AI-Generated TikTok Videos Distributing Infostealer Malware
Cybersecurity researchers from Trend Micro have identified a troubling new malware campaign utilizing AI-generated videos on TikTok. This campaign represents a significant departure from traditional malware distribution methods, exploiting TikTok’s wide reach and algorithmic nature to share infostealing malware, specifically Vidar and StealC.
Hackers are creating numerous videos that claim to provide legitimate software activations for Windows and Microsoft Office, or premium features in apps like Spotify and CapCut. Users are misled into executing PowerShell commands presented in the videos, believing they are activating software when, in fact, they are downloading malware. The videos are designed to bypass traditional security measures, as the instructions are delivered visually rather than through clickable links or embedded code.
Trend Micro noted, “This attack uses videos (possibly AI-generated) to instruct users to execute PowerShell commands, which are disguised as software activation steps. TikTok's algorithmic reach increases the likelihood of widespread exposure, with one video reaching more than half a million views.” The researchers reported that the videos are often very similar, indicating that they were likely produced through automated processes.
TikTok Videos Deliver Malware via PowerShell
Image courtesy of Mashable
The latest campaign takes advantage of TikTok’s popularity, using social engineering tactics to spread malware directly through the platform without the need for additional malicious websites. Videos instruct users to input PowerShell commands that initiate a malware infection, which is a stark contrast to previous tactics that relied on links embedded in video descriptions or comments.
The PowerShell commands are designed to download malicious scripts from various URLs, ultimately leading to the installation of the Vidar or StealC malware. These information stealers are capable of exfiltrating sensitive data, including screenshots, credit card information, and 2FA codes. Trend Micro emphasized that, “The commands are never embedded in text or links, making them harder for traditional security systems to detect.”
A Call for Smarter Defenses
Image courtesy of Lifehacker
As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, so too must the defenses against such sophisticated attacks. Trend Micro advocates for the need to advance detection strategies beyond traditional methods, urging organizations to monitor social media platforms for high-engagement posts that may indicate malicious activity.
Implementing behavioral detection tools is essential to catch unusual user actions, such as unexpected command-line executions. Education on recognizing and reporting deceptive video content is also critical, especially as these tactics become more prevalent.
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