Cybersecurity researchers have unveiled a significant campaign targeting legitimate websites through malicious JavaScript injections. Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42 has reported that this method employs a unique obfuscation technique referred to as JSFireTruck, which primarily utilizes a selection of characters to conceal the true nature of the injected code. This style makes it challenging for researchers to analyze the code’s intent and effects.
The analysis indicates that the injected scripts check the referring website, specifically looking for known search engines like Google and Bing. When a user arrives from such platforms, they are redirected to harmful URLs capable of delivering malware, exploits, or phishing scams.
Between March 26 and April 25, 2025, over 269,000 web pages were discovered to be compromised by JavaScript code utilizing the JSFireTruck technique. The campaign gained momentum on April 12, recording over 50,000 compromised pages on a single day, highlighting the stealth and extensive nature of the attack.
In tandem with this development, Gen Digital introduced a sophisticated Traffic Distribution Service (TDS) called HelloTDS. This service is designed to redirect users to fake CAPTCHA pages or fraudulent services based on their device information, including geolocation and browser fingerprinting. If a user is not deemed a suitable target, they are redirected elsewhere.
The researchers detail that many entry points for this campaign include compromised streaming sites and file-sharing services, alongside other methods like malvertising. The TDS effectively determines what content to deliver to victims based on their digital footprint, including rejecting connections from VPNs or headless browsers.
Some attack chains have been identified as serving deceptive CAPTCHA pages, leveraging specific strategies to infect users with malware like PEAKLIGHT—a tool known for stealing sensitive information.
The underlying infrastructure of HelloTDS incorporates various top-level domains, primarily using .top, .shop, and .com domains to host the malicious JavaScript. The clever tactics employed by these attackers demonstrate their ability to evade traditional security measures while effectively targeting victims and executing their schemes on a large scale.
Overall, the combination of widespread malicious activity and sophisticated methods for targeting potential victims presents a significant threat to online security.
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