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NuclearPack Exploit Kit

Posted: January 11, 2013

The NuclearPack Exploit Kit is a collection of configurable exploits that, after being loaded in your web browser, install malicious software (such as ransomware Trojans or spyware) without your permission. Although the NuclearPack Exploit Kit isn't as prolific as, for example, the Blackhole Exploit Kit, SpywareRemove.com malware research team has confirmed that the NuclearPack Exploit Kit is in use in several separate campaigns that have acquired thousands of infected PCs total, and is capable of infecting modern Windows 7-using systems. Because the NuclearPack Exploit Kit attempts to install its payload automatically and undetectably, you should use strong web-browsing security features to avoid the NuclearPack Exploit Kit's attacks and use anti-malware software to remove any malware that's installed by the NuclearPack Exploit Kit.

NuclearPack Exploit Kit: Nuking Your PC... and Then Denying Any Responsibility

The NuclearPack Exploit Kit has been found to use a range of exploits for various programs, particularly recent Java vulnerabilities. Not all of these vulnerabilities may be corrected by software patches, although SpywareRemove.com malware experts still urge you to keep all software on your PC updated to minimize needless security flaws. Even though the NuclearPack Exploit Kit has yet to achieve the kind of sheer numbers of attacks that more famous exploit kits than itself have caused, the NuclearPack Exploit Kit has been confirmed to be involved in multiple large-scale attacks throughout Europe, many of which have targeted PCs with Windows 7 and the latest version of Internet Explorer.

Like most exploit kits, the NuclearPack Exploit Kit operates on a rent-based model wherein other criminals pay a fee for the privilege of accessing the NuclearPack Exploit Kit and using NuclearPack Exploit Kit to install PC threats of their choice. SpywareRemove.com malware researchers noted, with some amusement, that the NuclearPack Exploit Kit's creator actually attempts to enforce a pseudo-legal TOS agreement to deny liability for any criminal activities that the NuclearPack Exploit Kit is put towards – with clauses that specifically are used to address any potential legal concerns from Russian law enforcement. While this legal gambit is unlikely to pay off in the long term, it does place emphasis on the central role Russia's government has in determining the actions of cyber criminals and malware coders in the region.

Decontaminating Your PC After It Goes Nuclear (Pack)

Despite the pretensions of its Terms of Service, the NuclearPack Exploit Kit's only purpose is to attack your PC and install malicious software on it without your permission. While the NuclearPack Exploit Kit may be put to virtually any use that its renters care to put NuclearPack Exploit Kit towards, SpywareRemove.com malware researchers have noted some of the most likely payloads from a NuclearPack Exploit Kit attack:

  • Spyware and related PC threats that steal confidential information (passwords, user names, e-mail addresses, credit card numbers, et cetera).
  • Ransomware Trojans that block your PC with fake 'crime alert' pop-ups and request that you pay a fraudulent legal fine, such as the widespread Reveton family. Voucher systems like Ukash or Paysafecard are the preferred payment methods for these PC threats, which may accuse you of conducting anything from downloading copyright-protected music to distributing child pornography.
  • Rootkits and other invasive types of malware that are designed to disable critical security features and/or programs – usually to allow additional, specialized attacks to take place.

Malware that's installed by the NuclearPack Exploit Kit may or may not exhibit evidences that can be perceived by eye, and SpywareRemove.com malware researchers recommend using anti-malware programs to detect and delete anything that may be installed by a NuclearPack Exploit Kit-based attack. Because the NuclearPack Exploit Kit is triggered by contact with a hacked or malicious website, cautious web-browsing and web-browsing safety should, of course, be the most important defenses against any threat that the NuclearPack Exploit Kit poses to your computer.

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