Threats Tagged 'code signing'

A credential theft campaign by Storm-2561 exploits SEO poisoning to distribute fake VPN clients. Users searching for legitimate VPN software are redirected to malicious websites hosting ZIP files containing trojans masquerading as trusted VPN clients. These digitally signed trojans harvest VPN credentials and exfiltrate data to attacker-controlled infrastructure. The campaign uses GitHub repositories, legitimate code-signing certificates, and sophisticated post-theft redirection strategies to avoid detection. The attack chain involves initial access through SEO manipulation, execution of malicious MSI files, credential theft via fake VPN interfaces, and data exfiltration. Defensive recommendations include enabling cloud-delivered protection, using EDR in block mode, and enforcing multi-factor authentication.

MediumMalwareUnited StatesUnited KingdomGermany+9#credential theft#code signing#vpn

EndClient RAT is a newly identified Remote Access Trojan attributed to the North Korean Kimsuky group, targeting human rights defenders. Delivered via a signed Microsoft Installer package disguised as 'StressClear.msi', it uses AutoIT scripts for execution and establishes persistence through scheduled tasks and startup folder entries. The malware communicates with its command and control server using a custom protocol with JSON markers, enabling remote shell access, file upload/download, and system reconnaissance. It employs in-memory modules for binary search, Base64 encoding/decoding, and LZMA decompression to evade detection. Detection rates are currently low, increasing the risk of undetected compromise. While primarily targeting North Korean human rights defenders, the malware's capabilities pose risks to any organization with similar exposure or interest. No known exploits in the wild have been reported yet, but the threat is medium severity due to its stealth and persistence mechanisms.

MediumMalwareGermanyFranceNetherlands+4#north korea#human rights defenders#persistence