Table of contents
- How watering hole phishing attacks work
- Goals and objectives of watering hole phishing
- Preventing watering hole phishing attacks
- Notable examples of watering hole phishing attacks
Water hole phishing, also known as watering hole phishing, is a sophisticated cyber attack technique aimed at compromising the security of specific groups of users.
The target of this type of phishing attack is not an individual, but rather a group that frequently visits online sites, used as traps to spread malware and steal sensitive data.
Cyber criminals exploit vulnerabilities in legitimate websites, transforming them into compromised websites, which they use as infection channels without raising suspicion.
Unlike more common phishing methods, such as email phishing, watering hole phishing relies on the assumption that victims frequently visit certain websites.
Cyber criminals analyze the browsing behavior of a targeted group of users, which might include employees of a certain company or sector, to identify the preferred sites of this group.
The attackers then inject malware into the website’s code, transforming it into a malicious website.
When the targeted victims access these sites, the malware infiltrates their devices, allowing attackers to obtain unauthorized access to company systems or users’ personal data.
How watering hole phishing attacks work
To understand how watering hole attacks function, it’s essential to understand how cybercriminals compromise the websites used as traps.
Generally, cyber criminals study the online habits of a specific group of users, such as a company’s employees, until they identify the sites visited most frequently.
The attackers then search for and exploit any zero-day vulnerabilities present in the site’s code.
Zero-day vulnerabilities, commonly found in platforms like Adobe Flash or browsers like Internet Explorer, allow attackers to insert malicious code invisibly to users.
When a targeted user accesses the infected site, the malicious code activates and attempts to install malware on the user’s device, whether it be a computer or smartphone.
In this way, the user may end up with an infected operating system, potentially compromising the security of the entire corporate network.
Goals and objectives of watering hole phishing
The primary objective of a watering hole phishing attack is to steal sensitive information or compromise the systems of a targeted group of users.
This type of attack is particularly used to obtain confidential information or unauthorized access to corporate or government systems by exploiting legitimate websites that employees visit for work or information purposes.
This type of attack is ideal for attackers seeking to bypass network defenses without direct contact with victims.
Instead of sending thousands of phishing emails, cyber criminals can compromise a frequently visited site and wait for members of a specific group to visit it, thus automatically installing malware on their devices.
Preventing watering hole phishing attacks
Preventing a watering hole attack is challenging, especially because this type of attack relies on legitimate websites that employees often visit for legitimate reasons.
However, some measures can help prevent watering hole attacks and reduce the associated risks.
- Use updated security software
Protecting against watering hole attacks can be improved through the use of up-to-date antivirus software configured to automatically block compromised sites and detect malware threats. These tools can also alert users when a site may be compromised.
- Update software and browsers frequently
Outdated software, such as older versions of Adobe Flash or Internet Explorer, is often the weak point exploited by cyber criminals. Ensure that all devices use the latest versions and that any security patches are promptly installed.
- Educate employees
Companies can protect themselves by training employees and raising awareness about the risks of watering hole phishing. Understanding the risks and dynamics of a watering hole phishing attack helps develop awareness to avoid falling into these traps.
- Implement firewalls and monitoring systems
Tools like firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS) can help protect against watering hole by detecting unusual traffic and access to suspicious sites.
- Limit access to external websites
Another strategy is to limit access to specific websites on corporate computers, especially if those sites are identified as compromised or at risk. This preventive measure can reduce the likelihood that employees will fall victim to watering hole phishing.
Notable examples of watering hole phishing attacks
Some of the most well-known watering hole attacks in history targeted high-profile companies and governments.
Example
In 2013, a group of hackers used the watering hole phishing method to compromise websites frequented by energy sector employees.
By using a zero-day vulnerability in Internet Explorer, the criminals managed to infect the systems of numerous companies, significantly impacting their cyber security.
Another significant attack involved the use of a zero-day vulnerability in Adobe Flash, which a group of cyber criminals used to target sites frequented by government agencies and high-profile companies, allowing them to install malware on vulnerable devices.
Questions and answers
- What is water hole phishing?
It is a form of cyber attack in which criminals compromise a legitimate website to infect the devices of a specific group of users. - How is watering hole phishing different from other types of phishing?
It relies on the compromise of trusted websites rather than emails or messages. - How does a watering hole phishing attack happen?
Attackers compromise a site frequently visited by a specific group, injecting malware into it. - What are the main goals of water hole phishing?
To access sensitive data or compromise corporate systems through compromised websites. - What makes watering hole phishing effective?
It exploits sites that users frequently visit, making the attack less suspicious. - How can a watering hole phishing attack be prevented?
By updating software and antivirus, educating employees, and limiting access to external websites. - Which software is most vulnerable to watering hole attacks?
Programs like Adobe Flash or Internet Explorer, which are often subject to zero-day vulnerabilities. - What are zero-day vulnerabilities in the context of watering hole phishing?
They are security flaws unknown to vendors, which hackers exploit before they are patched. - How does a watering hole attack affect corporate devices?
It can install malware on devices, compromising the security of the entire corporate network. - What should companies do to protect against watering hole phishing?
Adopt preventive measures such as updated security software and employee training on risks.
