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Hackers Using Malicious Imageless QR Codes to Render Phishing Attack Via HTML Table

Recent developments in phishing techniques have seen the use of QR codes constructed entirely from HTML tables, aiming to bypass traditional security measures. These codes direct users to harmful sites without utilizing standard image formats.

JBy Jason FordJan 07, 20261 min read

Recent developments in phishing techniques have seen the use of QR codes constructed entirely from HTML tables, aiming to bypass traditional security measures. These codes direct users to harmful sites without utilizing standard image formats.

The phishing campaign constructs QR codes from numerous HTML table cells, each with specific background colors to form a scannable pattern. This method allows the code to function like a typical QR code while evading detection by many email security systems.

Observed between Thu, Dec 22, 2022, and Mon, Dec 26, 2022, the emails were minimalistic, containing brief text and a QR code that encourages scanning. These codes often redirect to subdomains of lidoustoo[.]click, incorporating the recipient's domain for added legitimacy.

The Internet Storm Center highlighted that these QR codes are created using HTML tables with 4x4 pixel cells, employing alternating black and white backgrounds. As a result, many QR inspection engines, which focus on image attachments, overlook the code as standard HTML markup.

These codes direct users to harmful sites without utilizing standard image formats.
Jason Ford · Thehackingpost

Below is an example of the HTML structure used:

<table role="presentation" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tr height="4"> <td width="4" height="4" bgcolor="#000000"></td> <td width="4" height="4" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"></td> <td width="4" height="4" bgcolor="#000000"></td> <!-- additional cells forming the QR pattern --> </tr> </table>

To counter these threats, email security solutions should analyze dense table structures as potential QR code renderings and implement DOM-aware analysis. Additionally, organizations should educate users about the risks of scanning QR codes from unsolicited emails, akin to clicking unverified links.

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Based on reporting by Cyber Security News.

AI transparency. This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence and published under human editorial oversight. AI systems can make mistakes. Read how we use AI (EU AI Act, Art. 50).
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