This devious malware is targeting Facebook accounts to steal credit card data

Shadowed hands on a digital background reaching for a login prompt.

Image Credit: Shutterstock (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Security researchers from Netskope found an upgraded version of Python NodeStealer
This dangerous infostealer can also now target Facebook Ads Manager accounts
It can steal credit card information, data stored in browsers, and more

Python NodeStealer, an infamous infostealer that targeted Facebook Business accounts, has been upgraded with new and dangerous features to make it capable of targeting Facebook Ads Manager accounts as well, steal more data, and thus open the gateway to more destructive malware campaigns.

Cybersecurity researchers Netskope Threat Labs have published a new, in-depth analysis of NodeStealer, noting it can now pilfer credit card information, in addition to stealing credentials stored in the browser.

The process is done by copying the “Web Data” of all targeted browsers, they explained. Web Data is a SQLite database storing sensitive data such as autofill information and saved payment methods.

Abusing Windows Restart Manager

“With these, the infostealer can now collect the victim’s credit card information which includes the cardholder’s name, card expiration date, and card number," the researchers noted.

It uses Python’s SQLite3 library to run a query on the stolen database, looking for specific strings (credit card information).

Furthermore, Python NodeStealer now uses Windows Restart Manager to unlock database files. This library cuts down on the number of reboots needed after software updates, by simply restarting the processes that lock updated files, but in this instance, it is being abused in data theft.

First, the infostealer extracts the information by copying browser database files into a temp folder. But since the files are usually locked by another operation, they cannot be used, which is where Windows Restart Manager is used. Finally, the files are exfiltrated via a Telegram bot.

Python NodeStealer is most likely being developed by a threat actor located in Vietnam. Their main goal is to compromise Facebook Business and now - Facebook Ads Manager accounts, which they can later abuse in malvertising campaigns.

Facebook is usually rigorous when it comes to purchasing ads on its platform, and only vetted, verified accounts are allowed to do so. Crooks rarely make it past the platform’s scanners, and resort to stealing verified accounts to run their campaigns, instead.

Via The Hacker News

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Sead is a seasoned freelance journalist based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He writes about IT (cloud, IoT, 5G, VPN) and cybersecurity (ransomware, data breaches, laws and regulations). In his career, spanning more than a decade, he’s written for numerous media outlets, including Al Jazeera Balkans. He’s also held several modules on content writing for Represent Communications.