Don’t Fall for the Fake Corsair Job Offer Infecting PCs

A new phishing campaign is targeting social media managers with fake job offers pretending to be from computer hardware company Corsair. This scam aims to infect victims with information-stealing malware like DarkGate and RedLine by having them download infected files attached to the fake job offers.

Cybersecurity firm WithSecure uncovered this campaign and linked it to Vietnamese cybercriminal groups behind previous ‘Ducktail’ campaigns first detected in 2022. These campaigns try to steal valuable Facebook business accounts that can be misused for malicious advertising or sold to other hackers.

This detailed guide will explain how the Corsair job scam works, help you recognize the tactics used, and provide steps to take if you downloaded any suspicious files.

Overview of the Fake Corsair Job Offer Scam

The threat actors behind this scam have been targeting potential victims mainly in the United States, United Kingdom, and India who list social media management in their LinkedIn profiles. The lure is a fake job posting for a Facebook Ads Specialist role at Corsair delivered via LinkedIn messages and posts.

The goal is to trick targets into downloading ZIP archives containing malware-laden PDFs, Word documents, or text files. WithSecure’s analysis of the metadata inside these malicious archives points to the RedLine and DarkGate information-stealing malware being distributed currently.

Once installed on a victim’s computer, this malware can:

• Steal sensitive data like login credentials, financial information, screenshots, browser histories, etc.
• Gather system information like installed software, hardware devices, and configurations.
• Record keystrokes to grab passwords, messages, and other confidential data.
• Take remote control of the infected computer.
• Spread laterally in a network by exploiting vulnerabilities.

The stolen data allows the attackers to gain access to the victim’s social media accounts and business assets. Compromised Facebook advertising accounts, in particular, can earn the hackers money through malicious ads or reselling the assets.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Fake Job Offer Scam Process

The fake Corsair job offer scam is designed to manipulate busy professionals into hastily downloading attachments containing malware. Here is how the scam typically progresses:

1. Initial Contact Over LinkedIn

The first contact is initiated via LinkedIn messages or fake job posts. The attackers create convincing profiles often posing as Corsair HR representatives or recruiters at staffing agencies.

The messages will mention an open position for a Facebook Ads Specialist role at Corsair that fits the target’s experience. A brief role description and enticing salary figure are given to lure them in.

2. Request to Download Job Details

The next step sees the scammer direct the target to download full job details from a Google Drive or Dropbox link:

“Please download the attached document that outlines the job description, responsibilities, and salary information for the Facebook Ads Specialist position. You can find all the details here: g2.by/corsair-JD”

The Google Drive or Dropbox link redirects to a ZIP archive download like Salary and new products.8.4.zip.

3. Malware Hidden in Job Details Files

This ZIP archive contains malware-laden files like:

• Job Description of Corsair.docx – A Word doc with an embedded VBS script
• Salary and new products.txt – Benign text file
• PDF Salary and Products.pdf – Malicious PDF

The Word document contains macros or VBS scripts that will execute once opened to download additional malware components. The PDF likely exploits an Adobe Reader vulnerability to install malware.

4. Malware Installation & Activity

Once executed, the VBS script copies and renames curl.exe to initiate the next stage infection. It downloads and executes autoit3.exe along with an obfuscated AutoIt3 script.

This script then constructs the DarkGate malware using code strings present in the script itself. The malware has modules to:

• Steal browser data, credentials, screenshots, etc.
• Record keystrokes to grab sensitive info entered by the user
• Remotely take control of the infected system
• Spread laterally to other computers on the network

Within 30 seconds of infection, DarkGate attempts to disable security software to evade detection. The attackers likely have full access to the compromised computer at this stage.

5. Results for the Attackers

With their malware successfully installed on the target’s computer, the attackers can now steal passwords, business accounts, financial information, and other valuable data.

Access to social media and advertising accounts are a prime target. The hackers can misuse or resell compromised Facebook business assets. They can also leverage corporate email accounts for further social engineering attacks.

This gives the threat actors valuable data, pivot points into corporate networks, and potential monetary gain.

