Dissecting YouTube's Malware Distribution Network
Source AlienVault OTX General
Description
Check Point Research identified a sophisticated malware distribution campaign on YouTube called the YouTube Ghost Network. This network uses over 3,000 malicious videos to spread infostealer malware, primarily Lumma and Rhadamanthys, targeting users seeking game cheats and pirated software. The operation involves compromised YouTube accounts assigned roles such as video uploaders, community posters, and interaction simulators. Active since 2021, the campaign saw a significant rise in activity in 2025. It employs evasion techniques including password-protected archives and frequent updates to malware payloads and command-and-control infrastructure. The campaign highlights evolving malware distribution tactics on popular platforms.
Indicators of compromise
Domains 1
- openai-pidor-with-ai.com
URLs 6
- http://openai-pidor-with-ai.com:6343
- https://178.16.53.236:6343/gateway/pqnrojhl.adc7k
- https://5.252.155.231/gateway/3jw9q65j.b3tit
- https://5.252.155.99/gateway/r2sh55wm.a56d3
- https://94.74.164.157:8888/gateway/6xomjoww.1hj7n
- https://openai-pidor-with-ai.com:6343/gateway/pqnrojhl.adc7k
IP addresses 5
- 178.16.53.236
- 25.1.0.120
- 5.252.155.231
- 5.252.155.99
- 94.74.164.157