Barbie malware
Introduction
The ‘Barbie’ fever is going high in India, and it’s hype to launch online scams in India. The cybercriminals attacking the ‘Barbie’ fans in India, as the popular malware and antivirus protection MacAfee has recently reported that India is in the top 3rd number among countries facing major malware attacks. After the release of ‘barbie’ in theatres, the Scams started spreading across India through the free download of the ‘Barbie’ movie from the link and other viruses. The scammers trick the victims by selling free ‘Barbie’ tickets and, after the movie’s hit, search for the free download links on websites which leads to the Scams.
What is the ‘Barbie’ malware?
After the release of the ‘Barbie’ movie, trying to keep up with the trend, Barbie fans started to search the links for free movie downloads from anonymous sources. And after downloading the movie, there was malware in the downloaded zip files. The online scam includes not genuine dubbed downloads of the movie that install malware, barbie-related viruses, and fake videos that point to free tickets, and also clicking on unverified links for the movie access resulted in Scam. It is important not to get stuck in these trends just because to keep up with them, as it could land you in trouble.
Case: As per the report of McAfee, several cases of malware trick victims into downloading the ‘ Barbie’ movie in different languages. By clicking the link, it prompts the user to download a Zip file, which is packed with malware
Countries-wise malware distribution
Cyber Scams witnessed a significant surge in just a few weeks, with hundreds of incidents of new malware cases. And The USA is on the top No. Among all the countries, In the USA there was 37 % of ‘Barbie’ malware attacks held per the, while Australia, the UK, and India suffered 6 % of malware attacks. And other countries like Japan, Ireland, and France faced 3% of Malware attacks.
What are the precautions?
Cyber scams are evolving everywhere, users must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their personal information. The user shall avoid clicking on suspicious links, also those which are related to unauthorised movie downloads or fake ticket offers. The people shall use legitimate and official platforms to access movie-related content. Keeping anti-malware and antivirus will add an extra layer of protection.
Here are some following precautions against Malware:
- Use security software.
- Use strong passwords and authentication.
- Enforce safe browsing and email.
- Data backup.
- Implement Anti-lateral Movement.
Conclusion
Cyberspace is evolving, and with that, Scams are also evolving. With the new trend of ‘Barbie’ Scams going on the rise everywhere, India is on top 3rd No. In India, McAfee reported several malicious attacks that attempted to trick the victims into downloading the free version of ‘Barbie’ movie in dubbed languages. This resulted in a Scam. People usually try to keep up with trends that land them in trouble. The users shall beware of these kinds of cyber-attacks. These scams result in huge losses. Technology should be used with proper precautions as per the incidents happening around.
Related Blogs
Introduction
Established in the US, one of the world’s largest cab networks came into existence in 2010 and, since its inception, has expanded all over the globe with operations in 10,000 cities across 71 countries. It made a remarkable start in India in 2017 and, since then, has seen a rise in the customers and drivers for the company. India is among the largest markets for Uber, with 600,000 monthly drivers and 8.5 million monthly riders.
GeM
Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is a one-stop portal to facilitate online procurement of common-use Goods & Services required by various Government Departments / Organizations / PSUs. GeM aims to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public procurement. It provides the tools of e-bidding, reverses e-auction and demand aggregation to facilitate government users achieve the best value for their money. Government e-Marketplace owes its genesis to the recommendations of two Groups of Secretaries to the Prime Minister in January 2016. They recommended setting up a dedicated e-market for different goods & services procured or sold by Government/PSUs besides reforming DGS&D. Subsequently, the Finance Minister, in his Budget speech for FY 2016-17, announced setting up of a technology-driven platform to facilitate procurement of goods and services by various Ministries and agencies of the Government. The portal was launched on 9th August 2016 by the Commerce & Industry Minister.
Uber-GeM collaboration
The cab network giant has registered on the portal of the Government E-marketplace and has declared that it will offer its services to Government officials from Ministries and PSUs. The project is currently in its pilot phase and shall be executed systematically to cover all the ministries and PSUs in the nation. The officials can book cabs at a fixed price with no cancellation or surge fees on the rides. The authorised officials will be able to book a cab from the portal and select from the list of drivers available. It will be a cashless/cardless ride for the officials; additional vehicle categories for government riders have been added, namely, GeM Yatraa Hatch and GeM Yatraa Sedan, and there will be hourly rentals for multiple-stops, allowing the government officials to enjoy the flexible and easily accessible network of cabs in major cities.
