Hackers Abuse Telegram API To Exfiltrate User Information

Attackers have been using keywords like “remittance” and “receipts” to spread phishing scripts using Telegram to steal user data indiscriminately.

In the past, phishing script files were disseminated using various strategies and techniques, like asking users to log in before they can access protected files or pretending to be the Microsoft login page.

Hence, the most recent files are obfuscated to evade detection, in contrast to the phishing script files sent in the early days.

Phishing-Type Malware Using Telegram API

According to the AhnLab Security Intelligence Center (ASEC), the threat actor impersonates the Microsoft login page or requests a login for users to access protected files.

You can analyze a malware file, network, module, and registry activity with the ANY.RUN malware sandbox, and the Threat Intelligence Lookup that will let you interact with the OS directly from the browser.

Additionally, to steal the password in use, the threat actor asks users to input a password that is at least five characters long.

“After entering a password of at least five characters, the malware sends the stolen information to threat actors via the Telegram API.

The transferred information consists of email addresses, passwords, IPs, and user ASEC researchers shared with Cyber Security News.

Email addresses, passwords, IP addresses, and user agents are among the data transmitted.

The token and Chat ID details are predefined to communicate with the threat actors.

To hide the malicious activities from the user, the malware then reroutes visitors to the official Microsoft website.

Apart from the malware of the phishing type, researchers mention that the AgentTesla malware also utilized Telegram to obtain user data.

In September 2023, the ASEC researchers reported phishing script files that exploited Telegram to expose user data.

In that case, researchers discovered several phishing script files masquerading as PDF document viewer screens being sent as attachments to emails.

There has been an increase in the theft of user data using Telegram.

Furthermore, the development and dissemination of phishing websites is becoming increasingly sophisticated. 

Hence, users must therefore avoid visiting dubious websites and opening files from suspicious sources.

You can block malware, including Trojans, ransomware, spyware, rootkits, worms, and zero-day exploits, with Perimeter81 malware protection. All are extremely harmful, can wreak havoc, and damage your network.

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