In a recent revelation, cybersecurity experts have uncovered a wave of fake antivirus websites posing a grave threat to Android and Windows users worldwide. These malicious sites, disguised as trusted names like Avast, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes, are actually conduits for insidious malware, designed to pilfer sensitive information from unsuspecting victims.
Gurumoorthi Ramanathan, a researcher at Trellix Security, expressed concern over the predatory nature of these deceptive websites, targeting consumers seeking to safeguard their digital devices. “Hosting malicious software behind seemingly legitimate facades poses a significant risk, particularly for those seeking protection against cyber threats,” Ramanathan warned.
Fake Antivirus Websites:
avast-securedownload[.]com: This site distributes the SpyNote trojan disguised as an Android package file named “Avast.apk.” Once installed, this malware requests intrusive permissions, allowing it to access SMS messages, call logs, install and delete apps, take screenshots, track location, and even engage in cryptocurrency mining.
bitdefender-app[.]com: Here, visitors encounter a ZIP archive file (“setup-win-x86-x64.exe.zip”) delivering the Lumma information stealer malware, capable of harvesting sensitive data from Windows devices.
malwarebytes[.]pro: This site distributes a RAR archive file (“MBSetup.rar”) containing the StealC information stealer malware, further compromising the security of unsuspecting users.
The Grim Reality:
Additionally, cybersecurity experts have identified a rogue Trellix binary named “AMCoreDat.exe,” serving as a conduit for deploying a stealer malware variant capable of harvesting browser data and transmitting it to remote servers. While the distribution methods of these malicious websites remain unclear, past campaigns have utilized tactics such as malvertising and search engine optimization poisoning to ensnare victims.
The Rising Threat:
Stealer malware has emerged as a prevalent threat, with cybercriminals continuously innovating to create custom variants like Acrid, SamsStealer, ScarletStealer, and Waltuhium Grabber. These malicious tools, advertised in underground markets, cater to the demand for stolen information, demonstrating the lucrative nature of cybercrime.
Kaspersky, in a recent report, highlighted the constant evolution and varying sophistication of stealers, underscoring the thriving criminal market surrounding these malicious tools.
Expanding Horizons:
In a related development, a new Android banking trojan named Antidot has surfaced, disguising itself as a Google Play update. Leveraging Android’s accessibility and MediaProjection APIs, Antidot perpetrates keylogging, overlay attacks, SMS exfiltration, screen captures, credentials theft, device manipulation, and execution of remote commands.
A Call to Vigilance:
As the digital landscape evolves, so do the tactics of cyber adversaries. It’s imperative for users to remain vigilant against such threats and exercise caution while navigating the internet. By staying informed and adopting robust security measures, individuals can safeguard themselves against the perils of cybercrime.
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