Advantages
Such collaboration between Government institutions and corporates will go a long way to secure a stable equilibrium in the market. Uber, a US-based company, enjoys a vast user base in India and has created new job avenues. The advantages of the collaboration between GeM and Uber are as follows-
Easy accessibility
This will undoubtedly provide ease in accessibility in terms of being in a new place, and language barriers will no longer exist with such options for Government officials.
Increased jobs for drivers
With more cabs being engaged with ministries and PSUs, it is pertinent that the requirement for drivers will grow, thus increasing the employability rate in India and allowing the user to have an uninterrupted experience.
Ease of travel and commuting
This move will provide flexibility, thus leading to more ease in travel in cases of emergencies or places inaccessible by trains or other modes of transport.
Rise in travel and tourism
Coupled with the other factors, the opportunities for the users to visit different places will be an added advantage which will help boost the tourism industry, thus creating a balance in the market.
Sustainable Government corporate relationship
Such collaborations between the government and corporates will be substantial, signifying the ease of doing business in India. They will also act as a beacon of example for compliance with opportunities for the other companies and stakeholders.
Opportunities for collaboration with ingenious start-ups
With such major corporate joining hands with the government, the indigenous start-ups will have various opportunities to engage with companies and recreate similar businesses rooted in India, thus transforming the economy.
Conclusion
Transportation and communication play a vital role in our lives, thus, such collaboration will go a long way in creating a better and more uniform user experience in the country. This also goes a long way to showcase that the Governmental platforms also offer services of a global standard. Such portals exist in South Korea, Singapore, the US and Europe. The network of cabs can only be sustained using the locals as drivers, hence these collaborations are win-win for all as the market dynamics are improving, employability will increase, and improved user experience will be seen.
Introduction
In the new age of technologies the internet and social media continue to witness a surge in deepfake videos a technological phenomenon that blurs the line between reality and fiction. The string of deepfake videos of Bollywood actors and other famous personalities has raised serious concerns. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke against the risks of artificial intelligence at the G20 Virtual Summit. The central government has recently announced that it will soon set up dedicated regulations to tackle this Menace. This will include holding social media platforms and creators responsible for their actions against the rules and regulations. Very often most people shy away from initiating a legal process or taking action while being victims of misuse of fast-paced tech but the government has announced its big support to the victims and promised to stand by complaints against deepfake videos especially this includes helping individuals to report the incidents and any violations by platforms.
Social media platforms to realign their policies as per the Indian laws
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced on 24th November 2023 that it will be giving social media platforms seven days time period to align their terms of service and other policies with Indian laws and regulations in order to address the issue of hosting of deepfakes on these platforms. All platforms must align and transform their terms of use with their users to be consistent with the 12 areas that are prohibited under rule 3(1)(b) of the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021.
The platforms will ensure harmonization and alignment of their terms & policies so that every user on every platform is aware that when they use a platform the platform intends to be a safe and trusted platform and the platform will not tolerate these 12 types of content or information that have been prohibited under the IT Act and the IT rules. The government approach is to collectively advocate for responsible and safe use of the Internet. The government has taken a proactive step in partnership with these social media platforms to ensure an era where such platforms will be a lot more responsible and a lot more responsive to the expectations under the law and more compliant.
Officer to be appointed under rule 7
As Deepfake Videos continue to surface on social media, the Government has geared up to curb such content online. Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar Minister of State, (Meity), stated that the government will soon appoint an officer to take appropriate action against deepfake videos. This statement came after the government meeting with industry stakeholders and important players held on 24 Nov 2023. He added that Meity and the government of India will nominate an officer under rule 7 (IT rules 2021) and will ensure full compliance expectations from all the platforms. An officer appointed under Rule 7, will be entrusted with building a mechanism where users can put in their complaints regarding deepfakes and MeitY may also assist such aggrieved users with filing FIRs in such cases. Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State, (Meity) also added that we will also be creating a platform where it will be very easy for netizens to bring to the attention of the government of India and notices of allegations or reports of violation of law by the platforms and the rule 7 officer will take that digital platform information and respond accordingly.
The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (updated as on 6.4.2023)
Rule 3(1)(b) states that intermediaries shall inform its rules and regulations, privacy policy and user agreement to the user and shall make reasonable efforts to ‘restrict’ the users from hosting, displaying, uploading, modifying, publishing, transmitting, store, update or sharing any information that is prohibited under this rule which also includes deepfake, misinformation, CSAM(Child sexual abusive material) etc. As per rule 3(2)(b) Intermediaries shall remove or disable access within 24 hours of receipt of complaints of contents that expose the private areas of individuals, show such individuals in full or partial nudity or in a sexual act or is in the nature of impersonation including morphed images etc.
