CyberSecurity news
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Stu Sjouwerman@blog.knowbe4.com
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References:
Cyber Security News
, gbhackers.com
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A widespread smishing campaign targeting toll road users across the United States has been uncovered by cybersecurity researchers. The campaign, active since October 2024, involves attackers sending fraudulent SMS messages claiming that victims owe small amounts, typically under $5, for unpaid tolls. These messages warn of late fees and redirect recipients to spoofed websites designed to mimic legitimate toll service platforms like E-ZPass. The goal is to steal sensitive user information, including personal details and credit card information.
These fraudulent websites prompt victims to solve a fake CAPTCHA before being redirected to a webpage displaying a fabricated bill. The bill includes the victim’s name and warns of a $35 late payment fee, urging them to proceed with payment. Once victims click “Proceed Now,” they are taken to another fake page where they are asked to provide personal details such as their name, address, phone number, and credit card information. This data is then stolen by the threat actors. The campaign spans at least eight states, including Washington, Florida, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Texas, Ohio, Illinois, and Kansas, identified through spoofed domains containing state-specific abbreviations observed in the SMS messages. Cisco Talos attributes this campaign to multiple financially motivated threat actors using smishing kits developed by an individual known as “Wang Duo Yu.” These kits have been previously linked to large-scale smishing attacks targeting mail services like USPS and financial institutions. Wang Duo Yu operates several Telegram channels and forums promoting smishing kits and offering tutorials on phishing techniques. His kits are priced between $20 and $50 depending on the features and support provided. The typosquatted domains used in the campaign resolve to specific IP addresses: 45[.]152[.]115[.]161, 82[.]147[.]88[.]22, and more recently 43[.]156[.]47[.]209. Recommended read:
References :
Sathwik Ram@seqrite.com
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Pakistan-linked SideCopy APT has escalated its cyber operations, employing new tactics to infiltrate crucial sectors. Seqrite Labs APT team uncovered these new tactics deployed since the last week of December 2024. The Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group, previously focused on Indian government, defence, maritime sectors, and university students, is expanding its targeting scope.
The group has broadened its targets to include critical sectors such as railways, oil & gas, and external affairs ministries. One notable shift in their recent campaigns is the transition from using HTML Application (HTA) files to adopting Microsoft Installer (MSI) packages as a primary staging mechanism. This evolution is marked by increasingly sophisticated methods, such as reflective DLL loading and AES encryption via PowerShell. Furthermore, SideCopy is actively repurposing open-source tools like XenoRAT and SparkRAT to enhance their penetration and exploitation capabilities. The group customizes these tools and employs a newly identified Golang-based malware dubbed CurlBack RAT, specifically designed to execute DLL side-loading attacks. Recent campaigns demonstrate an increased use of phishing emails masquerading as government officials to deliver malicious payloads, often using compromised official domains and fake domains mimicking e-governance services. Recommended read:
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@slashnext.com
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A new AI platform called Xanthorox AI has emerged in the cybercrime landscape, advertised as a full-spectrum hacking assistant and is circulating within cybercrime communities on darknet forums and encrypted channels. First spotted in late Q1 2025, this tool is marketed as the "killer of WormGPT and all EvilGPT variants," suggesting its creators intend to supplant earlier malicious AI models. Unlike previous malicious AI tools, Xanthorox AI boasts an independent, multi-model framework, operating on private servers and avoiding reliance on public cloud infrastructure or APIs, making it more difficult to trace and shut down.
Xanthorox AI provides a modular GenAI platform for offensive cyberattacks, offering a one-stop shop for developing a range of cybercriminal operations. This darknet-exclusive tool uses five custom models to launch advanced, autonomous cyberattacks, marking a new era in AI-driven threats. The toolkit includes Xanthorox Coder for automating code creation, script development, malware generation, and vulnerability exploitation. Xanthorox Vision adds visual intelligence by analyzing uploaded images or screenshots to extract data, while Reasoner Advanced mimics human logic to generate convincing social engineering outputs. Furthermore, Xanthorox AI supports voice-based interaction through real-time calls and asynchronous messaging, enabling hands-free command and control. The platform emphasizes data containment and operates offline, ensuring users can avoid third-party AI telemetry risks. SlashNext refers to it as “the next evolution of black-hat AI” because Xanthorox is not based on existing AI platforms like GPT. Instead, it uses five separate AI models, and everything runs on private servers controlled by the creators, meaning it has few ways for defenders to track or shut it down. Recommended read:
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info@thehackernews.com (The@The Hacker News
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A new phishing campaign called 'PoisonSeed' has emerged, posing a significant cybersecurity threat by targeting customer relationship management (CRM) platforms and bulk email service providers. The campaign leverages compromised credentials to distribute emails containing cryptocurrency seed phrases, aiming to drain victims' digital wallets. This activity forms part of a broader supply chain attack, impacting enterprise organizations and individuals outside the cryptocurrency industry, with crypto companies like Coinbase and Ledger and bulk email providers such as Mailchimp, SendGrid, Hubspot, Mailgun, and Zoho among the targeted companies.
