filters, using it for command and control operations and VPN activities, thereby upgrading their ability to evade detection by security tools.

The Palo Alto Networks' Unit 42 security research team has recently exposed two distinct campaigns that exploit DNS tunnelling for malicious purposes. The first campaign, dubbed "TrkCdn," focuses on tracking victim interactions with phishing emails, enabling attackers to evaluate their strategies and confirm the delivery of malicious payloads. Additionally, a similar campaign named "SpamTracker" utilises DNS tunnelling to track the delivery of spam messages, highlighting the versatility of this technique in cybercriminal operations.

Furthermore, the second campaign, identified as "SecShow," employs DNS tunnelling for network scanning purposes. Attackers embed IP addresses and timestamps into DNS queries to map out network layouts and identify potential configuration flaws that can be exploited for infiltration, data theft, or denial-of-service attacks. This demonstrates the advancing tactics of cybercriminals in exploiting DNS tunnelling for a wide range of fraudulent activities. 

DNS tunnelling provides threat actors with several advantages, including bypassing security tools, avoiding detection, and maintaining operational flexibility, making it a preferred method for carrying out cyber-attacks. To alleviate this growing threat, organisations are advised to implement DNS monitoring and analysis tools to detect unusual traffic patterns and peculiarities promptly. Additionally, limiting DNS resolvers to handle only necessary queries can reduce the risk of DNS tunnelling misuse, enhancing overall cybersecurity defences.

The discovery of hackers exploiting DNS tunnelling focuses on the importance of staying careful against the pervasive nature of cyber threats and implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect against potential attacks. By understanding the risks posed by DNS tunnelling and taking the required steps to mitigate them, organisations can effectively safeguard their networks and data.


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