On July 19, 2024, a botched update to the CrowdStrike Falcon® sensor for Windows systems caused a significant global IT outage. This incident has inadvertently provided an opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit the chaos, particularly targeting CrowdStrike’s Latin American (LATAM) customers. Taking advantage of the confusion, threat actors have started distributing a deceptive ZIP archive named “crowdstrike-hotfix.zip,” which contains a HijackLoader payload designed to deploy the RemCos RAT (remote access tool).
The malicious ZIP file features Spanish filenames and instructions, suggesting a deliberate focus on LATAM users. The attack sequence begins with the execution of “Setup.exe,” which uses DLL search-order hijacking to load HijackLoader. Advertised as a private crypting service known as ASMCrypt, HijackLoader is adept at evading detection. It subsequently executes the RemCos payload, establishing a connection to a command-and-control server at 213.5.130.58:433. This connection enables attackers to gain full remote control over the infected systems, posing severe security risks.
In response to this emerging threat, several cybersecurity agencies, including the U.S. Cyber Defense Agency, the U.K.’s National Cyber Security Centre, and Australia’s National Anti-Scam Centre, have issued urgent warnings. These advisories caution users to be wary of phishing emails, fake support calls, and fraudulent offers of remediation services. It is strongly recommended that users contact businesses directly through official channels instead of responding to unsolicited communications, which are often scams.
To assist those affected by the fake update, CrowdStrike has established a “Remediation and Guidance Hub,” providing resources and support for remediation efforts. Similarly, Microsoft has issued updated support guides to help users navigate the situation. Both organizations stress the importance of verifying the authenticity of communications and avoiding hasty actions prompted by unsolicited messages. By staying vigilant and following best practices, users can better protect themselves from falling victim to these sophisticated scams.
Reference:
