In a campaign reported in February 2024, the Water Hydra group used CVE-2024-21412, a Microsoft Defender SmartScreen bypass, to target financial market traders. Its lures posed as trading advice, analysis tools, charts, or documents; malicious internet shortcuts and WebDAV were part of the reported delivery chain for the DarkMe malware. Microsoft has since patched the vulnerability, so this is a historical account—not evidence of a currently unpatched Windows flaw.
Who was targeted, and how did the lures work?
Trend Micro’s Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) said it began tracking the campaign in late December 2023. In its February 13, 2024 report, it attributed the activity to Water Hydra, also called DarkCasino in that report, and described targeting of forex trading forums and stock-trading Telegram channels.
The messages offered trading advice or analysis tools, and links were presented as stock charts or files. The report also describes apparent JPEG images and PDF lures, including fake financial contracts sent by phishing email. These are observations about the campaign covered in that report; they do not establish that every Water Hydra operation, trader, forum, or trading platform was targeted.
How did the SmartScreen bypass lead to malware?
The vulnerability was CVE-2024-21412, tracked by Trend Micro ZDI as ZDI-CAN-23100. SmartScreen uses security checks to warn about potentially unsafe files from the internet. Trend Micro reported that the flaw let attackers evade protections involving Mark of the Web, a security marker Windows uses to identify files originating from the internet.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
The reported chain used malicious .url internet shortcuts hosted through WebDAV. A shortcut referenced another shortcut, a technique Trend Micro said bypassed protections associated with the earlier CVE-2023-36025 patch. The report also describes crafted Windows Explorer views that made malicious shortcuts appear to be image files. The reported payload was DarkMe.
In January 2024, Trend Micro observed the group streamlining the chain to execute a malicious MSI. That change, like the shortcut and document lures, is a detail of the reported campaign—not a universal description of Water Hydra activity.
Rank #2
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
- 4GB DDR4 System Memory; 128GB Solid State Drive
- 11.6" HD (1366 x 768) Multi-Touch Display
- Combo headphone/microphone jack - Noble Wedge Lock slot - HDMI; 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1
- Windows 11 Pro
Why a convincing icon or file name is not proof of safety
A displayed icon, file name, or apparent format can be deceptive. An item that looks like a JPEG or PDF may not be the file type it appears to be, and a familiar-looking name does not establish that opening it is safe. Treat unexpected trading tools, chart links, or documents—especially those received through forum posts, messaging channels, or email—with caution. Verify the sender and obtain software or documents through a trusted channel rather than relying on appearance.
What is known about patching CVE-2024-21412?
Trend Micro’s report says Microsoft patched the vulnerability. It does not provide a current product-by-product affected-version matrix or enough detail to prescribe a specific update package today. To determine whether a Windows device needs an update, administrators should consult the Microsoft Security Update Guide for the CVE’s current record, affected products, and applicable update information.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Microsoft Learn explains that a zero-day is a software flaw for which no official patch or security update is yet available, and describes how Defender Vulnerability Management presents zero-day details and remediation options. That is general guidance, not a CVE-2024-21412-specific advisory. See Microsoft’s guidance on mitigating zero-day vulnerabilities for that broader context.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the incident report does—and does not—establish
The February 2024 report documents a specific campaign, its trader-focused lures, the SmartScreen bypass, and delivery of DarkMe. It does not establish a victim count, financial losses, a success rate, or how prevalent the technique was beyond the described activity. The practical takeaway is to understand the incident as a historical example of how a shortcut and a deceptive lure could be combined—not as evidence that CVE-2024-21412 remains unpatched.
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Read the original Trend Micro ZDI report on CVE-2024-21412 and Water Hydra for the campaign’s technical account.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
