A recent malware campaign has emerged, specifically targeting online stores that utilize Magento, a widely used e-commerce platform. Cybersecurity researchers have identified patterns indicating that the attackers are likely exploiting the same vulnerability across multiple compromised websites to inject their malicious code. This systematic approach has led to a swift compromise of numerous Magento-based stores, endangering the sensitive data of countless customers. In response to the threat, researchers have established over a dozen attacker-controlled websites intended to receive stolen information, ultimately enhancing their security measures to protect users.
Upon investigation, the malicious code injected into the compromised online stores consists of a seemingly innocuous script tag that loads content from a remote site. The researchers noted a distinctive naming pattern across various hacked sites, which appears to facilitate the data breach. An example of this injection was discovered on the website of a well-known European beer manufacturer, demonstrating the breadth of the threat. The persistent nature of this code indicates a sophisticated level of planning and execution on the part of the threat actors.
The obfuscated JavaScript code loaded via the injection plays a critical role in the malware’s functionality. It is designed to retrieve information from the compromised website, passing the site’s domain name to another URL, which leads to the full skimmer code. This skimmer code significantly alters the payment flow during the checkout process. It cleverly inserts a fake “Payment Method” frame within the store’s page, which can mislead unsuspecting customers into inputting their credit card information directly into the malicious script.
As a result, when customers enter sensitive payment information, including credit card numbers and expiration dates, this data is transmitted in real-time to the attackers’ database. This alarming trend highlights the necessity for online retailers to implement robust security measures to safeguard customer data. E-commerce platforms like Magento must prioritize patching known vulnerabilities and reinforcing their security protocols to mitigate the risk of similar future attacks.
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