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Firefox nabbed by spyware

UK Romanian security vendor BitDefender has identified a new strain of malware explicitly designed to attack Firefox by exploiting the popular addons feature.

The exploit, identified as Trojan.PWS.ChromeInject.A, registers itself as an addon with Firefox and is configured to relay a user’s credentials for more than 100 global financial institutions. Using JavaScript to execute its function, this new strain of malware registers itself as the harmless and popular Greasemonkey addon.

Information stolen as a result of Chromeinject.A is sent to a server in Russia, the fount from which all malware seems to spring.

Though this attack is clearly amongst the first of its kind for the popular Firefox browser, the attack cannot be directly installed through Firefox. The payload is instead delivered in conjunction with another piece of malware that a user can attract by using another browser, or as a result of a user being duped into installing malicious software.

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6 Replies:

  1. Kwitko
    The Retired Sheriff

    Funny. Get to FF by way of IE. Chances are if you're using FF you're smart enough not to get dinged by malware in the first place.

  2. mertesn
    Icrontic Duke of Haxor

    IE would like to install an addon...for the ENEMY!!!

  3. Doug Woodall
    Guest

    Well, its only a matter of time. As alternative browsers become more popular, more attacks will be directed towards them.

  4. DrLiam
    Bearly a Doctor

    Well at least Russia is being very innovative here. :x

  5. tolique
    Guest

    Very nice article, but only one thing to complain: BitDefender is a Romanian Antivirus not British and for now it has been my top choice for antivirus protection.

  6. Robert Hallock
    The Lulzbringer

    You're very right, Tolique. The original article has been updated to say Romania. Thank you for commenting.

Hey, be nice. Icrontic is full of good people, we promise.