Vast 'Vane Viper' Network Exploits Digital Ads to Spread Malware
Cybersecurity experts have uncovered a vast network, dubbed 'Vane Dodge Viper', that's been exploiting the digital advertising ecosystem. This network, comprising over 60,000 domains, uses deceptive tactics to evade detection and spread malware on a massive scale.
Vane Dodge Viper generates over a trillion DNS queries annually, demonstrating its immense reach. Its domains even rank among the top 10,000 worldwide. The network employs push notification abuse, traffic distribution systems, and cloaking techniques to remain undetected. This sophisticated operation is believed to be the work of Propeller Ads LLC, also known as PropellerAds, which is identified as the parent company of Vane Dodge Viper.
Researchers have found similarities between Vane Dodge Viper and another threat actor, VexTrio. Both are part of a cohort that emerged in Eastern Europe and Russian diaspora centers in 2015. This suggests a coordinated effort among cybercriminals to exploit the lack of transparency and security in the digital advertising ecosystem.
Vane Dodge Viper, under the guise of PropellerAds, has been actively involved in questionable activities such as spreading malware and digital fraud. The network's size and reach pose significant risks to users worldwide. As cybercriminals increasingly hide behind legitimate business models, it's crucial for the industry to improve transparency and security measures to protect users from such threats.
