A sophisticated credit card skimmer malware campaign is targeting WordPress e-commerce websites, placing user payment information at risk. The malware operates by injecting malicious JavaScript code directly into the database tables of the content management system. This stealthy method allows the skimmer to evade traditional security detection systems, making it difficult to spot and remove. Once activated on the checkout page, the malware either hijacks existing payment fields or injects a fake payment form, closely mimicking legitimate payment processors. This form is designed to capture and record sensitive information such as credit card numbers, expiration dates, CVV numbers, and billing addresses.
The stolen data is then encoded using Base64 and encrypted with AES-CBC to make it appear harmless and harder to analyze. This encrypted data is subsequently sent to an attacker-controlled server using the navigator.sendBeacon function to avoid detection by the website user. The collected data, including payment card details and potentially other personal information, is then used for fraudulent transactions or sold on underground markets. Website owners are advised to examine custom HTML widgets, apply the latest security updates and patches, implement two-factor authentication, regularly review admin accounts, implement file integrity monitoring and use a website firewall for protection.