Hackers Exploit Fake GitHub Projects to Steal Cryptocurrency
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Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has identified a malicious campaign where hackers create fake GitHub projects to distribute malware aimed at stealing cryptocurrency and sensitive information.
This operation, termed “GitVenom,” has been active for at least two years, targeting users worldwide.
Fake GitHub Projects Distribute Malware
According to a report on February 24, Kaspersky analyst Georgy Kucherin said that hackers have created hundreds of fake GitHub projects as part of a malware campaign called “GitVenom.”
These fake projects contain harmful software like remote access trojans (RATs), info-stealers, and clipboard hijackers.
https://twitter.com/kaspersky/status/1894291124694426107?s=46
In the GitVenom campaign, attackers set up numerous fake GitHub repositories that appear to host legitimate projects. These repositories often claim to offer tools like Telegram bots for managing Bitcoin wallets or software to automate social media interactions.
However, downloading and running the code from these fake GitHub projects infects users’ systems with various types of malware.
The malware embedded in these fake GitHub projects includes remote access trojans (RATs), information stealers, and clipboard hijackers.
Once installed, these malicious programs can capture saved credentials, cryptocurrency wallet data, and browsing histories, transmitting this information back to the attackers via channels like Telegram.
Clipboard hijackers are particularly insidious; they monitor the clipboard for cryptocurrency wallet addresses and replace them with addresses controlled by the attackers, leading to misdirected funds.
Significant Financial Losses from Fake GitHub Repositories
The financial impact of these fake GitHub projects is substantial. In one instance reported by Kaspersky, a victim lost 5 Bitcoin—valued at approximately $442,000 at the time—after downloading malware from a deceptive repository.
This significant loss underscores the effectiveness of the GitVenom campaign in deceiving users and the severe consequences of interacting with unverified code.
The GitVenom campaign is part of a broader trend where cybercriminals exploit platforms like GitHub to disseminate malware.
In 2024, GitHub faced an attack involving millions of malicious repositories, overwhelming the platform and posing significant risks to users.
Similarly, in 2023, over 100,000 repositories were compromised through a “repo confusion” attack, highlighting the ongoing challenges in securing open-source platforms.
To protect against threats from fake GitHub projects, users are advised to exercise caution when downloading code from repositories. Verifying the authenticity of the project and its developers, checking for recent and legitimate activity, and scanning downloaded code for malware are essential steps.
As Kaspersky’s Georgy Kucherin emphasizes, “Clearly, in designing these fake projects, the actors went to great lengths to make the repositories appear legitimate to potential targets.”
The use of fake GitHub projects to spread malware reflects a larger trend in cybercrime, where hackers continuously find new ways to exploit the crypto industry.
The recent Bybit hack, allegedly carried out by North Korea’s Lazarus Group, shows how stolen funds are often laundered through crypto mixers to evade detection.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, awareness and vigilance are crucial in safeguarding personal and financial information from malicious actors exploiting platforms like GitHub.