Ongoing Efforts Ahead of Crucial Meeting with Tech Giants
Ahead of the government meeting with online platforms such as Google, Facebook, and YouTube on Friday, 24th November 2023, Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar Minister of State, (Meity) added that way back from October 2022 the government of India had been alerting them to the threat of misinformation and deepfakes which are part of misinformation. He further added that the current IT rules under the IT Act provide for adequate compliance requirements on their part to deal with deepfake.
Deepfake Misinformation
Misinformation powered by AI becoming an even more potent force to disrupt and to mislead and to create chaos and confusion at a scale and of a type that is deeply detrimental. Deepfakes in a very simple basic way is misinformation which is powered by or enhanced by AI. Video-based deepfake misinformation is more dangerous since it has a greater reach as video consumption today is the preferred choice by users on the internet.
Way forward
The Honorable Prime Minister has raised the issue that deep fakes are deeply disruptive they can create divisions and all kinds of disruptions in communities, in families and therefore misuse of deepfake technology is a very clear present danger to the safe and trusted internet.
The Government is on its way to draft a dedicated legislation dedicated to tackling deepfakes.
Even as we speak to a future regulation and a future law which is certainly required given that our IT Act is 23 years old. However current IT rules provide for compliance requirements by the platforms on misinformation patently false information and deepfakes. Followed by the recent government advisory on misinformation and deepfake.
Conclusion
Prime Minister alerting of the dangers of deepfakes online. The government is now in the process of starting to look very seriously into this issue and also issued guidelines for intermediaries and in a finite period of time it is hoped that the threat of deep fakes would actually no longer exist in in our system. The government made it clear that apart from people spreading deepfake videos, the platforms making them spread and not taking action will also be liable they are currently liable and will be even more so in future after new rules and regulations are brought in.
References:
- https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/technology/deepfakes-meity-gives-social-media-platforms-7-day-ultimatum-to-align-their-policies-to-indian-laws-and-regulations-11805521.html
- https://www.azbpartners.com/bank/amendments-to-the-information-technology-intermediary-guidelines-and-digital-media-ethics-code-rules-2021/#:~:text=Prior%20to%20the%20amendment%2C%20under%20Rule%203(1)
- https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/amendments-to-the-it-rules-2021
- https://youtu.be/zmI2ml1d_Es?feature=shared
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1975445
Introduction:
With improved capabilities and evasion strategies, the Vultur banking Trojan has reappeared and is a serious danger to Android users. The virus now employs numerous encrypted payloads, encrypted communication, and poses as legitimate apps. It is transmitted by trojanized dropper programs on the Google Play Store. Vultur targets victims via phone calls and SMS messages. With the help of this updated version of Vultur, attackers may take total control of compromised devices. They can perform a variety of remote control operations like install, remove, upload, and download files, halt the execution of programs, and circumvent the lock screen. The virus is now far more hazardous than it was previously because of its improved capacity to remotely access and manipulate machines.
Overview:
The Android banking malware Vultur is well-known for its ability to record screens. It was first identified by ThreatFabric in March 2021 and targets banking apps for remote control and keylogging.
The malicious apps were hosted on the Google Play Store by the Brunhilda dropper-framework, which was used for its distribution. Initial versions of the program used reputable remote access tools such as ngrok and AlphaVNC.
Hybrid attacks have been used in recent operations to disseminate the Brunhilda dropper via phone calls and SMS. The dropper uses a number of payloads to distribute an upgraded version of Vultur.
41 new Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) commands and seven new Command-and-Control (C2) methods are included in the most recent version of Vultur.
With the help of Android's Accessibility Services, these enhancements concentrate on remote access functionality that improves the malware's capacity to communicate with the victim's screen.
Modus operandi of Attack:
Hybrid Attack Method:
- Utilizes a phone call, two SMS messages, and trick users into installing malware.
- First SMS tricks victims into calling a certain number by claiming to have made significant, unlawful transactions, which gives the impression of urgency.
- Although there was no transaction in reality, the urgency motivates victims to act quickly.
Trozonized MacAfee App:
- The victims are told to install a trojanized version of the McAfee Security program from a given link during the phone call.
- This app looks harmless and has features similar to the original McAfee Security app, but it's actually the Brunhilda dropper.
- The victims are misled into assuming that the security software they are installing is authentic.
Execution of Vultur Payloads:
- Three payloads connected to Vultur are decrypted and executed via the Brunhilda dropper.
- Threat actors can carry out a variety of malicious operations, including keylogging and screen recording, on the victim's mobile device thanks to these payloads, which grant them total access over it.
- The infected device of the victim allows the threat actors to launch additional assaults or obtain private data.
