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BabaYaga WordPress Malware

BabaYaga is a newly identified malware observed targeting WordPress installations in search engine optimisation (SEO) fraud attacks.
Threat ID:
CC-2480
Category:
Trojan
Threat Severity:
Low
Threat Vector:
Published:
13 June 2018 12:00 AM
Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

This content has been archived

This article no longer conforms to NHS Digital's standards for cyber alerts, and may contain outdated or inaccurate information. Use of this information contained in this page is at your own risk

Summary

BabaYaga is a newly identified malware observed targeting WordPress installations in search engine optimisation (SEO) fraud attacks.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

WordPress Core

  • WordPress sites

Threat details

At the time of publication it is unclear how BabaYaga is delivered. Once installed on an system it will inject new keyboard plugins on affected sites in order to redirect users to hidden malvertising pages on previously compromised sites. This redirection is intended to increase the ranking of the sites, making them appear more often in searches and increasing the number of users viewing the adverts

BabaYaga executes alongside any WordPress content during page loading and requires working applications to be effective. It will update and reinstall affected sites if it detects performance issues; and will scan for and remove other malware to ensure sites remain functional.

For further information:

Remediation advice

To prevent and detect an infection, ensure that:

Remediation steps

Type Step
  • A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails.
  • All operating systems, anti-virus and other security products are kept up-to-date.
  • All day-to-day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts.
  • Strong password policies are in place.
  • Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity.
  • User accounts accessed from affected devices should be reset on a clean computer.
  • Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:38 pm