Drive-by Download Attack – What It Is and How It Works – Source: heimdalsecurity.com

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more important than ever before. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to infiltrate networks and steal data.

One of the most insidious methods they use is known as a drive-by download attack. This type of attack can happen without you even realizing it, and it has the potential to wreak havoc on your personal or professional life.

In this article, I will explore how cybercriminals capitalize on drive-by download attacks to steal data and what you can do to protect yourself and your organization against them.

What Is a Drive-by Download Attack

A drive-by download attack is a type of cyberattack where malicious code is downloaded and executed on a target computer or mobile device without the user’s knowledge or permission. Drive-by downloads are often used to deliver malware, such as worms, trojans, and ransomware.

There are a few different ways that drive-by download attacks can occur. One common method is through exploit kits, which are collections of exploit code that attackers can use to take advantage of vulnerabilities in software or devices. Once a vulnerable target visits a website hosting an exploit kit, the kit will attempt to deliver the payload to the target’s device.

Another common method of drive-by download attacks is through malvertising, where attackers insert malicious ads onto legitimate websites. When these ads are clicked on, they can redirect victims to websites that host exploit kits or directly download malware onto their devices.

Drive-by download attacks can be difficult to prevent because they often exploit vulnerabilities that are not yet known or patched. Additionally, drive-by downloads can occur even if users are only visiting legitimate websites; there is no need for users to click on anything or go to any specific website for the attack to succeed.

What Does a Drive-by Download Attack Look Like?

Once installed, the malware can be used to steal sensitive information from the infected computer, such as passwords, financial data, and personal information. Through a drive-by download, the attacker can also take control of the infected computer and use it to launch attacks against other endpoints.

Drive-by download attacks are becoming increasingly common as attackers look for new ways to distribute their malware. Drive-by downloads are often difficult to detect and can have serious consequences for users who are infected.

There are two types of drive-by download attacks: active and passive.

In an active attack

The attacker tricks the victim into clicking on a malicious link that takes them to a website where they are infected with malware.

In a passive attack

The attacker uses browser vulnerabilities to infect the victim’s computer with malicious code without their knowledge or interaction.

The type of drive-by download will determine what the payload will be. For example, if the goal is to steal data, then the attacker may create a malicious script that runs when the victim visits a specific website. This script would then collect information such as login credentials and send it back to the attacker. Consequences range from adware infections of the operating system to financial loss or even data encryption (in the case of ransomware).

Types Of Payloads Delivered

These drive-by download attacks are used to introduce a series of malware into the victim’s operating system. These include:

• Droppers
• Trojans
• Man In the Middle (MITM) tools
• Keyloggers
• Ransomware
• Botnet – These payloads are used mainly for DDOS attacks or in lateral movement of attacks.

Types of Data Targeted in Drive-by Downloads

There are many different types of data that hackers target in a drive-by download. This includes everything from personal information – such as names and addresses – to financial information such as credit card numbers and bank account details.

Cybercriminals will often target a wide range of data to maximize their chances of success.

• One of the most common types of data targeted in drive-by downloads is login credentials.

This can include username and password combinations, as well as security questions and answers. If cybercriminals can obtain this type of information, they can gain access to a victim’s accounts and carry out further attacks.

• Another common type of data targeted is financial information.

This can include credit card numbers, bank account details, and PayPal account details.

• Finally, another type of data that is often targeted is personal information.

This type of information can be used by cybercriminals for identity theft or scamming purposes, after the drive-by download.

Steps to Protect Yourself from Drive-by Downloads

Though it can be hard knowing whether a website is safe or hosting malicious programs, there steps you can take to protect yourself and your devices from drive-by downloads:

1. Keep your operating system updated

Remember to update operating systems with the latest security patches. These can help prevent hackers from using a drive-by download to ultimately get ahold of your sensitive data.

2. Download legitimate software

When downloading programs, especially free ones, always verify their source. Hackers can create seemingly legitimate programs that trick people into thinking they are downloading the right thing. They can be bundled with drive-by downloads full of malicious code.

3. Keep an eye out for pop-ups and stay away from suspicious websites and links

One of the best ways to protect yourself from drive-by downloads is by being aware of the websites you visit. You’ll know you’re on a safe site if you see “https://” or padlocks in the address bar.

If you enter a website and several pop-up windows appear, close them all and leave the site immediately. These windows could be trying to lure you into accidentally deploying a drive-by download onto your computer or mobile device, compromising your data and network via malicious software.

4. Remove unnecessary programs and apps

The more applications and plug-ins you have on your computer, the more security vulnerabilities you must manage. And you know who likes bugs and security flaws? You guessed it, drive-by downloads.

5. Install antivirus software

Antivirus software acts as your first defense against drive-by downloads, other emerging online threats, and malicious files. With a watchful eye protecting your information, you’ll be able to surf the web with confidence and an extra layer of security.

6. Start using a traffic filtering software

As it scans inbound and outbound traffic to make sure no malware program is about to come near your PC, it also prevents private and confidential information from leaking to any suspicious receivers.

One such program is our own Heimdal™ Threat Prevention, which specializes in detecting malicious traffic, such as drive-by downloads, and blocking it from reaching your PC.

You don’t need to deploy it on your endpoints, this security solution will filter traffic that reaches any of your organization’s devices (BYOD included). It tops even hidden threats using AI and your network traffic log.  Enjoy complete DNS, HTTP, and HTTPs protection on your desktop and mobile browsers.

How Can Website Owners Avoid Drive-by Downloads?

As a website owner, you play a critical role in protecting your visitors from potential hackers and drive-by downloads. Consider reinforcing your infrastructure with the following tactics to provide your users with the maximum security and peace of mind:

1. Keep all website elements up to date

Update all website components regularly, including extensions, add-ons, plugins, and other infrastructure aspects that could allow in malicious code.

2. Remove outdated or unsupported components

Remove any obsolete software or website components to prevent drive-by downloads. When security patches are not applied regularly, obsolete software becomes an attractive target for thieves and malicious code.

3. Use strong passwords and usernames for administrator accounts

Use strong passwords and usernames for your administrative accounts to increase security. For increased security, use password generators and a password manager.

4. Keep an eye on website advertisements

A Drive-by download frequently takes advantage of advertisements. Maintain vigilance to ensure that your users are not exposed to suspicious adverts.

5. Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAFs)

Use WAFs to monitor and filter website traffic, protecting against potential threats and drive-by downloads. WAFs can also help detect and block malicious communications helping you to stay safe.

6. Use HTTPS for secure communication

Make sure your website uses HTTPS rather than HTTP, a secure protocol for data exchange between your website and consumers’ web browsers. Hackers will find it more difficult to intercept and inject harmful code with this encryption.

7. Limit the use of third-party content

Use caution when including widgets or advertisements from third-party sources on your web page, as such content is typically the cause of drive-by downloads onto a computer.

To Conclude…

Drive-by download attacks are a serious threat to data security, and threat actors have been increasingly leveraging them for malicious purposes. Organizations and individuals alike need to recognize the potential risks that these types of attacks pose, as well as the available countermeasures they can take to mitigate them.

Take proactive steps such as keeping systems up to date with patches, using strong passwords and antivirus software, running regular scans for malware, and avoiding suspicious links or downloads from untrusted sources, this way you can reduce the risk of becoming the victim of drive-by download attacks.

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