Menu

  • Alerts
  • Incidents
  • News
  • APTs
  • Cyber Decoded
  • Cyber Hygiene
  • Cyber Review
  • Cyber Tips
  • Definitions
  • Malware
  • Threat Actors
  • Tutorials

Useful Tools

  • Password generator
  • Report an incident
  • Report to authorities
No Result
View All Result
CTF Hack Havoc
CyberMaterial
  • Education
    • Cyber Decoded
    • Definitions
  • Information
    • Alerts
    • Incidents
    • News
  • Insights
    • Cyber Hygiene
    • Cyber Review
    • Tips
    • Tutorials
  • Support
    • Contact Us
    • Report an incident
  • About
    • About Us
    • Advertise with us
Get Help
Hall of Hacks
  • Education
    • Cyber Decoded
    • Definitions
  • Information
    • Alerts
    • Incidents
    • News
  • Insights
    • Cyber Hygiene
    • Cyber Review
    • Tips
    • Tutorials
  • Support
    • Contact Us
    • Report an incident
  • About
    • About Us
    • Advertise with us
Get Help
No Result
View All Result
Hall of Hacks
CyberMaterial
No Result
View All Result
Home Alerts

ClearFake Exploits Fake Browser Updates

October 18, 2023
Reading Time: 2 mins read
in Alerts

Researchers have issued a warning about an increasing threat known as ClearFake, which exploits compromised WordPress sites to distribute malicious fake browser updates. Sekoia researchers believe that this campaign is likely operated by the same threat group responsible for the SocGholish campaigns involving fake browser updates.

ClearFake targets users by displaying fake update pages for popular browsers and offers downloads in various languages, tricking users into installing malware under the guise of legitimate browser updates. This approach, also utilized by other copycat groups, highlights the need for enhanced user education, endpoint protection, and network detection to protect organizations from these evolving threats.

ClearFake gets its name from the lack of obfuscation in its JavaScript-based attacks, and it was first documented by researcher Randy McEoin in August 2023. The attackers behind ClearFake compromise WordPress websites and inject JavaScript code that downloads malicious payloads from attacker-controlled domains or the Binance Smart Chain, further complicating its detection and analysis.

The downloaded payloads create an iframe element to host the fake update interface, designed to conceal the underlying page and mislead users. The victims are presented with a fake update page for browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, luring them into believing that updating their browser is essential to access the page’s content.

Notably, the fake update pages vary in languages (English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese), matching the users’ browser settings, making the ruse more convincing. Users who initiate the download are presented with what appears to be a legitimate browser installer, but it also contains malware, such as HijackLoader and IDAT loader. These malicious payloads can lead to various attacks, including information theft, making it a potent threat.

Security teams are advised to stay vigilant and leverage user education, endpoint protection, and network detection to safeguard against this type of malware distribution.

References:
  • Are You Sure Your Browser is Up to Date? The Current Landscape of Fake Browser Updates
  • ClearFake Malware Analysis
  • ClearFake: a newcomer to the “fake updates” threats landscape
Tags: BrowserClearFakeCyber AlertCyber Alerts 2023CybersecurityFake WebsiteJavascriptOctober 2023UpdatesVulnerabilitiesWordpress
ADVERTISEMENT

Related Posts

FreeDrain Phishing Steals Crypto Funds

FBI Warns Cybercriminals Exploit Routers

May 9, 2025
FreeDrain Phishing Steals Crypto Funds

X Scam Targets Crypto Users with Fake Ads

May 9, 2025
FreeDrain Phishing Steals Crypto Funds

FreeDrain Phishing Steals Crypto Funds

May 9, 2025
COLDRIVER Hackers Target Sensitive Data

COLDRIVER Hackers Target Sensitive Data

May 8, 2025
COLDRIVER Hackers Target Sensitive Data

Cisco Fixes Flaw in IOS Wireless Controller

May 8, 2025
COLDRIVER Hackers Target Sensitive Data

CoGUI Targets Consumer and Finance Brands

May 8, 2025

Latest Alerts

X Scam Targets Crypto Users with Fake Ads

FBI Warns Cybercriminals Exploit Routers

FreeDrain Phishing Steals Crypto Funds

CoGUI Targets Consumer and Finance Brands

COLDRIVER Hackers Target Sensitive Data

Cisco Fixes Flaw in IOS Wireless Controller

Subscribe to our newsletter

    Latest Incidents

    LockBit Ransomware Data Leaked After Hack

    Spanish Consumer Group Faces Cyberattack

    Education Giant Pearson Hit by Data Breach

    Masimo Cyberattack Disrupts Manufacturing

    Cyberattack Targets Tepotzotlán Facebook

    West Lothian Schools Hit by Ransomware

    CyberMaterial Logo
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Jobs
    • Legal and Privacy Policy
    • Site Map

    © 2025 | CyberMaterial | All rights reserved

    Welcome Back!

    Login to your account below

    Forgotten Password?

    Retrieve your password

    Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

    Log In

    Add New Playlist

    No Result
    View All Result
    • Alerts
    • Incidents
    • News
    • Cyber Decoded
    • Cyber Hygiene
    • Cyber Review
    • Definitions
    • Malware
    • Cyber Tips
    • Tutorials
    • Advanced Persistent Threats
    • Threat Actors
    • Report an incident
    • Password Generator
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise with us

    Copyright © 2025 CyberMaterial