Cybercriminals Exploit GitHub to Distribute Crypto Malware

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting GitHub users by creating deceptive repositories to spread malware, particularly designed to steal sensitive information like cryptocurrency details and personal credentials. A

A recent report from Kaspersky highlights a rising trend of fake projects that trick unsuspecting developers into downloading malicious software under the guise of legitimate tools.

These fake repositories, part of a campaign called “GitVenom,” feature software that masquerades as useful programs, such as Bitcoin wallet managers or Instagram automation tools. However, beneath the surface, the software is equipped with hidden threats like remote access trojans (RATs) and clipboard hijackers, which can collect user data and even replace crypto wallet addresses with those controlled by the attackers.

Kaspersky’s investigation reveals that these hackers have been active for over two years, creating convincing-looking projects with AI-generated documentation and regular “updates” to maintain the illusion of legitimacy. Despite the appearance of activity, the projects typically do very little, performing only meaningless tasks that disguise their true intentions.

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The malware from these fake repositories has proven to be highly effective. In one instance, it led to a theft of 5 Bitcoin, worth about $442,000. Regions like Russia, Brazil, and Turkey have been particularly targeted by the attackers, but their reach is global.

Given the popularity of code-sharing platforms like GitHub, Kaspersky warns that these types of scams will continue, urging developers to be cautious about third-party code and verify what actions it performs before running it.

Kosta Gushterov