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'Contagious Interview' Attack Now Delivers Backdoor Via VS Code

darkreading
Actively Exploited
Malware

Overview

A new attack method called the 'Contagious Interview' has emerged, exploiting trust granted to repository authors in Visual Studio Code (VS Code). Once a user gives access to a malicious application from a compromised repository, the app can execute arbitrary commands on the user's system without requiring any further interaction. This poses a significant risk to developers and users who rely on VS Code for their projects, as it can lead to unauthorized access and control over their systems. The attack leverages the trust inherent in open-source collaborations, making it crucial for users to scrutinize the sources of their software. As this method becomes more prevalent, developers should be cautious about the repositories they trust.

Key Takeaways

  • Active Exploitation: This vulnerability is being actively exploited by attackers. Immediate action is recommended.
  • Affected Systems: Visual Studio Code, related extensions, potentially any system that interacts with compromised repositories
  • Action Required: Users should verify the integrity of repositories and only trust well-known sources.
  • Timeline: Newly disclosed

Original Article Summary

Once trust is granted to the repository's author, a malicious app executes arbitrary commands on the victim's system with no other user interaction.

Impact

Visual Studio Code, related extensions, potentially any system that interacts with compromised repositories

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is confirmed to be actively exploited by attackers in real-world attacks. Organizations should prioritize patching or implementing workarounds immediately.

Timeline

Newly disclosed

Remediation

Users should verify the integrity of repositories and only trust well-known sources. Regular updates to VS Code and its extensions are recommended.

Additional Information

This threat intelligence is aggregated from trusted cybersecurity sources. For the most up-to-date information, technical details, and official vendor guidance, please refer to the original article linked below.

Related Topics: This incident relates to Malware.

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