Explore the latest news and trends  

Sign up for our weekly security newsletter


Be the first to receive important updates on security





Send

Powerful BlackHole Attack Kit Proliferating, Finds Symantec

Symantec the security company, a few days ago, warned that several potent exploits packed into a toolkit called BlackHole were profusely proliferating across the Web.

Consequently, users who'll access a sanitized website into which a malevolent iFrame has been inserted will find themselves diverted onto the server that hosts the BlackHole exploit toolkit. BlackHole conceals the exploits that abuse well-known security flaws like JAVA, PDF, MDAC, HCP and others.

Moreover, the website hosts malicious software, which diverts the visitor for taking down a hostile .JAR file. A particular class contained within this file reportedly pulls out the value it receives within the code after which it decodes that value to reveal a URL that later helps in executing more harmful downloads.

One malware this URL pulls down is Trojan.Carberp that incorporates certain distinct ID into the central C&C (command-and-control) server, which helps in the exchange of information between the server and the Trojan. Subsequently, the Trojan introduces each and every active process into the central command-and-control server from the victimized PC.

The Carberp further pulls down 3 modules: passw.plug, miniav.plug and stopav.plug for which it receives a command from the central server.

Unfortunately, according to Symantec, it's because of exploit toolkits similar to those mentioned above that non-skilled cyber-criminals find it so much easy for executing Internet assaults against businesses and consumers.

And as per its just published report titled "Attack Toolkits and Malicious Websites," Symantec reveals that approximately 66% of harmful operations on the Web during July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010 are attributed to attack codes and botnets set up with well-known exploit kits available for sale on the underground market.

Remarking about this fresh as well as rapidly developing trend, Shantanu Ghosh Vice-President of Product Operations for Symantec, India stated that previously hackers took more time in creating attack codes since they had to start from scratch for designing their own malware. But, currently, it was possible to access exploit toolkits; consequently, attacks proliferated rapidly. The toolkits were getting sold with discounts, guarantees and free services, Ghosh pointed out that Indianexpress.com published during the 1st week of February 2011.

Related article: Powerball Scammers Use Louisiana Lottery’s Name

» SPAMfighter News - 2/26/2011

3 simple steps to update drivers on your Windows PCSlow PC? Optimize your Slow PC with SLOW-PCfighter!Email Cluttered with Spam? Free Spam Filter!

Dear Reader

We are happy to see you are reading our IT Security News.

We do believe, that the foundation for a good work environment starts with fast, secure and high performing computers. If you agree, then you should take a look at our Business Solutions to Spam Filter & Antivirus for even the latest version of Exchange Servers - your colleagues will appreciate it!

Go back to previous page
Next