Implications of a valid and authorized driver unintentionally exposing vulnerabilities – Security Weekly with Tony Anscombe

Video
A presumed ad blocker marketed as a security solution utilizes a driver signed by Microsoft, inadvertently putting users at risk of threats

Video

A presumed ad blocker marketed as a security solution utilizes a driver signed by Microsoft, inadvertently putting users at risk of threats

21 Jul 2024

ESET researchers have unveiled their discoveries regarding HotPage, a browser injector that relies on a driver created by a Chinese firm and validated by Microsoft.

This malicious software poses as an “Internet café security solution” boasting ad-blocking features. In reality, however, it showcases game-related advertisements and has the ability to alter or substitute the content of a requested webpage, redirect users, or open new tabs based on specific conditions.

Additionally, it unknowingly allows other threats to execute code at the highest privilege level in Windows – the SYSTEM account.

Observe as Tony delves into the narrative, shedding light on how the misuse of certificates remains a prevalent issue.

Interact with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About Author

AndyC

Andy Curtis is an award-winning security consultant, researcher and public speaker. He has been working in the computer security industry since the early 1990s, having been employed by state and federal government, leading healthcare and banking providers across three continents. He has given talks about computer security for some of the world’s largest companies, worked with law enforcement agencies on investigations into hacking groups, and is a regular voice on TV and radio explaining IT security threats.

See author's posts