The Copy & Paste Hack

How it Works

Hacking via copy and paste is a sophisticated form of cyber attack that exploits the trust we place in online sources. Deceptively innocent-looking text can sometimes conceal malicious intent, as cyber attackers may deliberately insert hidden code or instructions that pose a significant threat to your online security.

This tactic is commonly exploited through:

• Command Injection: When you copy and paste commands from online forums, tutorials, or chat platforms into your terminal or console, there's a risk of embedded code executing on your system.
• Scripted Malware: Text copied from suspicious emails, messaging apps, or compromised websites may contain malicious scripts that activate once pasted into an vulnerable application.
• Clipboard Tampering: Certain malware can monitor and manipulate your clipboard contents, altering sensitive information like bank account numbers to redirect funds to the attacker's account.

Example to Try for Yourself

If, for example, you were searching for a way to install the Blender application onto your Linux computer, you might come across a proposed solution involving a command to copy and paste into your terminal window that looks like the one below.

Try copying the below command now:

sudo apt install blender

And now paste the copied command into the box below:

Upon pasting the copied text, you'll notice that it is different from what you initially thought you were copying. Moreover, even if you had been vigilant enough to notice this discrepancy, the malicious code also includes a new-line character at the end. If you were to paste this directly into a terminal session, the attack would be successfully triggered and executed immediately.

How to Protect Yourself

Follow these essential guidelines to protect yourself from this type of threat:

• Copy Wisely: Never paste commands into your terminal or system that you don't fully comprehend, especially those requiring elevated privileges.
• Remove Formatting: When copying text from the internet, paste it into a plain text editor (like Notepad) first to eliminate unnecessary formatting and hidden characters.
• Trustworthy Sources Only: Rely on trusted websites for instructions and advice. Be cautious of online forums and social media posts that may contain malicious content.
• Stay Current: Regularly update your operating system and antivirus software to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.
• Be Cautious with Clipboard Managers: Use third-party clipboard managers carefully, as some may introduce more risks than benefits if not thoroughly vetted.