Unraveling the GreedyBear Cybercrime Group’s Crypto Theft Operations
In the digital world where cryptocurrency is becoming increasingly mainstream, threats loom large. Among them, a cybercrime syndicate known as “GreedyBear” has emerged as a formidable force, reportedly siphoning off more than $1 million in a sophisticated crypto theft scheme. This analysis, based on insights from Koi Security, reveals the group’s extensive and coordinated strategies, blending malicious browser extensions, malware, and fraudulent websites into a single, potent network.
Malicious Extensions: A Tool for Crypto Theft
The GreedyBear group has leveraged a multifaceted approach, deploying over 650 malicious tools, a significant escalation from their previous “Foxy Wallet” operation, which involved only 40 Firefox extensions. According to Tuval Admoni, a researcher at Koi Security, these tools are part of a tactic known as “Extension Hollowing.” Initially, the group releases legitimate-looking Firefox add-ons, such as video downloaders or link cleaners, under new publisher accounts. These extensions gather fake positive reviews to build trust before being replaced with harmful versions masquerading as legitimate wallets like MetaMask, TronLink, Exodus, and Rabby Wallet. Once unsuspecting users install them, these extensions capture credentials and transmit them to GreedyBear’s control servers.
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Concealed Malware in Pirated Software
Beyond browser extensions, the investigation has linked nearly 500 malicious Windows files to GreedyBear. These files encompass notorious malware families, including LummaStealer, ransomware akin to Luca Stealer, and trojans that serve as loaders for other malicious programs. The group predominantly distributes these through Russian-language platforms offering cracked or “repacked” software, broadening their target audience beyond the cryptocurrency community. Koi Security also uncovered modular malware that allows operators to modify functionalities without deploying entirely new files, indicating a high level of sophistication in their operations.
Fraudulent Crypto Services: A Deceptive Strategy
In addition to their malicious software, GreedyBear has crafted counterfeit websites posing as legitimate cryptocurrency services. Some of these sites purport to offer hardware wallets, while others claim to provide wallet repair services for devices like Trezor. Additionally, fake wallet applications with appealing interfaces deceive users into entering sensitive information such as recovery phrases, private keys, and payment details. Unlike typical phishing sites that mimic exchange login pages, these fraudulent pages resemble product or support portals, enhancing their credibility. Reports indicate that while some of these sites actively collect data, others remain dormant, poised for future exploitation. Investigators traced nearly all domains associated with these operations back to a single IP address, 185.208.156.66, serving as the campaign’s central hub for handling stolen credentials, orchestrating ransomware activities, and hosting scam sites.
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