A large-scale malvertising campaign has transformed illegal streaming sites into malware distribution hubs, infecting over a million devices worldwide. Users searching for pirated content unknowingly step into a trap, as embedded malicious iframes lead them through multi-layered redirections. These redirects eventually drop malware hosted on GitHub, Discord, and Dropbox, where the threat group Storm-0408 deploys a variety of infostealers and remote access tools (RATs). Among the most notable payloads are Lumma Stealer, Doenerium, and NetSupport RAT, all designed to harvest credentials, financial data, and cryptocurrency wallets, severely compromising both individual users and organizations.
Work and Play, Both Share the Dismay
The campaign does not discriminate between individual users and corporate environments. Victims include casual users of illegal streaming platforms, enterprises, and even high-value organizations. Malicious ads embedded in these sites initiate a redirection chain spanning four to five layers, eventually leading victims to malware-hosting repositories on trusted platforms like GitHub. Once installed, the malware steals login credentials, financial records, and sensitive corporate files, allowing cybercriminals to leverage the stolen data for identity theft, financial fraud, or further system compromise.
The use of GitHub, Discord, and Dropbox to distribute malware is particularly concerning. Because these platforms are widely used and trusted, many security solutions fail to flag them as threats, making the attack more effective. The scale of the operation, which spans across individual users and enterprises, underscores how malvertising can be as dangerous as phishing and traditional malware attacks.
The Setup
The attack follows a multi-stage process, starting with deceptive ads on illegal streaming sites that exploit users’ intent to watch pirated content. The infection chain unfolds as follows:
1. User visits an illegal streaming site, unknowingly interacting with a malicious iframe embedded in the website.
2. The iframe triggers a series of redirects, eventually leading the victim to malware-hosting repositories on GitHub, Discord, or Dropbox.
3. Malware downloads begin in the background, installing first-stage payloads such as droppers and reconnaissance tools that collect initial system data.
4. Follow-on payloads like Lumma Stealer and Doenerium execute deeper system infiltration, collecting sensitive information like stored passwords, session tokens, and financial data.
5. NetSupport RAT is deployed, allowing cybercriminals to gain persistent remote access, exfiltrate files, and even disable security defenses to avoid detection.
The entire process operates stealthily, using trusted platforms to avoid detection and leveraging PowerShell scripts for persistence. Additionally, the attackers modify security settings to prevent malware removal and ensure long-term access to compromised systems.
Prevent from the Onset
Given the scale and sophistication of this campaign, individuals and organizations must adopt proactive security measures to prevent infection. To reduce exposure to malvertising threats, users should:
• Block malicious ads and disable pop-ups, as they are the primary delivery method for these attacks.
• Avoid illegal streaming sites, which remain a hotspot for malvertising and malware campaigns.
• Monitor PowerShell activity, as attackers frequently use it for script-based attacks and persistence.
• Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and block malware before it fully executes.
• Be cautious when downloading files from GitHub, Discord, or Dropbox, especially if linked from unknown or untrusted sources.
With over one million devices already compromised, this campaign highlights how modern cybercriminals leverage everyday platforms to execute large-scale attacks. Malvertising is no longer just a nuisance—it is a full-fledged cyber threat that can infiltrate personal and corporate systems alike.
As cybercriminal tactics evolve, awareness and proactive defense remain the strongest shields against hidden threats lurking in unexpected places.
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