How Windows utilities threaten your security by bypassing the protection
Citizen
Citizen Sec , 17-10-2024
Researchers from the French company HarfangLab have discovered a new malware campaign that distributes a dangerous loader called Hijack Loader. This loader uses legitimate digital signature certificates. The attackers launched their attacks in early October, and their goal is to install a data theft program known as Lumma.
Hijack Loader, also called DOILoader and SHADOWLADDER, first became known in September 2023. It is distributed through fake files that pose as pirated software or movies. New versions of the attacks direct users to fake CAPTCHA pages, where they are asked to enter data and run a malicious PowerShell command that downloads the infected file.
HarfangLab has noticed three variants of the malicious PowerShell script since mid-September. These scripts use Windows tools such as "mshta.exe " and "msiexec.exe ", to execute code and download malicious data from remote servers.
The files downloaded by the victims contain both legitimate programs and malicious components that download Hijack Loader. The malicious file decrypts and runs the encoded data intended to steal information.
Since October 2024, attackers have started using signed files instead of DLLs to avoid detection by antiviruses. Although it is unclear whether all the certificates were stolen, experts suggest that some of them may have been created by hackers. The certificates used to sign the malware have already been revoked.
Be careful and do not download programs from unreliable sources!
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