Summary:
BleepingComputer has confirmed that the helpdesk portal of Canadian router manufacturer Mercku has been compromised and is sending MetaMask phishing emails in response to new support tickets. Mercku supplies equipment to several ISPs and networking companies, including Start.ca, FibreStream, Innsys, RealNett, Orion Telekom, and Kelcom. Upon submitting a support request, users receive an email titled "Metamask: Mandatory Metamask Account Update Required," instructing them to update their MetaMask account within 24 hours to avoid potential loss of access. The email states: "We trust this communication finds you well. In our ongoing commitment to fortifying the security of our users, we recently conducted a comprehensive update to our database and enhanced our firewall security system. In light of these improvements, it is imperative that you promptly update your Metamask account profile.

The phishing email aims to deceive users into clicking a malicious link. The link misleads users by making the URL appear to be from "metamask.io" when it actually redirects to a different site, abusing the "userinfo" part of the URL structure. This tactic exploits users' preconceived notions about URLs to mask the true destination.

Security Officer Comments:
BleepingComputer's tests showed that contacting Mercku via its Zendesk portal resulted in receiving this phishing email instead of a standard acknowledgment. Users are advised not to interact with the email or its links. MetaMask, a popular cryptocurrency wallet that uses the Ethereum blockchain, is frequently targeted by attackers due to its widespread use. The phishing link included in the email is structured in a way that makes it appear as if it leads to "metamask.io," but it actually directs users to a different site. The URL schema allows the use of an "Authority" part, where "userinfo" (such as a username) appears between the URL's protocol and the host. Attackers exploit this feature to mislead users into believing they are visiting a trusted site.

In this phishing attack, clicking on the link first directs users to one site, which then redirects to another malicious website. Fortunately, the hosting account for the final malicious website has been suspended, preventing further attacks for now.


Suggested Corrections:
Users should always be cautious of individuals or organizations that ask for personal information. Most companies will not ask for sensitive data from its customers. If in doubt, users should verify with the company itself to avoid any potential issues.


Users should always take a close look at the sender’s display name when checking the legitimacy of an email. Most companies use a single domain for their URLs and emails, so a message that originates from a different domain is a red flag.


As a general rule, users should not click links or download files even if they come from seemingly “trustworthy” sources.


Check for mismatched URLs. While an embedded URL might seem perfectly valid, hovering above it might show a different web address. In fact, users should avoid clicking links in emails unless they are certain that it is a legitimate link.


Users should always be on the lookout for any grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Legitimate companies will often employ proofreaders and editors who ensure that the materials they send out are error-free.


Users should not be frightened or intimidated by messages that have an alarmist tone. They should double check with the company if they are uncertain about the status of their accounts.


Phishing emails are designed to be sent to a large number of people, so they need to be as impersonal as possible. Users should check whether the message contains a generic subject and greeting, as this can be a sign of a phishing attempt.


Although not every end user has access to advanced anti-phishing software, they can still use the built-in protection of their email clients to filter messages. One example is setting the email client to block all images unless approved.


Legitimate companies will never send confirmation emails unless there are specific reasons for doing so. In fact, most companies will avoid sending unsolicited messages unless it’s for company updates, newsletters, or advertising purposes.


Users should always take the context of an email or message into account. For example, most online accounts do away with viewable member numbers, so users should be wary if they receive emails containing a “member number” for services that generally don’t use them.


It is important to take note of unusual information in the text of the message. Any mentions of operating systems and software that are not typically used by consumers can often be indicators of a phishing attempt.


If it seems suspicious, it probably is. Users should always err on the side of caution when it comes to sending out personally identifiable information through messages and emails.


Link(s):
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/ne...portal-hacked-replies-with-metamask-phishing/