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HookAds Malvertising Campaign

A new malvertising campaign known as HookAds has been observed using the Fallout exploit kit to install several other well-known malware.

Threat ID:
CC-2790
Category:
exploit
Threat Severity:
Medium
Threat Vector:
Malvertising
Published:
14 November 2018 12:00 AM
Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

This content has been archived

This article no longer conforms to NHS Digital's standards for cyber alerts, and may contain outdated or inaccurate information. Use of this information contained in this page is at your own risk

Summary

A new malvertising campaign known as HookAds has been observed using the Fallout exploit kit to install several other well-known malware.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

HookAds uses low-quality adverts commonly displayed on online gaming, adult-oriented or search engine optimisation forum sites to deliver Fallout. These adverts contain JavaScript which will redirect users through series of decoy websites containing seemingly legitimate advertisements, whilst Fallout is installed in the background.

Once installed, Fallout exploits a number of vulnerabilities to deliver its target payload. Installed payload include the DanaBot banking trojan, the Nocturnal Stealer spyware and the GlobeImposter ransomware.

For further information:

Remediation steps

Type Step

To prevent and detect an infection, ensure that:

  • A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails.
  • All operating systems, anti-virus and other security products are kept up-to-date.
  • Regular anti-virus and security scans are performed on your organisation’s estate.
  • All day-to-day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts.
  • Strong password policies are in place.
  • Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity.
  • User accounts accessed from affected devices should be reset on a clean computer.
  • Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 1:00 pm