Microsoft Removes 119 Edge Extensions That Hid Malware in Images and Fonts
Microsoft has purged 119 browser extensions from the Edge store identified as part of a multi-year malware campaign.
Answered
What was the purpose of the 119 Edge extensions?
According to coverage, the extensions were designed to run ad fraud and steal user credentials.
How long was the StegoAd operation active?
Reports indicate the operation was active for two years.
How many users were affected?
Coverage states the campaign potentially affected up to 2.6 million users.
Where it stands
Microsoft has removed 119 Edge extensions discovered to contain hidden malware within images and fonts. The operation, referred to as StegoAd, reportedly functioned for two years, performing credential theft and ad fraud. Coverage indicates that up to 2.6 million users may have been impacted by the affected extensions.
Reporting from Redmondmag.com, Malwarebytes, Security Affairs, Risky Business Newsletters, and The Hacker News emphasizes the technical nature of the steganography used to conceal the malicious code. Financial outlets including TipRanks noted a decline in Microsoft stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) following the public disclosure of the removals. Coverage does not yet specify the current status of the individuals behind the operation or if further remediation steps are required for affected browser users.
Watch for updates regarding the long-term impact of the credential theft on compromised accounts.
Synthesized by headlinez.news from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 53d ago.
Sources (6)
- Microsoft Disrupts StegoAd Extension Campaign Affecting Up to 2.6 Million Users Redmondmag.com · 55d ago
- 119 Edge extensions promised useful tools, instead downloaded malware Malwarebytes · 55d ago
- Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Slips After Pulling 119 Edge Extensions TipRanks · 55d ago
- StegoAd: How 119 Fake Browser Extensions Stole Credentials and Ran Ad Fraud for Two Years Security Affairs · 55d ago
- Microsoft takes down StegoAd operation Risky Business Newsletters · 55d ago
- Microsoft Removes 119 Edge Extensions That Hid Malware in Images and Fonts The Hacker News · 55d ago
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