Latest news with #OperationForumTroll
Tahawul Tech
28-03-2025
- Tahawul Tech
Kaspersky discovers sophisticated Chrome zero-day exploit used in active attacks
Kaspersky has identified and helped patch a sophisticated zero-day vulnerability in Google Chrome (CVE-2025-2783) that allowed attackers to bypass the browser's sandbox protection system. The exploit, discovered by Kaspersky's Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT), required no user interaction beyond clicking a malicious link and demonstrated exceptional technical complexity. Kaspersky researchers have been acknowledged by Google for discovering and reporting this vulnerability. In mid-March 2025, Kaspersky detected a wave of infections triggered when users clicked personalised phishing links delivered via email. After clicking, no additional action was needed to compromise their systems. Once Kaspersky's analysis confirmed that the exploit leveraged a previously unknown vulnerability in the latest version of Google Chrome, Kaspersky swiftly alerted Google's security team. A security patch for the vulnerability was released on March 25, 2025. Kaspersky researchers dubbed the campaign 'Operation ForumTroll', as attackers sent personalised phishing emails inviting recipients to the 'Primakov Readings' forum. These lures targeted media outlets, educational institutions, and government organisations in Russia. The malicious links were extremely short-lived to evade detection, and in most cases ultimately redirected to the legitimate website for 'Primakov Readings' once the exploit was taken down. The zero-day vulnerability in Chrome was only part of a chain that included at least two exploits: a still-unobtained remote code execution (RCE) exploit that apparently launched the attack, while the sandbox escape discovered by Kaspersky constituted the second stage. Analysis of the malware's functionality suggests the operation was designed primarily for espionage. All evidence points to an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group. 'This vulnerability stands out among the dozens of zero-days we've discovered over the years', said Boris Larin, principal security researcher at Kaspersky GReAT. 'The exploit bypassed Chrome's sandbox protection without performing any obviously malicious operations – it's as if the security boundary simply didn't exist. The technical sophistication displayed here indicates development by highly skilled actors with substantial resources. We strongly advise all users to update their Google Chrome and any Chromium-based browser to the latest version to protect against this vulnerability'. Google has credited Kaspersky for uncovering and reporting the issue, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to collaboration with the global cybersecurity community and ensuring user safety. Kaspersky continues to investigate Operation ForumTroll. Further details, including a technical analysis of the exploits and malicious payload, will be released in a forthcoming report once Google Chrome user security is assured. Meanwhile, all Kaspersky products detect and protect against this exploit chain and associated malware, ensuring users are shielded from the threat. This discovery follows Kaspersky GReAT's previous identification of another Chrome zero-day (CVE-2024-4947), which was exploited last year by the Lazarus APT group in a cryptocurrency theft campaign. In that case, Kaspersky researchers found a type confusion bug in Google's V8 JavaScript engine that enabled attackers to bypass security features through a fake cryptogame website. To safeguard against sophisticated attacks like these, Kaspersky security experts recommend implementing these key protective measures: Ensure timely software updates: Regularly patch your operating system and browsers—especially Google Chrome—so attackers cannot exploit newly discovered vulnerabilities. Adopt a multi-layered security approach: Along with endpoint protection, consider solutions like Kaspersky Next XDR Expert that leverage AI/ML to correlate data from multiple sources and automate detection and response against advanced threats and APT campaigns. Leverage threat intelligence services: Up-to-date, contextual information—such as Kaspersky Threat Intelligence—helps you stay informed about emerging zero-day exploits and the latest attacker techniques. Image Credit: Kaspersky
Zawya
27-03-2025
- Zawya
Kaspersky discovers sophisticated Chrome zero-day exploit used in active attacks
Kaspersky has identified and helped patch a sophisticated zero-day vulnerability in Google Chrome (CVE-2025-2783) that allowed attackers to bypass the browser's sandbox protection system. The exploit, discovered by Kaspersky's Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT), required no user interaction beyond clicking a malicious link and demonstrated exceptional technical complexity. Kaspersky researchers have been acknowledged by Google for discovering and reporting this vulnerability. In mid-March 2025, Kaspersky detected a wave of infections triggered when users clicked personalized phishing links delivered via email. After clicking, no additional action was needed to compromise their systems. Once Kaspersky's analysis confirmed that the exploit leveraged a previously unknown vulnerability in the latest version of Google Chrome, Kaspersky swiftly alerted Google's security team. A security patch for the vulnerability was released on March 25, 2025. Kaspersky researchers dubbed the campaign 'Operation ForumTroll', as attackers sent personalized phishing emails inviting recipients to the 'Primakov Readings' forum. These lures targeted media outlets, educational institutions, and government organizations in Russia. The malicious links were extremely short-lived to evade detection, and in most cases ultimately redirected to the legitimate website for 'Primakov Readings' once the exploit was taken down. The zero-day vulnerability in Chrome was only part of a chain that included at least two exploits: a still-unobtained remote code execution (RCE) exploit that apparently launched the attack, while the sandbox escape discovered by Kaspersky constituted the second stage. Analysis of the malware's functionality suggests the operation was designed primarily for espionage. All evidence points to an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group. 