A new browser-based malware campaign is making headlines, revealing how cybercriminals are exploiting trusted domains like Google.com to slip past traditional antivirus software undetected.
According to a report from security researchers at c/side, this tactic is highly deceptive. The malicious activity is:
→ Subtle — the attack is cleverly designed to avoid drawing attention
→ Conditionally triggered — the malware only activates under specific circumstances
→ Hard to detect — both users and standard security tools struggle to identify it
The attack appears to stem from what looks like a legitimate OAuth-related Google URL. However, hidden beneath this trusted link is a malicious payload that quietly runs in the background, gaining full access to the victim’s browser session.
How to Stay Safe
→ Be cautious when clicking links, even if they appear to come from trusted sources
→ Always verify the URL carefully — look for anything unusual in the address
→ Use advanced security tools or browser extensions that offer real-time phishing and malware protection
→ Keep your browser and security software up to date to guard against emerging threats
Malware Hidden in Plain Sight: How Hackers Exploit Google OAuth to Spread Malicious Code
Cybercriminals have devised a clever new method to hide malware in plain sight by leveraging trusted domains and bypassing security defenses.
The attack typically starts with a script embedded on a compromised Magento-based eCommerce site. This script references what appears to be a harmless Google OAuth logout URL:
→ https://accounts.google.com/o/oauth2/revoke
At first glance, this URL looks legitimate. But hidden within is a manipulated callback parameter that decodes and executes an obfuscated JavaScript payload using eval(atob(...)).
What makes this threat particularly dangerous is the use of Google’s domain:
→ Since the script loads from a trusted Google source, most content security policies (CSPs), DNS filters, and even some antivirus software allow it through without suspicion.
How the Malware Works
→ The malicious script only activates under specific conditions to avoid easy detection.
→ If the browser appears automated (such as from a bot) or if the URL includes keywords like "checkout", the script triggers.
→ It silently opens a WebSocket connection to a malicious server, allowing the attacker to monitor or manipulate the session based on the user’s actions in real-time.
Why This Matters
This sophisticated method shows how attackers can bypass traditional security layers by exploiting trusted platforms. It highlights the importance of:
→ Monitoring for unusual JavaScript behaviors
→ Implementing advanced security measures beyond basic CSPs and filters
→ Keeping all eCommerce platforms and plugins fully updated
How Hackers Execute Malware in Real Time — And Why Antivirus Can’t Catch It
The malware campaign’s real power comes from how it dynamically executes code right inside the browser. Any payload delivered through the attack’s WebSocket channel is:
→ Base64-encoded, making it harder to spot
→ Decoded and executed on the fly using JavaScript’s Function constructor
This setup allows attackers to remotely run code in the victim’s browser session in real time, opening the door for a wide range of malicious activities.
Why Antivirus Solutions Fail to Detect This Threat
One of the biggest reasons this attack is so effective is that it can evade many top antivirus programs and security tools. Here’s why:
→ The malware’s logic is heavily obfuscated and only activates under certain conditions, such as during checkout or when automation isn’t detected
→ The attack hides within legitimate Google OAuth flows, so antivirus software and even the best Android security apps typically won’t inspect, flag, or block these scripts
→ DNS filters and firewalls offer limited defense, since the initial connection is made to a trusted Google domain
→ In business environments, even leading endpoint protection solutions may miss this threat if they rely mainly on domain reputation or don’t inspect dynamic script execution inside the browser
How to Stay Protected
While advanced users and security teams can deploy content inspection proxies or behavioral analytics tools to spot these kinds of attacks, the average user remains vulnerable. To help reduce risk:
→ Limit third-party scripts and use browser extensions that block unnecessary scripts
→ Separate browser sessions for sensitive tasks like banking or online shopping
→ Stay alert for unexpected behavior on websites, such as unusual redirects or pop-ups
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