Magnitude Exploit Kit

Posted: October 23, 2013

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Ranking:	8,072
Threat Level:	2/10
Infected PCs:	1,066

First Seen:	October 23, 2013
Last Seen:	September 27, 2023
OS(es) Affected:	Windows

The Magnitude Exploit Kit is a new exploit kit that uses software vulnerabilities as means of launching drive-by-download attacks to distribute threats. Although a Magnitude Exploit Kit's attacks may be launched nigh-invisibly, one of its most recent campaigns, apparently implemented to supplant the Blackhole Exploit Kit (previously the most popular exploit kit amongst threat distributors), uses social engineering attacks that try to disguise the Magnitude Exploit Kit's payloads as browser updates. SpywareRemove.com malware experts encourage the use of both software-based security and user education for protection against the Magnitude Exploit Kit's attacks, which have been known for distributing backdoor Trojans and other high-level PC threats.

The Magnitude of Problems to Be Found When a New Exploit Kit Comes Calling

It's a tumultuous time for malware developers, with the infamous Blackhole Exploit Kit's author supposedly under arrest and all active spam-based campaigns abusing it having been put to a halt, either temporarily or permanently. However, at least one group of criminals appear to have landed on their feet, with the Magnitude Exploit Kit replacing Blacole as their exploit kit of choice. Like other exploit kits, the Magnitude Exploit Kit uses both old and new vulnerabilities from common software (such as Microsoft Office, JavaScript or Adobe's PDF Reader) to install threats onto your computer automatically. Current campaigns with Magnitude Exploit Kits appear to be distributing the newest versions of ZeroAccess, a backdoor Trojan that often is associated with Bitcoin-mining functions and spyware attacks that steal personal data.

Magnitude Exploit Kit-related attacks usually initialize from fake Pinterest profile notifications. Clicking the embedded links may lead the prospective victims to a corrupted site that peddles a fake browser update, which is a disguised version of the Magnitude Exploit Kit's drive-by-download attack. Like most exploit kits, the Magnitude Exploit Kit may install its payload even if you attempt to refuse the download – although this requires the Magnitude Exploit Kit to have access to various software vulnerabilities.

Keeping Your PC from Being Another Exploited Target

While the Magnitude Exploit Kit is unlikely to have the fleshed-out, comprehensive support structure that criminals enjoyed using with the Blackhole Exploit Kit and its authors, the Magnitude Exploit Kit is just as threatening as any other exploit kit. Any contact with sites resembling the earlier descriptions should be considered a possible cause of an infection by backdoor Trojans or even worse PC threats – regardless of the presence or lack of any symptoms related to their attacks. It also should be noted that at least one of the Trojans related to the Magnitude Exploit Kit's current campaign is known for using functions that may permanently damage your PC's hardware if it's left ignored for too long.

All exploit kits require software vulnerabilities to install threats onto your PC without your permission. In many (but not all) cases, these vulnerabilities may be reduced by installing all appropriate security patches for popular software. At the same time, SpywareRemove.com malware experts also emphasize the need to avoid fraudulent software updates from third party sources that drive-by-download attackers like the Magnitude Exploit Kit use to infect your computer. Of course, ZeroAccess, Cutwail and other Trojans related to the Magnitude Exploit Kit, which are categorized as high-level threats, always should be removed with updated and competent brands of anti-malware software.

Technical Details

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