Malware campaigns abusing trusted software channels (browser extensions, developer tools, and Google Ads) to deliver RATs and stealers
Multiple active malware campaigns are abusing trusted distribution channels—including Chrome/Edge extensions, Visual Studio Code extensions, and Google Ads/redirection infrastructure—to trick users into executing payloads that deliver remote access trojans (RATs) or information stealers. Huntress reported a malvertising-driven fake ad blocker extension, NexShield, that intentionally forces Chrome/Edge into a crash/DoS state by looping chrome.runtime port connections; on restart it displays a fake “security warning” and uses a ClickFix-style social engineering flow (“CrashFix”) to push users to paste and run clipboard-copied commands that trigger an obfuscated PowerShell download-and-execute chain, ultimately deploying the Python-based ModeloRAT in corporate environments. Separately, Trend Micro described Evelyn Stealer delivered via a trojanized Visual Studio Code extension that drops a malicious Lightshot.dll side-loaded by legitimate Lightshot (Lightshot.exe), then runs staged PowerShell and payload retrieval to steal browser credentials, cookies, crypto wallets, VPN/Wi‑Fi data, files, and screenshots before exfiltrating to an attacker-controlled FTP server—posing elevated risk when developer workstations are compromised.
South Korea-focused activity also features prominently across several reports, with multiple delivery vectors leading to RAT deployment. ASEC documented Remcos RAT distributed via fake installers masquerading as VeraCrypt and via gambling-related “lookup” tools, using multi-stage obfuscated VBS/PowerShell chains and enabling credential theft, keylogging, and device surveillance (webcam/mic). Genians attributed “Operation Poseidon” to the Konni APT, describing spear-phishing that abuses Google’s advertising/tracking redirection (e.g., ad.doubleclick.net parameters) to make malicious links appear legitimate, redirecting victims to compromised WordPress infrastructure hosting ZIPs with LNK files that launch AutoIt-based loaders to run an EndRAT variant in memory. Nextron Systems reported widespread trojanized “free converter” apps promoted via malicious Google ads and lookalike converter sites (e.g., ez2convertapp[.]com, convertyfileapp[.]com), with some payloads signed using abused/rotating code-signing certificates (e.g., BLUE TAKIN LTD, TAU CENTAURI LTD, SPARROW TIDE LTD) to evade trust checks while installing persistent backdoors.
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