In a sophisticated cyberattack targeting the hospitality industry, threat actors are impersonating Booking.com to deceive hotel staff into installing malware on their systems. This campaign employs advanced social engineering techniques, exploiting the urgency associated with hotel reservations to prompt immediate, unverified actions from employees.
Deceptive Tactics and Execution
Cybercriminals initiate the attack by sending emails that appear to originate from Booking.com, complete with seemingly legitimate reservation details such as check-in dates, room specifications, and guest information. These emails often feature check-in dates set just days after the email’s arrival, heightening the sense of urgency. Recipients are instructed to copy and paste a URL into their browser to confirm the booking.
Upon following these instructions, hotel staff are directed to a fraudulent website displaying a fake CAPTCHA verification interface. This tactic aligns with recently observed fake CAPTCHA schemes targeting various sectors, indicating an evolution in cybercriminal strategies.
Infection Mechanism
Interacting with the fake CAPTCHA prompts a series of instructions guiding users to press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, paste content from the clipboard, and press Enter. Unbeknownst to the victims, this action executes an mshta command—a legitimate Windows utility that runs HTML Application (HTA) files containing JavaScript or VBScript code. In this case, the command retrieves and executes a malicious script from an attacker-controlled server.
Once executed, the payload likely establishes persistence on the victim’s system while attempting to evade detection by security solutions. The primary objective appears to be accessing customer payment information and personal data stored in hotel management systems, which are highly valuable commodities on dark web marketplaces.
Broader Implications and Industry Impact
This attack underscores the evolving nature of cyber threats targeting specific industries with tailored approaches. The hospitality sector, with its reliance on timely and efficient communication, presents a lucrative target for cybercriminals. By exploiting the trust placed in reputable platforms like Booking.com, attackers can bypass traditional security measures and directly engage with potential victims.
The use of legitimate Windows utilities like mshta in the attack chain highlights the challenges in detecting and mitigating such threats. These utilities, while essential for various legitimate functions, can be weaponized by attackers to execute malicious code, often evading standard security protocols.
Recommendations for Mitigation
To defend against such sophisticated attacks, organizations in the hospitality industry should consider implementing the following measures:
1. Employee Training and Awareness: Regularly educate staff about the latest phishing tactics and social engineering techniques. Emphasize the importance of verifying the authenticity of emails, especially those requesting urgent actions or containing unfamiliar links.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA on all critical systems, including booking and reservation platforms. This adds an additional layer of security, making it more challenging for attackers to gain unauthorized access.
3. Email Filtering and Verification: Utilize advanced email filtering solutions to detect and quarantine suspicious emails. Encourage staff to verify the sender’s email address and be cautious of emails that create a sense of urgency or request sensitive information.
4. Regular System Updates and Patching: Ensure that all systems, including operating systems and applications, are regularly updated to patch known vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.
5. Incident Response Planning: Develop and regularly update an incident response plan to quickly address and mitigate the impact of potential security breaches.
By adopting these proactive measures, organizations can enhance their resilience against evolving cyber threats and protect both their systems and customer data from malicious actors.