PoisonSeed's method involves creating convincing phishing pages mimicking login portals for popular CRM and email platforms. These deceptive pages trick victims into revealing their credentials, after which the attackers automate the export of email lists and create API keys for persistent access. Compromised accounts are then used to send bulk phishing emails with urgent lures, such as fake wallet migration notices, urging recipients to set up new cryptocurrency wallets using a provided seed phrase. If entered, this seed phrase allows attackers to access the wallet and steal funds, initiating a cryptocurrency seed phrase poisoning attack. Silent Push analysts have identified an extensive list of Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) associated with PoisonSeed's infrastructure, including phishing domains like mailchimp-sso[.]com and C2 Servers with IP addresses such as 212.224.88[.]188. While PoisonSeed shares some tactics with known groups like Scattered Spider and CryptoChameleon, it's considered a distinct entity with a focus on cryptocurrency theft rather than ransomware attacks. This malicious campaign exploits CRM credentials to spread cryptocurrency seed phrase attacks, placing many wallets at risk of compromise. Recommended read:
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@gbhackers.com
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References:
gbhackers.com
, Malwarebytes
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Cybercriminals are increasingly employing sophisticated tactics to bypass traditional security measures and ensnare unsuspecting users in phishing scams. One notable trend is the use of benign-worded email subjects such as "request," "forward," and "report" to lower suspicion. Additionally, attackers are leveraging URL shorteners and QR codes to mask malicious links, making it harder for users and security systems to identify threats. These techniques allow cybercriminals to evade detection and increase the likelihood of successful attacks aimed at stealing personal and financial information.
Tax-themed phishing campaigns are surging as the United States approaches Tax Day on April 15th. Microsoft has observed threat actors exploiting tax-related anxieties through emails containing malicious attachments. These attachments frequently include QR codes that redirect users to fake login pages designed to steal credentials. In other instances, attackers embed DoubleClick URLs in PDF attachments that redirect users through shortened links to fake DocuSign pages, serving either malicious JavaScript files leading to malware installation or benign decoy files based on filtering rules. The malware families being deployed in these campaigns are becoming increasingly advanced. Latrodectus, for example, features dynamic command-and-control configurations and anti-analysis capabilities, allowing attackers to execute Windows commands remotely and establish persistence through scheduled tasks. BruteRatel C4 (BRc4), originally designed for red-teaming exercises, is being exploited for post-exploitation activities, enabling attackers to bypass security defenses. According to Kendall McKay, strategic lead for cyber threat intelligence at Cisco’s Talos division, phishing scams are constantly evolving to maintain their effectiveness. Recommended read:
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info@thehackernews.com (The@The Hacker News
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The Lucid PhaaS platform, operated by the XinXin group, is being used in sophisticated smishing campaigns targeting 169 entities across 88 countries. This Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) platform leverages legitimate communication channels like Apple iMessage and Android RCS to bypass traditional SMS spam filters, significantly increasing delivery and success rates. Cybercriminals are using Lucid to harvest credit card details and personally identifiable information (PII) for financial fraud.
The platform employs social engineering tactics, including impersonating postal services, courier companies, and tax refund agencies. It offers credit card validation tools and can clone any brand's website to create phishing versions. Telecom providers face challenges in preventing these attacks due to the end-to-end encryption of iMessage and RCS. Cybersecurity experts recommend that users independently verify communications with trusted organizations through official channels to avoid falling victim to these scams. Recommended read:
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Bill Mann@CyberInsider
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CISA, along with the NSA, FBI, and international cybersecurity partners, has issued a joint advisory regarding the increasing use of the "fast flux" technique by cybercriminals and nation-state actors. This DNS evasion method allows attackers to rapidly change the DNS records associated with their malicious servers, making it difficult to track and block their activities. This tactic is used to obfuscate the location of malicious servers, enabling them to create resilient and highly available command and control infrastructures while concealing malicious operations.