What to Do If You Downloaded Suspicious Files

If you downloaded and opened any suspicious Word docs, PDFs, or other files from unknown contacts on LinkedIn, follow these steps to secure your systems:

1. Disconnect From the Internet and Network

Immediately unplug your computer’s internet connection and disconnect from any office networks. This prevents malware from communicating with command servers or spreading.

2. Scan for Malware

Install quality antivirus software like Malwarebytes or ESET if you don’t have any. Perform a full system scan to detect and remove any potential malware.

3. Change All Passwords

Assume all your passwords have been compromised. Carefully change passwords for email, social media, financial services, and work software accounts. Avoid reusing any old passwords. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.

4. Contact Corsair and LinkedIn

Notify Corsair that cybercriminals are posing as recruiters and using fake job offers in their name. Also contact LinkedIn to report the fake accounts spreading malware.

5. Check Accounts for Suspicious Activity

Carefully check your social media, payment accounts, and email accounts for any unauthorized access, posts, or transactions. Report any strange activity to the providers. Monitor account activity closely over the next few months.

6. Wipe and Restore the Infected Device

The safest option is to wipe the infected hardware completely and reinstall the operating system and software from scratch. Restore cleaned files and data only from known good backups. If this is not feasible, at least follow steps 1-5.

7. Inform Your IT Department

If you were using a work device or credentials, alert your IT security team. They can assess risks to the broader organization, scan network activity, and take steps to prevent a wider breach.

Stay vigilant against potential follow-up attacks aimed at your employer or clients. The attackers may leverage any compromised accounts or data for additional phishing attempts, client email spoofing, or other social engineering.

Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware

If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.  

Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Fake Corsair Job Offer Scam

What is the fake Corsair job offer scam?

This is a phishing campaign where attackers pretend to recruit for Corsair and send fake job offers containing malware to social media managers and ad account pros. The goal is to infect them with info-stealing malware.

How does the scam work?

It starts with a message on LinkedIn about an appealing role at Corsair. You get directed to download a ZIP file with job details that hides malware-laden PDFs and Word docs. If you open these, it will infect your computer.

What malware is being distributed?

Researchers found evidence of DarkGate and RedLine stealer malware in the phishing attachments. These steal data like passwords, screenshots, credentials, and browser history.

What’s the end goal of this scam?

The attackers want to hijack valuable social media advertising accounts, especially Facebook Business accounts. Compromised accounts can be misused or resold by the hackers.

Why target social media managers?

These roles likely have access to corporate social media accounts. Stealing just 1-2 Facebook ad accounts gives the hackers plenty of money-making potential.

How do I recognize this scam?

Be suspicious of unsolicited LinkedIn messages about vague Corsair roles that urgently direct you to download job description files from Google Drive or Dropbox.

What should I do if I downloaded suspicious files?

Disconnect your device from internet/network immediately. Scan for malware, reset passwords, contact Corsair/LinkedIn, monitor accounts closely for unauthorized activity.

How can I avoid falling for this scam?

Never download files from strangers. Always verify LinkedIn contacts and job offers directly on company sites before engaging. Use security tools to scan links and attachments.

Who is behind this scam campaign?

Researchers attribute it to Vietnamese cybercriminal groups that have been running ‘Ducktail’ campaigns focused on stealing social media assets since last year.

The Bottom Line

The fake Corsair job offer scam demonstrates how far cybercriminals will go to compromise corporate assets including social media advertising accounts. The carefully crafted social engineering lures in this campaign play on people’s desire for career growth and urgency to apply for a hot new role.

But stopping to verify the source, double-check linked URLs, and scan attachments could have prevented infection. The lure of a hot new job opportunity cost the targets their credentials, data, and access in the end.

Defending against these threats means adopting a careful, suspicious approach to unsolicited contacts and job offers. Scrutinize every link and attachment, no matter how appealing the message seems. Stick to visiting job sites directly rather than clicking embedded links.

Investing in stronger email and endpoint security solutions also adds multiple layers of protection. Combining vigilance with the right mix of defenses can help companies safeguard their social media assets and business accounts from compromise.