'This vulnerability stands out among the dozens of zero-days we've discovered over the years,' said Boris Larin, principal security researcher at Kaspersky GReAT. 'The exploit bypassed Chrome's sandbox protection without performing any obviously malicious operations – it's as if the security boundary simply didn't exist. The technical sophistication displayed here indicates development by highly skilled actors with substantial resources. We strongly advise all users to update their Google Chrome and any Chromium-based browser to the latest version to protect against this vulnerability.' Google has credited Kaspersky for uncovering and reporting the issue, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to collaboration with the global cybersecurity community and ensuring user safety. Kaspersky continues to investigate Operation ForumTroll. Further details, including a technical analysis of the exploits and malicious payload, will be released in a forthcoming report once Google Chrome user security is assured. Meanwhile, all Kaspersky products detect and protect against this exploit chain and associated malware, ensuring users are shielded from the threat. This discovery follows Kaspersky GReAT's previous identification of another Chrome zero-day (CVE-2024-4947), which was exploited last year by the Lazarus APT group in a cryptocurrency theft campaign. In that case, Kaspersky researchers found a type confusion bug in Google's V8 JavaScript engine that enabled attackers to bypass security features through a fake cryptogame website. To safeguard against sophisticated attacks like these, Kaspersky security experts recommend implementing these key protective measures: Ensure timely software updates: Regularly patch your operating system and browsers—especially Google Chrome—so attackers cannot exploit newly discovered vulnerabilities. Adopt a multi-layered security approach: Along with endpoint protection, consider solutions like Kaspersky Next XDR Expert that leverage AI/ML to correlate data from multiple sources and automate detection and response against advanced threats and APT campaigns. Leverage threat intelligence services: Up-to-date, contextual information—such as Kaspersky Threat Intelligence—helps you stay informed about emerging zero-day exploits and the latest attacker techniques. About Kaspersky Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help over 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Yahoo
Google fixes Chrome zero-day security flaw used in hacking campaign targeting journalists
Google said it has fixed a vulnerability in its Chrome browser for Windows that malicious hackers have used to break into victims' computers. In a brief note on Tuesday, Google said that it fixed the vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-2783, that was discovered by researchers at security firm Kaspersky earlier this month. Google said it was aware of reports that an exploit for the bug "exists in the wild." The bug is referred to as a zero-day because the vendor — in this case, Google — was given no time to fix the bug before it was exploited. According to Kaspersky, the bug was exploited as part of a hacking campaign targeting Windows computers running Chrome. In a blog post, Kaspersky called the campaign "Operation ForumTroll," and said victims were targeted with a phishing email inviting them to a Russian global political summit. When a link in the email was clicked, victims were taken to a malicious website that immediately exploits the bug to gain access to the victim's PC data. Kaspersky provided little detail about the bug at the time of the Chrome patch, but said that the bug allowed the attackers to bypass Chrome's sandbox protections, which limit the browser's access to other data on the user's computer. Kaspersky said the bug affects all other browsers based on Google's Chromium engine. In a separate analysis, Kaspersky said the bug was likely used in an espionage campaign, typically designed to stealthily monitor and steal data from a target's device, usually over a period of time. The Russia-headquartered security firm said the hackers sent personalized phishing emails to Russian media representatives and employees at educational institutions. It's unclear who was exploiting the bug, but Kaspersky attributed the campaign to a likely state-sponsored or government-backed group of hackers. Browsers like Chrome are a frequent target for malicious hackers and government-backed groups. Zero-day bugs capable of breaking through their protections and into the victim's sensitive device data can be sold at high prices. In 2024, one zero-day broker was offering up to $3 million for exploitable bugs that can be triggered from over the internet. Google said Chrome updates will roll out over the coming days and weeks. Sign in to access your portfolio