Fast flux, characterized by quickly changing IP addresses linked to a single domain, exploits weaknesses in network defenses. The advisory, titled 'Fast Flux: A National Security Threat,' urges organizations, internet service providers (ISPs), and security firms to strengthen their defenses against these attacks. Service providers, especially Protective DNS providers (PDNS), are urged to track, share information, and block fast flux activity to safeguard critical infrastructure and national security. Recommended read:
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Fogerlog@Phishing Tackle
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A new sophisticated Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) platform, dubbed "Morphing Meerkat," is exploiting DNS MX records to dynamically deliver tailored phishing pages, targeting over 100 brands. This operation enables both technical and non-technical cybercriminals to launch targeted attacks, bypassing security systems through the exploitation of open redirects on adtech servers and compromised WordPress websites. The platform's primary attack vector involves mass spam delivery and dynamic content tailoring, evading traditional security measures.
Researchers have discovered that Morphing Meerkat queries DNS MX records using Cloudflare DoH or Google Public DNS to customize fake login pages based on the victim's email service provider. This technique allows the platform to map these records to corresponding phishing HTML files, featuring over 114 unique brand designs. This personalized phishing experience significantly increases the likelihood of successful credential theft. The phishing kit also uses code obfuscation and anti-analysis measures to hinder detection, supporting over a dozen languages to target users globally. Recommended read:
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@The DefendOps Diaries
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Vivaldi browser has integrated Proton VPN directly into its system, offering users a seamless way to protect their data from 'Big Tech' surveillance. The integration means users can now access VPN services without the need for external downloads or plugin activations. This move signifies a commitment to enhancing user privacy and challenging the data collection practices of major tech firms. The VPN button is available directly in the toolbar to improve user experience.
Vivaldi's partnership with Proton VPN brings browser-level privacy tools to users, allowing them to encrypt all internet traffic and protect them from persistent tracking. When enabled, browsing activity is transmitted through Proton VPN's encrypted tunnels, which obfuscates the user's IP address. The integration aims to provide enhanced protection against tracking and surveillance and sets new standards in digital security. Recommended read:
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Deeba Ahmed@hackread.com
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A new wave of Android malware campaigns are exploiting Microsoft’s .NET MAUI framework to target users, particularly in India and China. Cybersecurity researchers at McAfee Labs have identified these malicious applications, which disguise themselves as legitimate services like banking and social media apps, to steal sensitive user information. These fake apps, collectively codenamed FakeApp, are not distributed through official channels like Google Play, but rather through bogus links sent via messaging apps and unofficial app stores. .NET MAUI, designed as a cross-platform development framework, allows these threats to conceal malicious code, making them difficult to detect by traditional antivirus solutions.
Researchers have found that the malware's core functionalities are written entirely in C# and stored as binary large objects, evading detection methods that typically analyze DEX files or native libraries. For instance, a fraudulent banking app impersonates IndusInd Bank, targeting Indian users by prompting them to enter personal and financial details, which are then sent to the attacker's command-and-control server. Another instance involves a fake social networking service app aimed at Chinese-speaking users, employing multi-stage dynamic loading to decrypt and execute its payload in separate stages, further complicating analysis and disrupting security tools. Recommended read:
References :
@cyberalerts.io
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The FBI has issued a warning about the rising trend of cybercriminals using fake file converter tools to distribute malware. These tools, often advertised as free online document converters, are designed to trick users into downloading malicious software onto their computers. While these tools may perform the advertised file conversion, they also secretly install malware that can lead to identity theft, ransomware attacks, and the compromise of sensitive data.
