Originally Published 2 months ago — by Hacker News
Minecraft's Java Edition has historically relied on obfuscated code, making modding challenging but impressive, with the community developing tools to reverse engineer and modify the game despite the obfuscation. Recent changes aim to improve mod support and reduce reliance on obfuscation, reflecting a shift towards more accessible and flexible modding frameworks. The discussion highlights the broader implications of Java's design, the importance of interfaces, and the ongoing debate about object-oriented programming practices.
SoumniBot, a new Android banker targeting Korean users, employs unconventional obfuscation techniques in its Android manifest to evade analysis and detection. These techniques include invalid compression method values, invalid manifest sizes, and long namespace names. Once installed, SoumniBot requests server configurations and uploads data from the victim's device to a server, including sensitive information such as contact lists, SMS messages, and online banking digital certificates. It also has the ability to execute various commands, including stealing and sending banking keys to a command and control server. Despite its sophisticated obfuscation, Kaspersky security solutions can detect SoumniBot and classify it as Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.SoumniBot.
Security firm Mandiant reported a never-before-seen malware campaign that used Ars Technica and Vimeo to serve second-stage malware, employing obfuscation techniques to cover its tracks. The campaign, attributed to threat actor UNC4990, involved embedding malicious strings in benign content on the websites, which were automatically retrieved by devices infected with the first-stage malware. This novel approach, along with previous techniques used by UNC4990, demonstrates a sophisticated and evolving threat landscape in cybersecurity.
ChatGPT, an AI model, has proven to be effective at deciphering obscured email addresses using typographic tricks and obfuscation methods. Even when multiple techniques were employed, ChatGPT accurately identified and retrieved the concealed email addresses. This raises concerns about privacy and the effectiveness of email address obfuscation methods.
