Dark Web exploit kits are prepackaged tools. These give cybercriminals the power to automatically scan for vulnerabilities and launch attacks against unsuspecting victims — often without requiring advanced technical services. However, exploit kits have fueled the rise of ransomware, data breaches, and large-scale cyberattacks globally. Let’s continue reading this post to understand how these kits work and which kits are sold on the dark web.
What are Dark Web Exploit Kits?
Exploit kits are prepackaged software tools that help to execute treatments. Cybercriminals use them to target, identify, and exploit vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications. These kits automate the process of launching attacks. Typically sent through malicious websites or compromised ads. In short, exploit kits are “cybercrime in a box.” These are powerful tools that have lowered the technical bar for launching digital attacks, fueling a significant portion of malware distribution.
How do Dark Web Exploit Kits Work?
Exploit kits are automated work by automating the process of finding and exploiting security vulnerabilities on a victim’s device. Here we have shared how they typically work:
Step 1: Picking the Perfect Trap
Hackers don’t just pick any random website to infect. They pick after high-traffic sites or ones that attract a specific kind of visitor. Want to reach corporate employees? Infect a business forum. Targeting gamers? Sneak into a gaming blog. This strategic targeting is called a watering-hole attack—just like predators waiting by the water for prey to come and drink.
Step 2: The Victim Stumbles In
Now the victim clicks a link or visits the site. It seems normal—but under the cover, it’s been rigged. The victim just walked into the hacker’s digital trap.
Step 3: Exploit Kit Scans the System
The dark web exploit kit immediately goes to work, quietly scanning the victims:
- Browser version
- Operating system
- Installed apps and plugins
If the attacker finds the attack requirements, like outdated or unpatched software, it’s a “golden ticket” to sneak in. However, if the system is up-to-date, then the victim is safe, and the attacker typically cannot fall victim to the malware.
Step 4: Hit the Targeted Victim
Not every visitor gets attacked. But if the targeted victim device checks all the boxes—like having the right vulnerabilities and being in the targeted location. Then the victim is redirected to the landing page of the dark web exploit kits. That is where the criminal picks the best way to break in.
Step 5: Malware Delivered
Once the exploit hits the right spot, the kit quietly delivers its payload—which could be ransomware, spyware, or any other kind of nasty malware. Just like that, the victim’s system is compromised—often before even noticing anything wrong.
Exploit Kits Sold on the Dark Web Markets
Numerous types of prepacked dark web exploit kits are being sold on the dark web marketplaces. This automated software lets hackers first exploit sites and negotiate visitors’ browsers to execute their attacks.
Below are the dark web exploit kits getting a regular brook of new listings.
Ransomware Exploit Kits
Ransomware exploit kits are the dark web’s budget-friendly weapon. They are designed to silently attack users while they browse the web. These dark web exploit kits known software flaws, use code complications to dodge antivirus, and inject ransomware that locks your files in seconds. However, some dark web sellers offer bundle deals that are packed with notorious ransomware like SamSam, Satan, XiaoBa, Maniber, and more. Not only this, the bundles include tutorials and how-to guides for launching attacks.
Customized Phishing
Hackers are given instructions on how to customize a phishing page according to the preferences of their victim. Links are sent to victims, who are then prompted to click on the URLs to be taken to these pages. The goal of the breach is to acquire passwords for accounts, banking credentials, and other private data.
DDoS for Hire
Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks are getting harder to defend against, which overlaps with the rise of DDoS-for-hire businesses. The cost of these services usually varies from $20 to $100 each day, depending on duration and bandwidth needs. Many hackers can afford to purchase them to seriously weaken their target organization’s defenses.
The higher-level DDoS-for-hire dark web exploit kits services offer customized kits to take down larger websites. The most popular DDoS-for-hire services are those that charge by the hour. Even while booters are still common, clients find payment options more interesting due to the requirement for customization and real-time assistance. Advanced DDOS-for-hire services that use scripts to get around private OVH and Cloudflare installations are also available to buyers. Additionally, a fully managed package costs $165.