The threat actors exploit various file converter or downloader tools, enticing users with promises of converting files from one format to another, such as .doc to .pdf, or combining multiple files. The malicious code, disguised as a file conversion utility, can scrape uploaded files for personal identifying information, including social security numbers, banking information, and cryptocurrency wallet addresses. The FBI advises users to be cautious of such tools and report any instances of this scam to protect their assets. The FBI Denver Field Office is warning that they are increasingly seeing scams involving free online document converter tools and encourages victims to report any instances of this scam. Malwarebytes has identified some of these suspect file converters, which include Imageconvertors.com, convertitoremp3.it, convertisseurs-pdf.com and convertscloud.com. The agency emphasized the importance of educating individuals about these threats to prevent them from falling victim to these scams. Recommended read:
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@itpro.com
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A supply chain attack has targeted the widely used GitHub Action 'tj-actions/changed-files-action,' leading to the leakage of secrets from numerous repositories. This incident, first reported by Step Security, involved the compromise of the action, allowing attackers to inject malicious code into CI workflows. This code was designed to dump CI runner memory, potentially exposing sensitive information like API keys and passwords in public repository workflow logs. The compromised 'tj-actions/changed-files' repository and the GitHub gist hosting the malicious script have since been removed to mitigate further exploitation.
This vulnerability, assigned CVE-2025-30066, affected all versions of 'tj-actions/changed-files' as of March 15, 2025. The malicious code was introduced through a spoofed commit from the Renovate bot, enabling unauthorized access and modification of the action's code. While no external exfiltration of secrets to an attacker-controlled server has been observed, the exposure within affected repositories remains a significant risk. Impacted organizations are urged to take immediate action to mitigate the risk of credential theft and CI pipeline compromise, particularly in public repositories where secrets in workflow logs are publicly accessible. Recommended read:
References :
Sunny Yadav@eSecurity Planet
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Cybersecurity experts are warning of a coordinated surge in Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) exploitation attempts across multiple platforms. Threat intelligence firm GreyNoise reported on March 9, 2025, that approximately 400 unique IP addresses were actively involved in exploiting multiple SSRF vulnerabilities simultaneously. These attacks span several countries, including the United States, Germany, Singapore, India, Japan, and Lithuania, targeting critical systems in cloud environments and enterprise infrastructures.
This alarming trend highlights the persistent risks organizations face from evolving attack methods. The SSRF vulnerabilities being exploited include critical flaws in widely used software platforms like Zimbra Collaboration Suite (CVE-2020-7796), VMware products (CVE-2021-21973 and CVE-2021-22054), and multiple CVEs in GitLab's CE/EE versions, along with targets in DotNetNuke and Ivanti Connect Secure. GreyNoise also observed Grafana path traversal attempts preceding the SSRF surge, indicating attackers may be using Grafana as a foothold for deeper exploitation. Defenders should identify and disrupt early-stage activity by monitoring for reconnaissance behaviors, such as path traversal attempts, which may provide early warning signs before full-scale exploitation occurs. Organizations should act now to patch vulnerable systems, restrict access where possible, and monitor for unexpected outbound requests that could indicate SSRF exploitation. The attacks reflect a shift from opportunistic scanning to more deliberate, coordinated campaigns that aim to breach internal systems and extract valuable data. Recommended read:
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@zdnet.com
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Federal cybersecurity agencies, including the FBI and CISA, have issued an urgent advisory regarding the escalating threat of Medusa ransomware. Since its emergence in 2021, Medusa has targeted over 300 victims across various critical infrastructure sectors, including medical, education, legal, insurance, technology, and manufacturing. The group's activities have accelerated in recent months, prompting immediate action recommendations for organizations. Medusa operates as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, now recruiting affiliates from criminal forums to launch attacks, encrypt data, and extort victims worldwide.
Medusa actors leverage common ransomware tactics, including phishing campaigns and exploiting unpatched software vulnerabilities. They employ a double extortion strategy by encrypting victim data and threatening to publicly release it if the ransom is not paid. To mitigate the risk, CISA and the FBI recommend organizations update systems regularly to close known vulnerabilities, implement network segmentation to restrict lateral movement, and enable multi-factor authentication for all services. They also urge organizations to report incidents promptly to aid in tracking and combating the growing threat. Recommended read:
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Dhara Shrivastava@cysecurity.news
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February witnessed a record-breaking surge in ransomware attacks, fueled by the prolific activity of groups like CL0P, known for exploiting MFT vulnerabilities. The ransomware landscape is also seeing significant activity from groups like Akira and RansomHub.
