NCERT Warns of Fake CAPTCHA Pages Exploiting PowerShell for Malware Delivery
The National Computer Emergency Response Team (National CERT) has issued a cybersecurity advisory highlighting a new malware campaign that exploits fake CAPTCHA verification pages to deceive users.
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This campaign, dubbed “Fake CAPTCHA Pages Leveraging PowerShell for Malware Delivery,” reveals how cybercriminals are using social engineering tactics to trick users into compromising their systems. The attacks have primarily targeted individuals seeking free online content within the region.
According to the advisory, threat actors redirect users to malicious websites disguised as platforms offering free media. Here, users are prompted to complete a CAPTCHA verification. Upon interacting with the fraudulent CAPTCHA, a malicious script is copied to their clipboard, which they are then tricked into executing. This attack predominantly utilizes PowerShell to download additional malware onto the victim’s system, including information-stealing tools and network scanners that facilitate further exploitation.
The process begins when users are misdirected to fake CAPTCHA pages designed to mimic legitimate verification processes. By interacting with the CAPTCHA, users inadvertently execute harmful PowerShell scripts that download and run malicious files from an attacker’s server. Key indicators of compromise (IOCs) include several malicious URLs and file hashes, which the advisory urges organizations to monitor and block immediately.
According to National CERT, this campaign allows attackers to install various types of malware, such as infostealers and network scanners, enabling lateral movement within compromised networks. The malicious PowerShell commands can bypass traditional security defenses, making it essential for organizations to implement enhanced security measures, including robust endpoint protection and detailed PowerShell logging.
National CERT recommends several immediate preventive actions, including educating users about the risks of social engineering tactics, particularly those involving copying and pasting unknown commands. Organizations should continuously monitor network traffic for suspicious connections and enable PowerShell logging to detect unauthorized activity.
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The advisory suggests implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA), restricting privileged access, and deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to mitigate the risk of these attacks. Organizations are also urged to block all identified malicious domains and URLs to prevent further compromise.
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