Phishing attacks are everywhere, and most of us can find what is obvious. Even if someone falls into a password and passes the password, two-factor authentication (2FA) usually adds an important layer of protection. However, by using session hijacking and real-time credential intercept, the new phishing kit that creates rounds can bypass 2FA completely.
Known as Astaroth, the tool intercepts and manipulates traffic between your device and legitimate authentication services such as Gmail, Yahoo, Microsoft, and more. To grab everything in real time, bypass 2FA completely and allow attackers to fully access your account.
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Hacker illustration at work (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
How Astaroth works
Astaroth is the next level phishing kit that takes fraud to a whole new level. Instead of using basic fake login pages like traditional phishing kits, you quietly grab what you need to break down, acting as an intermediary between your device and the actual authentication service.
Click on the phishing link and land on a malicious site that looks the same as the real thing, and the attack will begin. The site has a valid SSL certificate, so there are no red flags, no security warnings, or rough pop-ups. Once you enter your login details, including your username, password, device info, and IP address, Astaroth will snatch them before handing over the requests to the actual website.
Two-factor authentication is not a problem for Astaroth. Intercepts a one-time password with a second password entered. Whether from an Authenticator app, SMS, or push notification. Stolen code can be used before it expires as it is sent immediately to the attacker via a web panel or via Telegram Alert.
The real kicker is that Astaroth grabs the session cookie. This is small data that keeps the user logged in after authentication. An attacker can insert these cookies into his own browser to completely skip the need for password or two-factor authentication. If you have a session, no additional steps are required.
Examples of what can be seen by victims and attackers (slashnext) (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
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Astaroth is surprisingly advanced
As reported by cybersecurity firm Slashnext, Astaroth stands out from other phishing kits for its ability to intercept credentials in real time, automate attacks, and resist takedown efforts. Traditional phishing relies on victims to enter their credentials on fake login pages, but Astaroth removes that step entirely.
Beyond its advanced features, Astaroth comes with features that are appealing to cybercriminals. Despite law enforcement efforts, they stay online using bulletproof hosting, receive frequent updates to bypass security patches, and follow a structured payment model. For $2,000, buyers will get a continuous upgrade for six months. To build trust, creators can even have hackers test their phishing kits before purchasing.
Astaroth is widely available through the Telegram and the Underground Cyber Crime forum. The anonymity of these platforms makes it difficult for authorities to track distributions.
Sellers who share information about testing phishing kits (slashnext) (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
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Signs that you may be infected with Astaros
1) Unexpected account login or security alert
Receive alerts from Gmail, Microsoft, or other services regarding logins from unknown devices or locations. Get 2FA request when you’re not trying to log in
2) You are strangely logged out of your account
If a session cookie is stolen, the attacker may log in like you and force you to log out somewhere else
3) No password change or configuration updates were created
If an attacker controls you, you may change your recovery email, phone number, or password
4) System performance degraded or strange behavior
Astaroth uses legitimate Windows processes (such as WMIC, BitsAdmin, Regsvr32) to hide the system itself.
5) Browsers behave strangely
The login field was working if it incorrectly autopopulated or had a loop, but suddenly triggered a warning or error
6) Unfamiliar programs or scripts running in the background
Check for odd scheduled tasks, registry changes, or background network connectivity (especially if you are outbound to a suspicious domain or IPS).
What should I do if I suspect I’m infected?
When you disconnect from the internet, you can quickly retrieve a full malware scan using trusted antivirus software checks for unauthorized logins on your primary accounts, and change all passwords for the passkey or hardware security key set to another trusted device that you have set up your device in the event that malware is present. A full factory reset may be required for your bank account and email inbox, which is suspicious activity
Four Ways to Stay Safe from Astaro’s Fishing Attacks
1) Avoid unknown links and use powerful antivirus software. Remember, no matter how advanced the malware is, you still need to input it from you. In most cases, attackers will have to click on the link before stealing data. For example, for Astaroth to work, you must click on a link to access a malicious website and enter your credentials. If you do not click on the link, avoid malware.
The best way to protect yourself from malicious links to install malware is to install powerful antivirus software on all your devices, as it may access your personal information. This protection can also warn you that it will phish email and ransomware scams and keep your personal information and digital assets safe. Get the best 2025 Antivirus Protection Winners picks for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
2) Recheck your site: Always check your website address and use bookmarks on trusted sites. Instead of clicking on the email or message link, enter the URL manually or use a trusted bookmark. This minimizes the risk of landing on fraudulent pages designed to mimic legitimate websites.
3) Device Update: You may wonder how updating your device can help against malware like Astaroth. It does not directly prevent attacks, but it does not make the situation worse. Using the latest security patches to keep operating systems and applications up to date will close vulnerabilities that malware can exploit, making it difficult for attackers to gain foothold on their devices.
4) Avoid entering your password: Avoid entering your password whenever possible to reduce the risk of credential theft. Instead, use authentication methods such as PassKeys, Google Sign in, and Apple Sign in.
PassKey is the ability to validate identity using encryption key pairs, eliminating the need for traditional passwords. You can sign in to your apps and websites using the same processes that unlock your device, such as biometrics, PINs, patterns.
Google Sign-in is a feature that allows you to log in to third-party apps or websites using your Google account credentials. Simplify the sign-in process by eliminating the need to create and remember individual usernames and passwords for each service. You can sign in via the “Sign in with Google” button, the Google sign-in prompt, or by auto-sign-in if you have previously been approved.
Apple Sign-in is a feature that allows you to personally sign in to third-party apps and websites that you participate in using your Apple ID. It offers a fast, easy and more private way without creating a new account or remembering additional passwords. To set up an account to “sign in with Apple,” if a participating website or app asks you to set up or upgrade your account: Sign in with Apple. Follow the on-screen instructions. Some apps (and websites) do not ask for a name or email address. In this case, you will authenticate with your Face ID or Touch ID (depending on your model) and start using the app. Others can ask for your name and email address to set up a personalized account. Once the app requests this information, you can sign in with Apple to view and review your name and personal email address from your Apple account.
These methods rely on encryption keys or secure tokens, making it much more difficult for an attacker to intercept login information.
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Important points of cart
Astaroth shows how far the fishing kit is coming, taking things beyond the usual tricks and bypassing 2FA with ease. It reminds us that no matter how secure the system is, there are always smarter attacks waiting to exploit the gap. Cybercriminals are adapting quickly, and while traditional defenses may not cut it any more, there are still steps you can take to fight back.
What do you think governments and businesses should do to protect you from sophisticated cyber threats like the Astaro phishing kit, which can bypass traditional security measures? Please let us know by writing to cyberguy.com/contact.
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