Hackers exploit a vulnerability in Telegram to spread cryptocurrency mining malware

Computer security researchers have discovered that cybercriminals exploited a vulnerability in the Telegram messaging app for the illegal mining of cryptocurrencies. Through this security flaw, they invited users to download infected files of malware to undermine.

Those responsible for the discovery, part of Kaspersky Lab, explain that hackers tricked Telegram users (in their desktop version) to download infected files from malware, which would turn their computers into part of an illegal network of cryptocurrency mining (specifically Monero and Zcash) without the user noticing. This, circumventing an app feature that allows you to recognize languages ​​that are written from right to left.

The mining of cryptocurrencies requires computing devices (servers, computers and even smartphones) to process complex data. While most people and even companies invest large amounts of money in systems for this purpose, cybercriminals have for years been infecting third-party devices to mine cryptocurrencies in the background without the owner's knowledge.

Although this type of malware and attacks are not new, the problem lies in the existence and exploitation of exploits like this in a popular application such as Telegram, which helped spread the malicious software. According to Kaspersky, it is the responsibility of developers to protect users from this type of attack. The security company claims to have notified Telegram of the vulnerability, and they have already solved it.