Recent analysis reveals a notable development with the Black Basta and CACTUS ransomware groups, uncovering a shared BackConnect module. This module, internally tracked as QBACKCONNECT, provides extensive remote control capabilities, including executing commands and exfiltrating sensitive data. The Qilin ransomware group has also claimed responsibility for attacks on the Utsunomiya Central Clinic (UCC), a cancer treatment center in Japan, and Rockhill Women's Care, a gynecology facility in Kansas City, stealing and leaking sensitive patient data. Recommended read:
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@World - CBSNews.com
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The U.S. Justice Department has indicted 12 Chinese nationals for their alleged involvement in state-linked cyber operations. The individuals include employees of the Chinese technology firm i-Soon, members of the APT27 group (also known as Emissary Panda, TG-3390, Bronze Union, and Lucky Mouse), and two officers from China's Ministry of Public Security. These indictments shed light on the hacking tools and methods allegedly employed in a global hacking scandal. The Justice Department stated that the Ministry of State Security (MSS) and Ministry of Public Security (MPS) utilized an extensive network of private companies, including i-Soon, to conduct unauthorized computer intrusions in the U.S. and elsewhere.
The U.S. DoJ charges these individuals with data theft and suppressing dissent worldwide. i-Soon, identified as one of the private companies involved, allegedly provided tools and methods to customers and hacked for the PRC (People's Republic of China). These actions highlight a significant cybersecurity concern involving state-sponsored actors and their use of private firms to conduct cyber espionage. Recommended read:
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@cyberalerts.io
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The Splunk Threat Research Team has revealed a widespread cyber campaign specifically targeting Internet Service Provider (ISP) infrastructure providers on the West Coast of the United States and in China. Over 4,000 ISP-related IP addresses were explicitly targeted. This mass exploitation campaign involves the deployment of information stealers and crypto miners on compromised systems.
The attack leverages brute-force tactics to exploit weak credentials, gaining initial access to the targeted networks. Once inside, the attackers deploy cryptomining and info-stealing malware. This campaign is believed to have originated from Eastern Europe, highlighting the global nature of cyber threats and the importance of robust security measures for critical infrastructure providers. Recommended read:
References :
Swagta Nath@The420.in
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The cybercriminal group EncryptHub, also known as LARVA-208, has successfully breached 618 organizations globally since June 2024. The group utilizes sophisticated social engineering techniques, including spear-phishing, to steal credentials and deploy ransomware on corporate networks. The attacks are designed to compromise systems and steal sensitive information, showcasing a high level of sophistication and a clear focus on targeting businesses worldwide.
LARVA-208's methods involve impersonating IT personnel and deceiving employees into divulging VPN credentials or installing remote management software. They have also been observed registering domain names mimicking popular VPN services to enhance the credibility of their phishing campaigns. After gaining access, the group deploys custom-developed PowerShell scripts to install information-stealing malware and ransomware, encrypting files on compromised systems and demanding cryptocurrency payments via ransom notes left on the victim device. Recommended read:
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@www.the420.in
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A large-scale malware campaign has compromised over 35,000 websites by injecting malicious JavaScript. The injected scripts redirect users to Chinese-language gambling platforms, specifically under the "Kaiyun" brand. This attack utilizes obfuscated JavaScript payloads to hijack user browsers, replacing legitimate website content with full-page redirects.
This malicious campaign operates by embedding a one-line `` tag into the source code of affected websites. These scripts then reference domains like zuizhongjs[.]com and other similar URLs. Once loaded, these scripts dynamically inject further payloads, manipulating browser behavior and creating a full-screen overlay that redirects users to unlicensed gambling platforms in Mandarin, targeting users in regions where Mandarin is predominantly spoken. The attackers employ techniques such as string concatenation and Unicode escapes to conceal their activities and evade detection by automated security systems. Recommended read:
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Pierluigi Paganini@Security Affairs
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The GitVenom campaign, a sophisticated cyber threat, has been uncovered, exploiting GitHub repositories to spread malicious code and steal cryptocurrency. This campaign involves creating hundreds of repositories that appear legitimate but contain malicious code designed to infect users’ systems. The attackers craft these fake projects in multiple programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, C, C++, and C#, to lure unsuspecting developers. These projects often promise functionalities like automation tools but instead deploy malicious payloads that download additional components from attacker-controlled repositories.
