Threats tagged 'socks5'

Socket's Threat Research Team identified a campaign of 737 malicious VPN and proxy extensions in the Chrome Web Store, accumulating over 75,000 installs. The extensions, published across 40 developer accounts, target Russian-speaking users seeking access to blocked services. 274 extensions impersonate 66 established VPN brands including Proton VPN, NordVPN, and AmneziaVPN. The extensions route all browser traffic through SOCKS5 proxies controlled by a single operator on port 1082, placing the threat actor in an adversary-in-the-middle position. Premium subscription tiers advertise servers in five countries that do not resolve. The campaign employs DNS-over-HTTPS for evasion, post-approval code substitution, and coordinated review gaming. The operation is linked to a Russian subscription VPN business that names a tax-registered self-employed individual as the contracting party.

Campaign#brand impersonation#vpn fraudRussia

Mirax is a newly identified Android Remote Access Trojan operating as Malware-as-a-Service, actively targeting European users, particularly in Spanish-speaking regions. Distributed through Meta advertisements and GitHub-hosted droppers, the malware has reached over 200,000 accounts. It employs sophisticated techniques including dynamically fetched HTML overlays, comprehensive keylogging, and remote device control capabilities. A distinctive feature is its integration of SOCKS5-based residential proxy functionality, transforming infected devices into proxy nodes that enable attackers to route traffic through legitimate residential IP addresses. This capability allows operators to bypass geolocation restrictions and evade fraud detection systems while conducting account takeovers and transaction fraud. The malware uses commercial-grade obfuscation through Golden Encryption and establishes persistence through Accessibility Service abuse.

GhostSocks is an emerging threat that turns compromised devices into residential proxy nodes, enabling attackers to evade detection. Originally marketed on Russian underground forums as Malware-as-a-Service, it has gained popularity due to its partnership with Lumma Stealer. Written in GoLang, GhostSocks uses SOCKS5 proxy protocol and TLS encryption to blend malicious traffic into normal network activity. It also incorporates backdoor functionality for running arbitrary commands and deploying additional payloads. Darktrace observed an increase in GhostSocks activity, detecting it alongside Lumma Stealer in customer networks. The malware's versatility in converting devices into proxy nodes while enabling covert network access illustrates how threat actors maximize the value of compromised infrastructure.

Campaign#c2 infrastructure#ghostsocksUnited States+9

Community score -1

GhostSocks is a Malware-as-a-Service (MAAS) that converts compromised devices into residential proxies, enabling threat actors to bypass anti-fraud mechanisms. Introduced in October 2023, it gained popularity after partnering with LummaStealer in February 2024. The malware, coded in Golang, uses obfuscation techniques and can be built as a 32-bit DLL or executable. It doesn't implement persistence mechanisms but focuses on SOCKS5 functionality. GhostSocks uses a configuration file or hardcoded config to connect to C2 servers, randomly generates credentials, and establishes a SOCKS5 connection using open-source libraries. Despite law enforcement actions against related platforms, GhostSocks continues to operate, posing ongoing risks of double victimization and long-term network access for cybercriminals.

Malware#socks5#c2Germany+7