The article discusses the evolving tactics used by phishers to evade detection by traditional URL scanning techniques. It highlights various methods, including geo-fenced filtering, user-agent filtering, and parameter-based filtering, that cybercriminals use to keep their phishing attacks active. The CloudSEK XVigil platform plays a crucial role in detecting these sophisticated phishing attempts. Affected: Phishing campaigns, Online Banking, Social Media, E-commerce
Keypoints :
- Phishing tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated to evade detection by URL scanners.
- Geo-fenced and IP-based filtering are used by phishers to control access based on a user’s location.
- User-agent filtering limits access to phishing sites only to specific devices, often through social media platforms.
- Referer header filtering prevents detection by only allowing traffic referred from certain websites.
- Parameter-based filtering ensures that only targeted victims can access phishing content, helping evade traditional security measures.
- CloudSEK’s XVigil platform’s Fake Domain Finder module enhances detection capabilities against these advanced evasion techniques.
MITRE Techniques :
- IP Address Filtering (T1020) – Phishing pages gather information about the client’s IP location and redirect unauthorized IPs to legitimate sites.
- User-Agent Filtering (T1061) – Phishing links are distributed via SMS or social media channels and restrict access based on User-Agent detection.
- HTTP Referer Header Filtering (T1042) – Phishing sites check the HTTP Referer header to accept or deny access based on the previous site the user visited.
- Parameter Validation (T1071) – Logic is used in phishing websites to validate incoming URL parameters before displaying malicious content.
Indicator of Compromise :
- No IoC Found
Full Story: https://www.cloudsek.com/blog/beyond-the-scanner-how-phishers-outsmart-traditional-detection-mechanisms