Decoding Website Malware: Definitions, Varieties, and Removal Techniques

a) What is website malware?

Website malware is software designed for malicious purposes on websites or web servers. With the abundance of web services, cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities to gain an advantage. Unlike useful software, website malware intentionally harms a website’s environment or makes illegal gains. Common types include credit card thieves, injected spam content, malicious redirects, and website defacement. Most malware features functionality that allows attackers to evade detection or maintain unauthorized access.

b) How does malware get onto your website?

Malware can infiltrate a website through outdated software, weak passwords, insufficiently verified file uploads, third-party components, and compromised credentials. Hackers target known vulnerabilities in these systems, gaining unauthorized access. Insufficiently verified file uploads, third-party components, and compromised credentials can also be exploited. Regular security audits, software updates, strong password policies, and user education on phishing awareness are crucial for strengthening a website’s defenses against malware penetration.

c) How to protect your website from malware?

To protect your website from malware, follow a proactive, multi-layered approach. Update software, use strong passwords, and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly scan and verify user-uploaded files, use a web application firewall, conduct security audits, educate administrators and users about phishing risks, and back up your website regularly. This will enhance your website’s ability to resist malware and maintain a safe online presence.

d) What are the types of website malware?

1. Conditional redirects

When hackers compromise a website, they can add malicious code to redirect specific users to another website. Some common methods used by attackers include modifying web server configuration rules via .htaccess or web.config files, adding server-side scripts, and even client-side JavaScript to create these malicious redirects. To implement conditional elements, attackers regularly limit redirects to referrers or user agents to target specific visitors and avoid detection. The final destination is often infected with malware or set up for phishing, while the original website is blacklisted by search engine authorities.

2. SEO spam

SEO spam is a lucrative way for attackers to monetize hacked websites. They inject hidden elements into website files or fake spam posts into the database. Attackers inject SEO keywords, spam links, ads, or entire pages into compromised websites to improve their rankings. Spam content often includes pharmaceuticals, online gambling, and pornography. The most common type of SEO hack involves invisible links injected into existing website pages.

3. Malicious JavaScript

JavaScript, a popular web programming language, can be exploited by attackers to modify web page behavior, redirect visitors to third-party sites, install malware, display ads, or mine cryptocurrency. It can also interact with the website through background requests, analytics collection, asynchronous actions, or adding unwanted content without refreshing the page.

4. Defacements

Hackers often compromise websites to gain status, showcase their skills, or share information for political, ideological, or religious purposes. Website defacement is a clear sign of compromise, often accompanied by a message stating the site has been hacked and credit information for the attacker.

5. Phishing

Phishing attacks impersonate individuals to steal personal or login information, posing as fake login pages, online banking portals, social network landing pages, and webmail portals. They often involve strange requests, urgency-driven user experiences, and crafted login pages. Detecting phishing is challenging due to malicious pages being hidden within a website’s directory structure.

6. Backdoors

Hackers often plant malicious code on hacked websites, allowing them to maintain or regain unauthorized access. Backdoors are a common type of malware, ranging from simple to complex. Examples include remote code execution backdoor uploaders, which execute code without administrator consent, uploading malicious files, and modifying user accounts with upgraded privileges.

7. Hacktools

Hacking tools are scripts used by attackers to achieve specific malicious goals, typically affecting server resources without affecting the website itself. Common examples include spam sending, DDoS attacks, fingerprinting vulnerable sites, botnet scripts, and mass tampering. Configuration stealers obtain database server addresses, credentials, and data from configuration files while also stealing configuration files from shared hosting environments.

7. Credit card thieves and e-commerce malware

Credit card thieves and e-commerce malware exploit vulnerabilities and compromised credentials to steal sensitive personal information from compromised websites. This can lead to brand reputation damage, PCI compliance issues, and fines. Malware can come in various forms, and stolen data is often leaked online or sold on the dark web, emphasizing the need for early detection and prevention.