A reported Free Download Manager supply chain attack redirected Linux users to a malicious Debian package repository that installed information-stealing malware.
The malware used in this campaign establishes a reverse shell to a C2 server and installs a Bash stealer that collects user data and account credentials.
Kaspersky discovered the potential supply chain compromise case while investigating suspicious domains, finding that the campaign has been underway for over three years.
Now I need to know who the hell has installed Free Download Manager on Linux.
I’ve installed and used it, and still do.
My internet connection is not that reliable, and when I download big files that are not torrents (say >1000 MB) and the download is interrupted because of internet disconnect, Firefox often has trouble getting back to it while FDM doesn’t.
FDM also lets me set download speed limits, which means I can still browse the internet while downloading.
It’s not my main tool for downloading stuff, but it has its uses.
Oh, I know someone who adds the word “free” to various search words like “free pdf reader” or “free flash player” (happened a very long time ago). He’s also the kind of person who I can imagine having a bunch of viruses and malware on his computer.
And via a website too. That’s like pushing a car. One of the main strengths of Linux are open repositories, maintained by reputable sources and checked by thousands of reputable people. Packages are checksummed and therefore unable to be switched by malicious parties. Even the AUR is arguably a safer and more regulated source. And it’s actually in there.
Everyone knows real admins do
curl https://raw.githubusercontent.com/something/or/other/install.sh | sudo bash
It’s still my favorite download manager on Windows. It often downloads file significantly faster than the download manager built into browsers. Luckily I never installed it on Linux, since I have a habit of only installing from package managers.
Do you know of a good download manager for Linux?
axel. use axel -n8 to make 8 connections/segments which it will assemble when it is done
Even with wget, wget -c can resume some downloads.
The same people that would have given that poor nigerian prince their bank account details