ClearFake Malware Campaign: 9,300 Sites Infected Using Fake reCAPTCHA and Turnstile

TL;DR

The ClearFake campaign has compromised 9,300 websites by using fake reCAPTCHA and Turnstile verifications to distribute info-stealing malware.

• Key highlights include the use of fake web browser updates as bait and the distribution of malware like Lumma Stealer and Vidar Stealer.
• The campaign, first identified in July 2023, continues to evolve and pose significant threats.

ClearFake Campaign: A Growing Cyber Threat

The ClearFake campaign, a significant cybersecurity threat first highlighted in July 2023, has recently escalated its operations. This malicious activity cluster employs deceptive tactics to distribute malware, notably affecting over 9,300 websites. The primary vector for this distribution is compromised WordPress sites, where users are tricked into downloading malware disguised as web browser updates.

Deceptive Tactics: Fake Verifications

Fake reCAPTCHA and Turnstile Verifications

At the heart of the ClearFake campaign are fake reCAPTCHA and Cloudflare Turnstile verifications. These deceptive elements are designed to lure unsuspecting users into a false sense of security. By mimicking legitimate verification processes, the attackers can trick users into downloading malware such as Lumma Stealer and Vidar Stealer. These info-stealers are capable of harvesting sensitive information from infected systems, posing a significant risk to both individual users and organizations.

Malware Distribution and Impact

Info-Stealing Malware

The malware distributed through the ClearFake campaign includes Lumma Stealer and Vidar Stealer, both notorious for their ability to steal sensitive data. This data can include login credentials, financial information, and other personal details, making the campaign a severe threat to cybersecurity.

Compromised WordPress Sites

WordPress sites are the primary targets for the ClearFake campaign. By compromising these sites, the attackers can reach a wide audience, increasing the potential impact of their malicious activities. Users visiting these compromised sites are presented with fake browser update prompts, which, when interacted with, initiate the malware download process.

Conclusion

The ClearFake campaign represents a sophisticated and evolving threat in the cybersecurity landscape. By utilizing fake verification processes and compromising widely-used platforms like WordPress, the attackers have successfully distributed dangerous malware to a large number of users. Staying informed about such threats and implementing robust security measures is crucial for protecting against these and similar cyber attacks.

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