The malicious components include a Node.js stealer that collects sensitive information like credentials and cryptocurrency wallet data, uploading it to the attackers. According to SecureListReport, a clipboard hijacker is also used to replace cryptocurrency wallet addresses, leading to significant financial theft. Kaspersky Labs discovered the GitVenom cybercrime campaign targeting GitHub users to steal cryptocurrency and credentials, with one attacker-controlled Bitcoin wallet receiving about 5 BTC (approximately $485,000) in November 2024. Recommended read:
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@www.bleepingcomputer.com
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References:
Anonymous ???????? :af:
, securityaffairs.com
Critical security vulnerabilities have been patched in Juniper Networks Session Smart Routers and several Atlassian products. A critical authentication bypass vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-21589, affects Juniper's Session Smart Router, Conductor, and WAN Assurance Managed Routers. Juniper Networks has released a patch to address this flaw, which could allow attackers to bypass authentication and gain control of affected Session Smart Router devices.
Australian software firm Atlassian has also released security patches to address 12 critical and high-severity vulnerabilities across its product suite, including Bamboo, Bitbucket, Confluence, Crowd, and Jira. Among the most severe vulnerabilities fixed is CVE-2024-50379, which has a CVSS score of 9.8 and could lead to remote code execution. Users of these products are strongly advised to apply the available patches as soon as possible to mitigate potential risks. Recommended read:
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Daniel Kelley@SlashNext
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A new phishing kit named Astaroth has emerged as a significant threat, targeting Microsoft, Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, Office 365, and other third-party login services. It uses an evilginx-style reverse proxy to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, enabling it to bypass two-factor authentication (2FA). Discovered on cybercrime marketplaces, Astaroth employs advanced techniques like session hijacking and real-time credential interception to dynamically retrieve authorization tokens, 2FA tokens, and session cookies, unlike traditional phishing tools.
Astaroth operates by redirecting victims to malicious servers mimicking legitimate login pages, complete with SSL certificates to avoid raising security warnings. The kit intercepts traffic in real-time, capturing login credentials and 2FA tokens before forwarding them to the legitimate server. Key features include bulletproof hosting and continuous updates for six months. It is marketed as an easy-to-use, 2-in-1 solution, costing $2000, and even includes pre-purchase testing to demonstrate its effectiveness in real-world attacks. Recommended read:
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CISO2CISO Editor 2@ciso2ciso.com
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A new, sophisticated cyber campaign is utilizing GitHub's infrastructure to distribute the Lumma Stealer malware, a notorious data-stealing tool. This campaign doesn't only focus on Lumma Stealer, it also distributes other malicious software including SectopRAT, Vidar, and Cobeacon. Attackers are exploiting the platform's release mechanisms to gain initial access to systems and subsequently deploy these harmful payloads. This tactic has allowed the threat actors to leverage a trusted platform, tricking users into downloading files from malicious URLs, thereby increasing the risk of widespread infections.
Trend Micro researchers have analyzed the tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) used in this campaign and found significant similarities with those used by the Stargazer Goblin group, indicating a potential connection between the two. The Lumma Stealer malware is known for extracting credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, system details, and other sensitive files. SOC Prime Platform has released detection content aimed at helping security teams proactively identify and thwart related threats. This includes Sigma rules for Lumma Stealer, SectopRAT, Vidar, and Cobeacon detection, highlighting the ongoing efforts to counter this dangerous threat. Recommended read:
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@www.justice.gov
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U.S. and Dutch law enforcement agencies have jointly dismantled a network of 39 domains and associated servers used in Business Email Compromise (BEC) fraud operations. The operation, codenamed "Operation Heart Blocker," took place on January 29th and targeted the infrastructure of a group known as "The Manipulaters," which also went by the name Saim Raza. This group operated online marketplaces originating from Pakistan, selling phishing toolkits, scam pages, email extractors, and fraud-enabling tools. The services marketed were utilized by transnational organized crime groups in the US who used these tools to target various victims with BEC schemes. These attacks tricked victim companies into making fraudulent payments which are estimated to have caused over $3 million in losses.
The seized domains and servers contained millions of records, including at least 100,000 pertaining to Dutch citizens. "The Manipulaters" marketed their services under various brands, including Heartsender, Fudpage, and Fudtools which specialized in spam and malware dissemination. The U.S. Department of Justice stated that Saim Raza-run websites not only sold the tools, but they also provided training to end users through instructional videos on how to execute schemes using the malicious programs, making them accessible to those without the technical expertise. The service was estimated to have thousands of customers. The tools were used to acquire victim user credentials which were then utilized to further the fraudulent schemes. Users can check to see if they were impacted by credential theft via a Dutch Police website. Recommended read:
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