Cyber Criminals Push the Boundaries: Exploring a New Wave of Certificate Abuse

Cyber Criminals Employ New Type of Certificate Abuse to Spread Malware

Introduction

In a new wave of cyber attacks, threat actors are resorting to a novel form of certificate abuse to distribute info-stealing malware. The attackers aim to collect sensitive data, including credentials, and even steal cryptocurrency from Windows systems. Experts have identified this campaign using search engine optimization (SEO) poisoning, which leads to search results featuring malicious pages promoting illegal software cracks and downloads. Researchers from South Korea-based AhnLab have shed light on this alarming trend, revealing how these attackers are evading detection with the use of abnormal certificates. This report will delve into the details of this new form of certificate abuse, the potential implications of this technique, and provide advice on how to stay safe in the digital realm.

The Mechanics of the Attack

The malware employed in this campaign incorporates remote access Trojans (RATs) known as LummaC2 and RecordBreaker, also referred to as Raccoon Stealer V2. The attackers use abnormal certificates to facilitate their malicious activities. These certificates feature Subject Name and Issuer Name fields with unusually long strings, making them hard to inspect using standard tools or visible in Windows systems. The signature strings embedded in these certificates diverge from the usual English character structures and include non-English languages such as Arabic and Japanese, along with special characters and punctuation marks. This unique characteristic of the malware-laden certificates poses a challenge for security defenses, as they may confuse and slip past some currently implemented detection mechanisms.

Implications and Significance

While certificate abuse is not new in the realm of cyber attacks, this new technique represents a break from the usual tactics employed by threat actors. In typical scenarios, malware disguises itself using normal certificates that can pass signature verification, making it appear as authentic software. However, in this campaign, the attackers are using certificates that are intentionally incorrect, leading to a higher chance of being flagged as suspicious. Researchers suggest that this approach may aim to exploit the confusion created by the abnormal certificates and bypass certain security measures.

This development highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of cyber criminals in constantly adapting and evolving their methods to exploit vulnerabilities. The fact that this campaign has been consistently distributing similar samples with slight structural variations for over two months suggests a deliberate and focused effort by the threat actors.

Data Theft and Secondary Damages

The LummaC2 and Raccoon Stealer malware are well-known in the cybersecurity community for their malicious functionality. Once infected, these malware variants can pilfer sensitive user information, including browser-saved account credentials, documents, and cryptocurrency wallet files. This data can then be transmitted to the threat actor, potentially leading to severe secondary damages. Moreover, additional malware can be installed on the infected system, enabling continuous malicious activities.

Protecting Yourself Online

Given the emerging threat of this new form of certificate abuse, it is crucial for Windows users to exercise caution when downloading software online, particularly from websites known for distributing illegal versions of popular applications. Taking proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to such attacks. Here are some recommendations to enhance online security:

1. Download Software from Official Sources

Stick to authorized and reputable sources when downloading software. Official websites and legitimate app stores are less likely to host compromised applications. Be wary of websites offering cracked versions of software, as these are often breeding grounds for malware distribution.

2. Keep Software Up-to-Date

Regularly update your software to ensure you have the latest security patches installed. Outdated software can be targeted by attackers looking for vulnerabilities that have already been patched.

3. Use Robust Security Software

Invest in reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to add an extra layer of protection to your system. These programs can identify and block potential threats, including those employing certificate abuse.

4. Practice Safe Browsing Habits

Exercise caution when clicking on links and visiting unfamiliar websites. Be especially wary of promotions or downloads that seem too good to be true, as they may harbor malware. Maintain strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication whenever possible, and avoid clicking on suspicious email attachments.

5. Stay Informed

Stay updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and trends. By staying informed, you can better recognize potential risks and take appropriate actions to protect yourself and your information.

Conclusion

The emergence of this new type of certificate abuse raises concerns about the evolving tactics of cyber criminals. By utilizing abnormal certificates featuring long strings and multiple languages, threat actors attempt to evade detection and execute their malicious activities. This campaign highlights the importance of continuously improving our cybersecurity defenses and adopting proactive measures to ensure online safety. Combining vigilant browsing habits, regular software updates, and robust security software can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these evolving cyber threats.