Indication of the attack:
The symptoms of a Vultur banking Trojan infection include:
- Remote Access: This malware gives the hacker the ability to remotely use the infected device via clicking, scrolling, and swiping through Android's accessibility services.
- File Management: Through this, the malware is able to copy, share, remove, create, and locate files from devices it has infected.
- App Blocking: For instance; the malicious software can be programmed to stop the victims from opening a certain bunch of apps.
- Custom Notifications: Attackers can embed the malware with the functionality of displaying the customized notifications in the taskbar.
- Keyguard Disabling: The malware may be designed to turn off Screen Lock Guard feature so the lock screen security measure can be easily bypassed.
- Encrypted C2 Communication: The malware chooses AES data encryption, with Base64 text encoding to provide hidden traces for C2 communication.
- Payload Decryption: The malware uses native code, mostly written in C as well as C++, to decode the goods, thus, making a process of reversing more complicated.
- Spying on Financial Apps: The malware uses screen-streaming and keylogging as ways of acquiring facts about the victim’s mobile banking applications.
Indicator of Compromise:
File hash (SHA-256)
- edef007f1ca60fdf75a7d5c5ffe09f1fc3fb560153633ec18c5ddb46cc75ea21
- 89625cf2caed9028b41121c4589d9e35fa7981a2381aa293d4979b36cf5c8ff2
- 1fc81b03703d64339d1417a079720bf0480fece3d017c303d88d18c70c7aabc3
- 4fed4a42aadea8b3e937856318f9fbd056e2f46c19a6316df0660921dd5ba6c5
- 001fd4af41df8883957c515703e9b6b08e36fde3fd1d127b283ee75a32d575fc
- fc8c69bddd40a24d6d28fbf0c0d43a1a57067b19e6c3cc07e2664ef4879c221b
- 7337a79d832a57531b20b09c2fc17b4257a6d4e93fcaeb961eb7c6a95b071a06
- 7f1a344d8141e75c69a3c5cf61197f1d4b5038053fd777a68589ecdb29168e0c
- 26f9e19c2a82d2ed4d940c2ec535ff2aba8583ae3867502899a7790fe3628400
- 2a97ed20f1ae2ea5ef2b162d61279b2f9b68eba7cf27920e2a82a115fd68e31f
- c0f3cb3d837d39aa3abccada0b4ecdb840621a8539519c104b27e2a646d7d50d
- 92af567452ecd02e48a2ebc762a318ce526ab28e192e89407cac9df3c317e78d
- fa6111216966a98561a2af9e4ac97db036bcd551635be5b230995faad40b7607
- dc4f24f07d99e4e34d1f50de0535f88ea52cc62bfb520452bdd730b94d6d8c0e
- 627529bb010b98511cfa1ad1aaa08760b158f4733e2bbccfd54050838c7b7fa3
- f5ce27a49eaf59292f11af07851383e7d721a4d60019f3aceb8ca914259056af
- 5d86c9afd1d33e4affa9ba61225aded26ecaeb01755eeb861bb4db9bbb39191c
- 5724589c46f3e469dc9f048e1e2601b8d7d1bafcc54e3d9460bc0adeeada022d
- 7f1a344d8141e75c69a3c5cf61197f1d4b5038053fd777a68589ecdb29168e0c
- fd3b36455e58ba3531e8cce0326cce782723cc5d1cc0998b775e07e6c2622160
- 819044d01e8726a47fc5970efc80ceddea0ac9bf7c1c5d08b293f0ae571369a9
- 0f2f8adce0f1e1971cba5851e383846b68e5504679d916d7dad10133cc965851
- fb1e68ee3509993d0fe767b0372752d2fec8f5b0bf03d5c10a30b042a830ae1a
- d3dc4e22611ed20d700b6dd292ffddbc595c42453f18879f2ae4693a4d4d925a
- f4d7e9ec4eda034c29b8d73d479084658858f56e67909c2ffedf9223d7ca9bd2
- 7ca6989ccfb0ad0571aef7b263125410a5037976f41e17ee7c022097f827bd74
- c646c8e6a632e23a9c2e60590f012c7b5cb40340194cb0a597161676961b4de0
Command and Control Servers
- safetyfactor[.]online
- cloudmiracle[.]store
- flandria171[.]appspot[.]com (FCM)
- newyan-1e09d[.]appspot[.]com (FCM)
Droppers distribution URL’s
- mcafee[.]960232[.]com
- mcafee[.]353934[.]com
- mcafee[.]908713[.]com
- mcafee[.]784503[.]com
- mcafee[.]053105[.]com
- mcafee[.]092877[.]com
- mcafee[.]582630[.]com
- mcafee[.]581574[.]com
- mcafee[.]582342[.]com
- mcafee[.]593942[.]com
- mcafee[.]930204[.]com
Steps to be taken when your device is compromised?.
