Hidden Backdoor in CCleaner Security App Has Infected 2.3 Million People

Hidden Backdoor in CCleaner Security App Has Infected 2.3 Million People

Hackers have hidden a backdoor in a security application called CCleaner. So far it has 2 billion downloads and has infected 2.3 million people and counting.

Security researchers have discovered cyber criminals have installed a backdoor in a security application for PCs. Users of the Avast-owned CCleaners for Windows have been advised to update their software immediately.

Researchers at Cisco Talos discovered the threat on Sept. 13 after CCleaner 5.33 caused their systems to flag malicious activity. The company warned that the hack could be comparable to the NotPetya ransomware outbreak, which spread after a Ukrainian accounting app was infected.

The hacked application allows for download of further malware, such as ransomware or keyloggers, and there are fears that virtually billions could be impacted. The security app has 2 billion downloads and claims to be getting five million extra a week, making the threat even more severe.

The backdoor installed in the application would send encrypted information about the infected computer - the name of the computer, installed software and running processes - back to the hacker's server. The hackers also used what is known as a domain generation algorithm (DGA) whenever the criminal's server went down, the DGA could create new domains to receive and send stolen data. Researchers have noted that the use of a DGA shows that these hackers are very sophisticated.

Further investigation found that the CCleaner download server was hosting the backdoored app as far back as Sept. 11 and the affected version had been released on August 15. Which means for weeks the malware was spreading inside a supposedly-legitimate security software.

On Sept. 12, CCleaner released an untained version of the software, version 5.34.

Featured

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.