Kimsuky Espionage Group Exploits Translatext Chrome Extension to Conduct Cyber Attacks

June 28, 2024 Security

The North Korean state-sponsored hacking group, Kimsuky, has been recently spotted deploying a novel malicious Chrome extension, known as Translatext, to conduct cyber espionage. This discovery has been made by Cybersecurity firms, including Cybereason's Nocturnus team, who have been closely monitoring the activities of this group.

Kimsuky has been notorious for engaging in widespread cyber-espionage campaigns since 2012. Its primary targets have always been South Korean think tanks, industry insiders, and government entities. However, it has recently expanded its reach to the United States, Japan, and Europe and has now started exploiting browser extensions to enhance its operations.

The Translatext Chrome extension is part of Kimsuky's latest strategy. It is an authentic translation tool available on the Chrome web store, which the group has been using as a backdoor to infiltrate and extract information from its victims' computers. The extension, once installed, grants the attackers full control over the victim's browser.

The extension can carry out various malicious activities, including capturing screenshots, accessing cookies, stealing login credentials, and collecting user information. The stolen data is then encrypted and sent back to the command and control server of the attackers.

According to Cybereason's Nocturnus team, Kimsuky uses spear-phishing emails to lure victims into installing the malicious extension. The emails are disguised as official communications from government bodies or known contacts. The group also utilizes social engineering techniques to manipulate victims into clicking on malicious links or opening infected attachments.

Kimsuky's use of a legitimate Chrome extension like Translatext raises serious concerns about the safety of browser extensions. While Google has been proactive in removing malicious extensions from its web store, the case of Translatext highlights the need for users to be cautious when downloading and installing extensions.

Experts advise users to only install extensions from trusted sources, read user reviews and check the permissions requested by the extension. Furthermore, keeping the browser and its extensions updated can protect against known vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.

The discovery of Kimsuky's use of Translatext underlines the increasing sophistication of state-sponsored cyber-espionage campaigns. It serves as a reminder that cybersecurity is not merely a technical issue but also a geopolitical one, requiring international cooperation and vigilance from all stakeholders.

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