Fake OnlyFans content is luring users into installing malware

Onlyfans logo and phone login screen
(Image credit: charnsitr / Shutterstock.com)

Adult-oriented subscription service OnlyFans has been hit with a new malware campaign that sees fake content being used to infect users' devices with a Remote Access Trojan (RAT). 

Security firm eSentire discovered the operation, which has been ongoing since the start of this year. ZIP files are distributed that contain a VBScript loader that users unwittingly activate when they think they are getting access to premium OnlyFans content.

It is not known exactly what the initial attack vector is that lures victims, but there are suggestions that it could be forum posts, instant messages, malvertising links or Black SEO sites that rank near the top of search results for certain terms. 

DcRAT

The OnlyFans brand has been used before by threat actors, including in January 2023, where hackers abused an open redirect link on an official UK government website to direct users to a fake version of the site.

In this new campaign, the payload has been dubbed DcRAT, which is a modified version of the freely available AsyncRAT on GitHub, although the author has since abandoned after it was being abused.

When the VBScript loader is activated, it extracts and registers 'dynwrapx.dll', which grants access to the DynamicWrapperX, which in turn enables calling functions from the Windows API and other DLLs.

Something called 'BinaryData' is then loaded into 'RegAsm.exe', a legitimate process part of the .NET Framework, meaning it is less likely to be flagged by antivirus software. This is what delivers the DcRAT.

DcRAT can then perform various malicious actions, including keylogging, monitoring webcams, manipulating files, stealing credentials and browser cookies, and remotely accessing your device.

It also contains a ransomware plugin that affects all non-system files and encrypts them with the .DcRAT file extension, making them inaccessible to the user without the decryption key, which the threat actors will hold you to ransom for.

TOPICS
Lewis Maddison
Reviews Writer

Lewis Maddison is a Reviews Writer for TechRadar. He previously worked as a Staff Writer for our business section, TechRadar Pro, where he had experience with productivity-enhancing hardware, ranging from keyboards to standing desks. His area of expertise lies in computer peripherals and audio hardware, having spent over a decade exploring the murky depths of both PC building and music production. He also revels in picking up on the finest details and niggles that ultimately make a big difference to the user experience.

Read more
botnet
YouTubers targeted by blackmail campaign to promote malware on their channels
Trojan
Microsoft warns of a devious new RAT malware which can avoid detection with apparent ease
Pirate skull cyber attack digital technology flag cyber on on computer CPU in background. Darknet and cybercrime banner cyberattack and espionage concept illustration.
Criminals are using a virtual hard disk image file to host and distribute dangerous malware
Representational image of a cybercriminal
Criminals are spreading malware disguised as DeepSeek AI
Pirate skull cyber attack digital technology flag cyber on on computer CPU in background. Darknet and cybercrime banner cyberattack and espionage concept illustration.
Beware, that Social Security email could be hiding dangerous malware
A digital representation of a lock
Security experts are being targeted with fake malware discoveries
Latest in Pro
Epson EcoTank ET-4850 next to a TechRadar badge that reads Big Savings
I found the best printer deal you won't see in the Amazon Spring Sale and it's got a massive $150 saving
Microsoft Copiot Studio deep reasoning and agent flows
Microsoft reveals OpenAI-powered Copilot AI agents to bosot your work research and data analysis
Group of people meeting
Inflexible work policies are pushing tech workers to quit
Data leak
Top home hardware firm data leak could see millions of customers affected
Representational image depecting cybersecurity protection
Third-party security issues could be the biggest threat facing your business
An image of network security icons for a network encircling a digital blue earth.
Why multi-CDNs are going to shake up 2025
Latest in News
Nintendo Music teaser art
Nintendo Music expands its library with songs from Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Tetris
An image of Pro-Ject's Flatten it closed and opened
Pro-Ject’s new vinyl flattener will fix any warped LPs you inadvertently buy on Record Store Day
The iPhone 16 Pro on a grey background
iPhone 17 Pro tipped to get 8K video recording – but I want these 3 video features instead
EA Sports F1 25 promotional image featuring drivers Oscar Piastri, Carlos Sainz and Oliver Bearman.
F1 25 has been officially announced, with this year's entry marking a return for Braking Point and a 'significant overhaul' for My Team mode
Garmin clippd integration
Garmin's golf watches just got a big software integration upgrade to help you improve your game
Robert Downey Jr reveals himself as Doctor Doom to a delighted crowd at San Diego Comic-Con 2024
Marvel has revealed the full, 27-strong cast for Avengers: Doomsday, and there are plenty of heroes who seemingly won't be part of its roster