March 14, 2024 at 01:21AM
In mid-January 2024, a DarkGate malware campaign leveraged a Microsoft Windows security flaw, leading to attacks targeting financial institutions. The flaw, CVE-2024-21412, was fixed in February 2024, but not before being exploited in conjunction with Google Ads open redirects. This tactic allowed threat actors to distribute malicious software installers, resulting in widespread infections.
In the meeting notes, the focus is on the DarkGate malware campaign and its exploitation of a recently patched security flaw in Microsoft Windows. The campaign leveraged Google DoubleClick Digital Marketing open redirects to lead victims to compromised sites hosting the Microsoft Windows SmartScreen bypass vulnerability (CVE-2024-21412) in order to deliver the DarkMe malware. The attack chain involved phishing emails with PDF attachments containing links that deployed open redirects and subsequently distributed fake Microsoft software installers, ultimately leading to infections with DarkGate. The notes also mention other cybersecurity threats such as information stealers and stealer malware families, as well as the exploitation of legitimate platforms like YouTube and Discord for malware distribution.
The meeting notes provide a comprehensive overview of the DarkGate malware campaign and its associated vulnerabilities, tactics, and impact. This information can be used to formulate a clear understanding of the cybersecurity risks posed by the campaign and the best practices for protecting against such threats.