- Change the password: Vultur revealed multiple cases where threat actors can gain access to your financial and private information. To safeguard your account, reset passwords on other devices and create secure, unique passwords during the time. Instead of simply storing your password, a reputed password manager is the most secure way of storing information.
- Keep an eye on your transactions and accounts: It is advised that you regularly monitor your online accounts for any unusual or illegal activity. Keep a watch out for any irregularities, and report anything suspicious to the provider or authorities straight immediately.. Also check your credit reports and scores attentively to make sure that your identity or cards are not compromised.
- Make sure you are using identity theft protection: Many pieces of information about your identity are stored in an Android device. Cyber criminals can easily get hold of this data and make major damage to you, including stealing your money and identity. For your own protection, some of the identity theft protection services that monitor all your personal information and notify you on any unusual activity and, as well, helps you to freeze your accounts would be beneficial.
- Immediately get in touch with your banks and credit card companies: Your personal information such as credit card or bank details is of high risk to be exposed to hackers who could use them to make transactions without you knowing. You should inform your credit card and the lending bank about the situation as soon as possible. They would help you if your cards were used for fraudulent charges and your card be either frozen or canceled. Besides, they can get new cards issued.
- Make your contacts alert regarding the fraud you faced: Threat actors may access your social media or email accounts to send phishing messages or spam to people in your contact list, if they gain access to them. Moreover, they may masquerade as you and try to extort cash from you or disclose your personal information. Distributing a message to your contacts stating that they shouldn’t open or reply to any messages that look like they are not from you and look very strange or suspicious, will be a great idea.
- Make a backup and wipe all your device content in factory settings: You can always factory reset your device to ensure it is free of viruses and spyware. In other words, it will refresh Android and leave behind all your data and settings. Back up all the critical data prior to processing it and assure that everything is restored from a trustworthy source only.
Preventive measures to be taken:
- Avoid calling back to the hacker: If a hacker texts you claiming to have approved a sizable bank transaction, refrain from picking up the phone. You can always check by making a call to your own financial intuition. However, never pick up on an unknown number that someone else sends you.
- Avoid sideloading apps and shortened URLs: Try to avoid sideloading apps. That's the moment when you install apps from unofficial sources. Users may be tricked into downloading malware using short URLs.
- Be careful granting permissions: Be cautious when allowing permissions for apps. Think about whether an app really needs access to specific data or device functions.
- Limit the apps you have on your phone: On your phone, having plenty of apps might sometimes make it easier to become infected with malware. Over time, these apps may allow harmful code to enter your system, and the more programs you have to update and monitor, the greater the risk to your Android device. This is how to remove pointless apps from your Android device.
- Download apps from reputable sources: Additionally, make sure the programs you download are from reputable and authorized developers. Do your homework and read reviews before you install.
- Keep your Android device updated: With the help of software and security upgrades, your phone can automatically maintain security. Remember to install them.
- Have good antivirus software on all your devices: The best defense against malware on all of your devices is to install antivirus software. By blocking you from clicking on potentially dangerous links, antivirus software can keep malware off your devices and keep hackers from accessing your personal data.
Conclusion:
Vultur is a terrifying banking Trojan with a great deal of sophistication. It's unsettling that hackers can take complete control of your Android device, which emphasizes how crucial it is that you take precautions. It all starts with a text message in these attacks. You must take the time to independently contact your banking institution to check whether there are any issues. You may prevent having your entire device compromised and your personal information exposed by simply investing an additional few minutes.
Reference:
- https://research.nccgroup.com/2024/03/28/android-malware-vultur-expands-its-wingspan/
- https://www.threatfabric.com/blogs/vultur-v-for-vnc\
- https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/malware-adware/this-nasty-android-banking-trojan-lets-hackers-completely-hijack-your-phone-how-to-stay-safe
- https://thehackernews.com/2024/04/vultur-android-banking-trojan-returns.html?m=1
- https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2024/04/vultur-trojan-heightens-android-app-security-risks.html/
- https://securityaffairs.com/161320/malware/vultur-banking-trojan-android.html
- https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/detections/android-trojan-spy-vultur
- https://www.scmagazine.com/brief/updated-vultur-android-banking-trojan-emerges
- https://innovatecybersecurity.com/security-threat-advisory/windows-server-updates-blamed-for-domain-controller-crashes-kb5035855-and-kb5035857/