26 February
In a recent threat report published by CyberHunter_NL on February 25, 2025, a significant cyber threat has been identified involving malicious Chrome extensions. This report highlights the discovery of at least 16 malicious browser extensions that have impacted approximately 3.2 million users worldwide. These extensions, which span various functionalities such as screen capture, ad blocking, and emoji keyboards, are being used to inject code into browsers for advertising and search engine optimization fraud.
The threat actor behind these malicious activities has been identified as acquiring access to some of the extensions directly from their original developers rather than through a compromise. This method allows the threat actor to trojanize the extensions, embedding malicious code that can degrade browser security and inject harmful content. The attack chain used by the threat actor is complex and multistage, making it difficult for security researchers to fully reproduce.
The impact of these malicious extensions is far-reaching. They present a significant risk of sensitive information leakage or initial access, which could lead to further cyber attacks. The threat actor’s activities have been ongoing since at least July 2024, indicating a well-planned and sustained campaign. Additionally, there are indications that the threat actor may also be involved in phishing kit development or distribution, adding another layer of complexity to their operations.
The report provides detailed insights into the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by the threat actor. The malicious extensions traverse browser security boundaries and hide malicious code outside of the extensions themselves, making detection and mitigation challenging. This sophisticated approach underscores the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect users from such threats.
For organizations and individuals concerned about this threat, several recommendations can be made:
- Regularly Update Extensions: Ensure that all browser extensions are regularly updated to their latest versions. Developers often release patches and updates to address security vulnerabilities.
- Use Reputable Sources: Download extensions only from reputable sources such as the official Chrome Web Store. Avoid third-party websites or unverified sources.
- Enable Browser Security Features: Utilize built-in browser security features like Safe Browsing, which can warn users about potentially harmful sites and extensions.
- Monitor for Unusual Activity: Keep an eye out for unusual browser behavior, such as unexpected pop-ups, slow performance, or unauthorized changes to settings. These could be indicators of malicious activity.
- Implement Endpoint Protection: Use comprehensive endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block malicious extensions before they cause harm.
- Educate Users: Conduct regular cybersecurity awareness training for users to recognize the signs of phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics.
The report also provides external references for further reading, including detailed indicators of compromise (IOCs) and additional information on the threat actor’s activities. These resources can be invaluable for security professionals looking to deepen their understanding of this threat and implement effective countermeasures.
In conclusion, the discovery of these malicious browser extensions serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of cyber threats. Organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in their approach to cybersecurity, continuously updating their defenses to protect against emerging threats. By following the recommendations outlined above, users can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to such attacks.
For additional information, please refer to the external references provided in the report:
- https://gitlab-com.gitlab.io/gl-security/security-tech-notes/threat-intelligence-tech-notes/malicious-browser-extensions-feb-2025/#appendix-indicators-of-compromise
- https://otx.alienvault.com/pulse/67bde3bea84073490da3ae05
This report is completely reliable, with a confidence level of 100 and a reliability rating of A. It underscores the importance of staying informed about emerging cyber threats and taking proactive measures to safeguard against them.
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