Security researchers at Perception Point have identified an open redirect vulnerability on the Nespresso website, which is being exploited by phishers to deceive users into visiting malicious sites that mimic legitimate ones. This type of vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the website’s URL to create a link that appears to originate from Nespresso, thereby misleading users into believing the authenticity of the redirected malicious site. In this instance, the crafted links led to a spoofed Microsoft login page aimed at harvesting user credentials.
The exploitation of this vulnerability involves sophisticated phishing schemes where the attackers send emails that masquerade as multi-factor authentication requests from Microsoft. The emails are deliberately designed to appear as if they have been forwarded multiple times, adding a layer of legitimacy to the scam. The ultimate aim is to prompt the recipient to verify their login activity by clicking on a link that redirects them to the malicious site where their credentials can be stolen.
The attackers’ strategy hinges on the fact that some security measures only scan the initial link without analyzing where subsequent redirects lead. By hosting the redirect on a legitimate domain like Nespresso, the phishers are able to bypass basic security checks implemented by some vendors. This tactic underscores the sophistication of modern phishing attacks and the importance of comprehensive link inspection by security defenses.
Nespresso has acknowledged the phishing attempts and confirmed that no customer data has been compromised. However, they urge all recipients of such emails to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any links before clicking. This incident serves as a reminder of the persistent threats in cyberspace and the need for constant vigilance, even when dealing with communications that appear to come from reputable sources. Cybernews also stresses the importance of skepticism towards links from reputable domains, citing previous incidents where even major brands like BMW were compromised by similar vulnerabilities.
