Malicious Notepad++ Google ads evade detection for months

nicolaasjan

Level 3
Thread author
May 29, 2023
142
A new Google Search malvertizing campaign targets users looking to download the popular Notepad++ text editor, employing advanced techniques to evade detection and analysis.
Threat actors have been increasingly abusing Google Ads in malvertising campaigns to promote fake software websites that distribute malware.
According to Malwarebytes, which spotted the Notepad++ malvertising campaign, it has been live for several months but managed to fly under the radar all this time.
The final payload delivered to victims is unknown, but Malwarebytes says it's most likely Cobalt Strike, which usually precedes highly damaging ransomware deployments.
 

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