ClickFix: DarkGate
Summary:
ClickFix is a social engineering technique that tricks victims into executing malicious commands under the pretext of fixing an error on a site or verifying the user is human. Since the user voluntarily initiates the action, this technique enables actors to bypass traditional security controls designed to detect automated or unauthorized execution.
In the latest ClickFix campaign uncovered by Point Wild, attackers use a fake browser or document-related error as the lure, claiming that a required extension such as “Word Online” is missing and preventing online viewing. The page includes instructions to fix the error, which prompts the victim to click on a “How to fix” button. In the event that the user clicks the button, a malicious powershell command is silently copied to the user’s clipboard. From here, the victim is requested to open the Windows Run dialog and right click on the console window. By doing so, the victim unintentionally executes the command, which in turn triggers a multi-stage attack that ultimately leads to the installation of DarkGate malware.
Security Officer Comments:
DarkGate is a modular malware family that is commonly used to gain remote access to victim environments, steal data such as credentials, and deploy next-stage payloads, enabling actors to maintain persistent control over compromised systems.
The use of ClickFix to deploy payloads like DarkGate is not novel. ClickFix has shown effectiveness in the threat landscape, exploiting user trust in familiar online interfaces to infect systems and steal data of interest. Actors have continued to reuse and refine the social engineering technique, with minimal changes to the core execution flow. Because the technique manipulates user behavior, rather than exploiting a vulnerability, it remains difficult to defend against.
Suggested Corrections:
https://www.pointwild.com/threat-intelligence/clickfix-darkgate
ClickFix is a social engineering technique that tricks victims into executing malicious commands under the pretext of fixing an error on a site or verifying the user is human. Since the user voluntarily initiates the action, this technique enables actors to bypass traditional security controls designed to detect automated or unauthorized execution.
In the latest ClickFix campaign uncovered by Point Wild, attackers use a fake browser or document-related error as the lure, claiming that a required extension such as “Word Online” is missing and preventing online viewing. The page includes instructions to fix the error, which prompts the victim to click on a “How to fix” button. In the event that the user clicks the button, a malicious powershell command is silently copied to the user’s clipboard. From here, the victim is requested to open the Windows Run dialog and right click on the console window. By doing so, the victim unintentionally executes the command, which in turn triggers a multi-stage attack that ultimately leads to the installation of DarkGate malware.
Security Officer Comments:
DarkGate is a modular malware family that is commonly used to gain remote access to victim environments, steal data such as credentials, and deploy next-stage payloads, enabling actors to maintain persistent control over compromised systems.
The use of ClickFix to deploy payloads like DarkGate is not novel. ClickFix has shown effectiveness in the threat landscape, exploiting user trust in familiar online interfaces to infect systems and steal data of interest. Actors have continued to reuse and refine the social engineering technique, with minimal changes to the core execution flow. Because the technique manipulates user behavior, rather than exploiting a vulnerability, it remains difficult to defend against.
Suggested Corrections:
- User Awareness: Be extremely cautious of unexpected warnings or messages that prompt you to copy and paste code into a command prompt or terminal. Legitimate websites and applications will not ask you to do this.
- Never Run Unfamiliar Code: Do not execute code from an untrusted source, even if it claims to “fix” an issue.
- Use Reputable Security Software: Employ a strong antivirus/anti-malware program that uses behavioural analysis to detect unusual activity, not just known signatures.
- Restrict Access: In enterprise environments, IT administrators can leverage Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to restrict or disable access to the Windows Run command (triggered by Win + R) and enforce controls that prevent users from executing unauthorized or potentially harmful programs from personal directories.
- Disconnect if Affected: If you suspect you have fallen victim to a ClickFix attack, immediately disconnect the device from the internet and contact IT support.
https://www.pointwild.com/threat-intelligence/clickfix-darkgate