SVG Phishing Surge: How Image Files Are Being Weaponized to Steal Credentials
Summary:
A significant surge in phishing attacks leveraging Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) files to deliver malware has been reported by Trustwave SpiderLabs, who marked a staggering 1800% increase. These attacks exploit the XML-based nature of SVG files, which allows for the embedding of malicious JavaScript scripts. Unlike traditional image formats, SVG files are rendered natively by browsers and are often not thoroughly scanned or sandboxed by email clients, making them effective infection vectors for credential theft, malware delivery, and MFA bypass. Attackers are utilizing sophisticated Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) platforms like Tycoon2FA, Mamba2FA, and Sneaky2FA to power these SVG-based phishing campaigns. These platforms enable the embedding of obfuscated scripts into SVGs, the execution of Adversary-in-the-Middle (AiTM) phishing, and redirection to credential-harvesting pages that bypass MFA. A recent campaign observed by Trustwave mimicked a Microsoft Teams voicemail notification, using a malicious SVG file masquerading as an audio attachment to redirect victims to a fake login page. In this case, the malicious audio attachment has a double extension.
Security Officer Comments:
This dramatic increase in malicious phishing campaigns that leverage SVG files for phishing campaigns highlights the continued evolution of the tactics of PhaaS operators who are actively seeking new methods to circumvent security measures like email filtering and sandboxing. The dramatic increase in SVG phishing attacks underscores the critical need for organizations to adapt their security strategies to address this emerging threat vector. The ability of SVG files to embed executable scripts and bypass traditional email security controls presents a significant challenge. The utilization of Phishing-as-a-Service platforms further lowers the barrier to entry for threat actors, enabling even less sophisticated individuals to launch complex attacks with SVG files that leverage their benefits and are capable of bypassing multi-factor authentication. Security teams should research email security solutions that improve their detection capabilities to identify malicious SVG files. Furthermore, user awareness training needs to be updated to specifically address the risks associated with unexpected image file attachments, particularly those masquerading as legitimate notifications, as it is still paramount to proactively educate employees about how to discern benign from malicious activity.
Suggested Corrections:
IOCs are available here.
Trustwave Recommendations:
Users should always be cautious of individuals or organizations that ask for personal information. Most companies will not ask for sensitive data from their 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://securityonline.info/svg-phishing-surge-how-image-files-are-being-weaponized-to-steal-credentials/
https://www.trustwave.com/en-us/res...trap-the-surge-of-svg-borne-phishing-attacks/
https://www.trustwave.com/en-us/resources/blogs/spiderlabs-blog/tycoon2fa-new-evasion-technique-for-2025/
A significant surge in phishing attacks leveraging Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) files to deliver malware has been reported by Trustwave SpiderLabs, who marked a staggering 1800% increase. These attacks exploit the XML-based nature of SVG files, which allows for the embedding of malicious JavaScript scripts. Unlike traditional image formats, SVG files are rendered natively by browsers and are often not thoroughly scanned or sandboxed by email clients, making them effective infection vectors for credential theft, malware delivery, and MFA bypass. Attackers are utilizing sophisticated Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) platforms like Tycoon2FA, Mamba2FA, and Sneaky2FA to power these SVG-based phishing campaigns. These platforms enable the embedding of obfuscated scripts into SVGs, the execution of Adversary-in-the-Middle (AiTM) phishing, and redirection to credential-harvesting pages that bypass MFA. A recent campaign observed by Trustwave mimicked a Microsoft Teams voicemail notification, using a malicious SVG file masquerading as an audio attachment to redirect victims to a fake login page. In this case, the malicious audio attachment has a double extension.
Security Officer Comments:
This dramatic increase in malicious phishing campaigns that leverage SVG files for phishing campaigns highlights the continued evolution of the tactics of PhaaS operators who are actively seeking new methods to circumvent security measures like email filtering and sandboxing. The dramatic increase in SVG phishing attacks underscores the critical need for organizations to adapt their security strategies to address this emerging threat vector. The ability of SVG files to embed executable scripts and bypass traditional email security controls presents a significant challenge. The utilization of Phishing-as-a-Service platforms further lowers the barrier to entry for threat actors, enabling even less sophisticated individuals to launch complex attacks with SVG files that leverage their benefits and are capable of bypassing multi-factor authentication. Security teams should research email security solutions that improve their detection capabilities to identify malicious SVG files. Furthermore, user awareness training needs to be updated to specifically address the risks associated with unexpected image file attachments, particularly those masquerading as legitimate notifications, as it is still paramount to proactively educate employees about how to discern benign from malicious activity.
Suggested Corrections:
IOCs are available here.
Trustwave Recommendations:
- Consider blocking or flagging SVG attachments: evaluate the option of blocking emails with SVG attachments or, at a minimum, flagging them with a warning.
- Be cautious with attachments and links: treat unexpected files and embedded links with suspicion, especially if they come from unknown or unverified sources.
- Verify authenticity: double-check senders and content, especially with urgent or unsolicited messages.
- Train employees regularly: provide ongoing education on phishing trends and techniques to help users recognize and respond to threats.
- Use advanced protection: implement robust filtering and threat-detection systems to proactively block malicious threats like SVG-based attachments.
- Implement MFA methods with extra layers: strengthen defenses with phishing-resistant methods like FIDO2 and implement conditional access, continuous authentication, and session monitoring.
Users should always be cautious of individuals or organizations that ask for personal information. Most companies will not ask for sensitive data from their 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://securityonline.info/svg-phishing-surge-how-image-files-are-being-weaponized-to-steal-credentials/
https://www.trustwave.com/en-us/res...trap-the-surge-of-svg-borne-phishing-attacks/
https://www.trustwave.com/en-us/resources/blogs/spiderlabs-blog/tycoon2fa-new-evasion-technique-for-2025/