New Phishing Technique Hides Weaponized HTML Files Within SVG Images

Cybersecurity experts have observed an alarming increase in the use of SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) files for phishing attacks.

These attacks leverage the versatility of SVG format, which allows embedding of HTML and JavaScript code within what appears to be an innocuous image file.

An Evolution in Phishing Tactics

Phishing attackers have long used HTML attachments to disguise their malicious intentions.

However, recent developments in early 2025 show a shift towards SVG files as carriers of phishing content.

SVG, primarily used for vector graphics, utilizes XML markup, which supports scripting languages like JavaScript and HTML.

This feature makes it easier for designers to create interactive images, but it also presents a vulnerability that attackers are exploiting to bypass security measures and deliver phishing pages.

A recent analysis of phishing campaigns from January to March 2025 identified 2,825 emails with SVG attachments.

In the first half of April alone, there were 1,324 such emails, indicating a clear upward trend.

These campaigns often mimic legitimate services like Google Voice or e-signature providers, tricking users into opening what appears to be a standard image file.

Mechanism of Attack

When opened in a text editor, these SVG files reveal their true nature as HTML pages with embedded links or JavaScript code.

For instance, one phishing email mimicked a notification from an e-signature service, presenting an SVG attachment as a document requiring review and signature.

Upon opening, the SVG file executed JavaScript, launching a browser window with a phishing site featuring a fake Microsoft login form.

Another example involved an SVG file that, when opened in a browser, displayed as an HTML page with a deceptive link, purportedly pointing to an audio file.

Instead, it redirected users to a phishing site masquerading as Google Voice, where they were prompted to enter their corporate email login credentials.

This emerging trend of using SVG as a container for malicious content signifies an evolution in phishing tactics, moving beyond traditional HTML attachments to exploit the unique capabilities of SVG.

While these attacks are currently somewhat rudimentary, they highlight a growing sophistication in the methods employed by cybercriminals to evade detection and capture user credentials.

The format’s ability to bypass certain security protocols due to its image file nature makes it particularly dangerous.

Enterprises and cybersecurity professionals must now adapt their defenses to recognize and counteract these SVG-based phishing attempts.

As phishing strategies evolve, the misuse of SVG files represents a new frontier in cyber deception, requiring immediate attention from both users and security systems to prevent credential theft and potential data breaches.lo

Find this News Interesting! Follow us on Google News, LinkedIn, & X to Get Instant Updates!