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Scrape Timestamp (UTC): 2025-02-11 09:59:50.912

Source: https://thehackernews.com/2025/02/threat-actors-exploit-clickfix-to.html

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Threat Actors Exploit ClickFix to Deploy NetSupport RAT in Latest Cyber Attacks. Threat actors have observed the increasingly common ClickFix technique to deliver a remote access trojan named NetSupport RAT since early January 2025. NetSupport RAT, typically propagated via bogus websites and fake browser updates, grants attackers full control over the victim's host, allowing them to monitor the device's screen in real-time, control the keyboard and mouse, upload and download files, and launch and execute malicious commands. Originally known as NetSupport Manager, it was developed as a legitimate remote IT support program, but has since been repurposed by malicious actors to target organizations and capture sensitive information, including screenshots, audio, video, and files. "ClickFix is a technique used by threat actors to inject a fake CAPTCHA webpage on compromised websites, instructing users to follow certain steps to copy and execute malicious PowerShell commands on their host to download and run malware payloads," eSentire said in an analysis. In the attack chains identified by the cybersecurity company, the PowerShell command is used to download and execute the NetSupport RAT client from a remote server that hosts the malicious components in the form of PNG image files. The development comes as the ClickFix approach is also being used to propagate an updated version of the Lumma Stealer malware that uses the ChaCha20 cipher for decrypting a configuration file containing the list of command-and-control (C2) servers. "These changes provide insight into the evasive tactics employed by the developer(s) who are actively working to circumvent current extraction and analysis tools," eSentire said.

Daily Brief Summary

MALWARE // Threat Actors Use ClickFix Technique to Deploy NetSupport RAT

Threat actors are utilizing the ClickFix technique to distribute the NetSupport RAT, targeting organizations since early January 2025.

NetSupport RAT allows full remote control of the victim's device including real-time screen monitoring, file management, and execution of commands.

Originally a legitimate IT support tool known as NetSupport Manager, this software has been repurposed for malicious use by cybercriminals.

Victims are tricked into downloading the RAT via compromised websites displaying a fake CAPTCHA page that leads to executing malicious PowerShell commands.

These PowerShell commands facilitate the downloading and execution of the malware from remote servers disguised as PNG files.

The same ClickFix method is also being applied to deliver a new version of the Lumma Stealer malware, highlighting an evolution in cyberattack strategies.

Advanced methods such as the ChaCha20 cipher are employed by Lumma Stealer for decrypting configuration files, indicating enhanced tactics to evade detection.