Minecraft Players Hit by Java Malware Disguised as Mods on GitHub

TL;DR

• Over 1,500 Minecraft players have been infected by Java-based malware disguised as game mods on GitHub.
• The malware campaign uses a distribution-as-service (DaaS) offering called Stargazers Ghost Network.
• This highlights the growing threat of malware targeting popular gaming platforms and communities.

Minecraft Players Targeted by Java Malware on GitHub

A sophisticated multi-stage malware campaign has targeted Minecraft users, infecting over 1,500 players with Java-based malware masquerading as game mods on GitHub. This campaign leverages a distribution-as-service (DaaS) offering known as Stargazers Ghost Network, revealing a new level of threat to the gaming community.

According to a report by Check Point researchers Jaromír Hořejší and Antonis Terefos, shared with The Hacker News, the malware campaign specifically targets Minecraft users through a complex attack chain¹.

Key Findings of the Malware Campaign

• Distribution Method: The malware is distributed through GitHub, disguised as legitimate Minecraft mods.
• Multi-Stage Attack: The campaign involves multiple stages, making it difficult to detect and mitigate.
• DaaS Offering: The use of Stargazers Ghost Network highlights the growing trend of DaaS in malware distribution.

Implications for Cybersecurity

This incident underscores the importance of vigilance in the gaming community. Players should be cautious when downloading mods and other third-party content, especially from unverified sources. The use of DaaS in this campaign indicates a broader trend in cybercrime, where malicious actors are adopting service-based models to distribute malware more efficiently.

For more details, visit the full article: The Hacker News

Conclusion

The recent malware campaign targeting Minecraft players serves as a reminder of the evolving threats in the cybersecurity landscape. As gaming platforms continue to grow in popularity, they become increasingly attractive targets for cybercriminals. Players and platform providers must stay informed and proactive in implementing security measures to protect against such threats.

References

1. The Hacker News (2025). “1,500+ Minecraft Players Infected by Java Malware Masquerading as Game Mods on GitHub”. The Hacker News. Retrieved 2025-06-18. ↩︎