By
June 16, 2025
•
20 min read
When a URL looks familiar, we let our guard down
Trusted, Then Busted: Malware Masquerading Through Google.com
When a URL looks familiar, we let our guard down — and that’s exactly what cybercriminals are banking on.
A new, silent malware campaign is leveraging none other than Google.com to sneak malicious payloads past antivirus software and into your browser — undetected.
Researchers at c/side have uncovered a sophisticated attack that uses real Google OAuth URLs to bypass content filters, exploit trust, and strike at the exact moment users reach checkout pages on ecommerce websites. The result? Real-time control of your browser by hackers — all while you think you’re shopping safely.
How the Attack Works
Compromised Website: The script begins on a vulnerable Magento-based ecommerce site.
Trusted URL Abuse: It references https://accounts.google.com/o/oauth2/revoke, but with a malicious callback parameter.
Obfuscated Payload: The hidden JavaScript decodes itself using eval(atob(...)), then quietly opens a WebSocket connection.
Dynamic Control: Hackers remotely execute code — live — during your session.
Because this traffic originates from Google’s own domain, traditional antivirus tools, DNS filters, and even firewalls fail to detect it.
“The attack is invisible, conditional, and evasive. Antivirus software doesn’t even see it coming,” says the research team.
Why It Matters to SMBs, Schools, and Law Firms
Business owners could have malicious scripts running on their checkout pages without knowing.
Law firms handling sensitive client data in browsers may become easy targets during login.
Educational institutions are vulnerable to session hijacking during enrollment or portal access.
This isn’t just a phishing scam — it’s a live backdoor in your browser, triggered at your most vulnerable moments.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Business
Isolate sensitive sessions: Use a dedicated browser for financial and legal transactions.
Disable third-party scripts where not needed — especially on CMS-based platforms like Magento or WordPress.
Monitor outbound connections: Look for unusual WebSocket behavior and evaluate Content Security Policies (CSP).
Educate your team: Most users have no idea malware can come through trusted domains.
✅ Bottom Line
Don’t let trust become your weakest link. Even URLs from tech giants can be used as delivery vehicles for highly targeted browser malware.
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