User:OutsideNormality/ClickFix
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ClickFix is a browser-based social engineering technique. ClickFix attacks copy a malicious script into the user's clipboard and have them run it in a terminal or run box.
Overview
ClickFix
Techniques
ClickFix attacks use many techniques, all of which use the formula of creating a fake problem and offering a solution (running a malicious script).[1]
Fake CAPTCHA
Fake CAPTCHAs are used for ClickFix attacks. Upon interacting with the CAPTCHA, the website instructs the user to press key combinations to open a terminal or run window, paste the malicious script, and press Enter to activate the payload.[2][3] Security researchers have also spotted fake Cloudflare CAPTCHAs which perform OS detection to tailor the instructions, display fake counters supposedly showing how many users verified in the last hour (to increase trust), and serve video tutorials.[4][5]
Fake updates
As of November 2025, a new ClickFix technique has been reported which uses false update screens. In this technique, the webpage switches to full screen and shows a fake Windows Update screen which instructs the user in much the same way as the fake CAPTCHA technique.[6][7]
FileFix
FileFix is a variation of ClickFix which uses the Windows File Explorer address bar to execute commands instead of a run box. This technique was discovered by security researcher "mr.d0x".[8] The copied command is padded with spaces so as to only display a decoy file path without the malicious command (a PowerShell script) being visible without scrolling.[9][10]
Steganography
ClickFix attacks in the wild are known to use steganography to hide their payloads. The multi-stage payloads extract shellcode from PNG images.[7] A further technique called "cache smuggling" is also used, which forces the browser to cache an image file containing a hidden ZIP payload; the script the user executes later extracts the cached image file and decodes the payload contained within without needing to make any external requests, bypassing security tools.[9]
Payloads
According to Microsoft Research, the most common payload served via ClickFix attacks is Lumma Stealer.
References
- ^ Fadilpašić, Sead (7 November 2025). "Experts warn ClickFix malware attacks are back, and more dangerous than ever before - here's how to stay safe". TechRadar.
- ^ Pippig, Laura; Lee, Joel (2 April 2025). "Watch out! Don't fall victim to these fake CAPTCHA scams on the web". PC-Welt.
- ^ Halfacree, Gareth (22 August 2025). "Fake CAPTCHA tests trick users into running malware". The Register.
- ^ Toulas, Bill (6 November 2025). "ClickFix malware attacks evolve with multi-OS support, video tutorials". BleepingComputer.
- ^ Fadilpašić, Sead (26 November 2025). "New macOS malware chain could cause a major security headache - here's what we know". TechRadar.
- ^ Toulas, Bill (24 November 2025). "ClickFix attack uses fake Windows Update screen to push malware". BleepingComputer.
- ^ a b Lyons, Jessica (24 November 2025). "Fresh ClickFix attacks use Windows Update trick-pics to steal credentials". The Register.
- ^ Ilascu, Ionut (24 June 2025). "New FileFix attack weaponizes Windows File Explorer for stealthy commands". BleepingComputer.
- ^ a b Abrams, Lawrence (8 October 2025). "New FileFix attack uses cache smuggling to evade security software". BleepingComputer.
- ^ Lyons, Jessica (16 September 2025). "FileFix attacks trick victims into executing infostealers". The Register.
scratch space
NOTE: BleepingComputer is cited quite a lot. I couldn't find any RSN discussion, but it looks reliable at a quick glance. 02:35, 30 November 2025 (UTC)
- Lyons, Jessica (24 November 2025). "Fresh ClickFix attacks use Windows Update trick-pics to steal credentials". The Register.
- Goodin, Dan (11 November 2025). "ClickFix may be the biggest security threat your family has never heard of". Ars Technica.
- https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2025/08/21/think-before-you-clickfix-analyzing-the-clickfix-social-engineering-technique/ - may be usable as a primary source
- https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/clickfix-attacks-sector-alert-tlpclear.pdf - further assessment required, but sets the lower bound for date at August 2024 and introduces additional ClickFix techniques
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