The persistent cyberattack campaign, dubbed Contagious Interview, continues to evolve, with the latest development being the introduction of a new JavaScript malware, OtterCookie. Linked to North Korean threat actors, this ongoing operation uses social engineering tactics to lure individuals seeking job opportunities into downloading malicious software. The campaign has gained attention for its deceptive approach, posing as a job interview process to infect victims with malware.
Contagious Interview Campaign: A Growing Threat
Contagious Interview, also known as DeceptiveDevelopment, has been active for several years, with a focus on recruiting potential victims by posing as recruiters. These attackers distribute malware disguised as videoconferencing applications or npm packages, typically hosted on platforms like GitHub or the official package registry. Once installed, these malicious programs set the stage for a range of other malware infections, including BeaverTail and InvisibleFerret.
First uncovered in November 2023 by Palo Alto Networks' Unit 42, the campaign has been tracked under the identifier CL-STA-0240, and is sometimes referred to as Famous Chollima or Tenacious Pungsan. In a notable development in September 2024, Singapore-based Group-IB highlighted an update to the attack chain, featuring a revised version of BeaverTail. The new version introduced a modular design, offloading data-stealing operations to a collection of Python scripts named CivetQ.
Introduction of OtterCookie Malware
The most recent update to the Contagious Interview campaign involves the deployment of OtterCookie, a JavaScript-based malware introduced in September 2024. According to findings from NTT Security Holdings, OtterCookie is specifically designed to work in conjunction with BeaverTail and other malware components. Upon execution, it establishes communication with a command-and-control (C2) server via the Socket.IO JavaScript library, awaiting further instructions.
The malware primarily targets sensitive data, such as files, clipboard content, and cryptocurrency wallet keys. A key difference between earlier and recent versions of OtterCookie is its functionality. The original variant, detected in September, relied on a remote shell command to steal cryptocurrency keys. In contrast, the newer version incorporates this feature directly within the malware itself, marking an evolution in the attack strategy.
The Broader Context: North Korean Cyber Operations
The timing of these updates aligns with broader efforts by North Korean threat actors to exploit IT scams for financial and strategic gains. Recently, South Korea imposed sanctions on 15 individuals and one organization tied to a fraudulent IT worker scheme. This scheme has been orchestrated by North Korea to generate illicit income that is funneled back to the regime. Some of these individuals are linked to Famous Chollima, indicating a possible connection between the threat group and other malicious operations aimed at stealing data, extorting money, and undermining cybersecurity.
One of the sanctioned individuals, Kim Ryu Song, was also indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for his involvement in a long-running conspiracy that violated sanctions and facilitated wire fraud, money laundering, and identity theft. The sanctioned organization, Chosun Geumjeong Economic Information Technology Exchange Company, allegedly facilitated the recruitment of North Korean IT workers to countries like China, Russia, and Southeast Asia. These workers are reportedly part of the 313th General Bureau, which helps fund North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs by procuring foreign currency through illicit activities.
Conclusion
The continuous evolution of the Contagious Interview campaign, along with the introduction of new malware like OtterCookie, underscores the sophistication and persistence of North Korean cyber operations. These activities not only pose significant risks to cybersecurity but also support the regime’s broader agenda of advancing nuclear and missile development. As global efforts to curb such cyber threats intensify, the international community must remain vigilant against these evolving dangers.
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