ClickFix

What is ClickFix?

ClickFix is a social engineering attack technique in which attackers persuade users to manually execute malicious actions - such as copying and pasting commands, running scripts, or installing tools - under the guise of fixing an error or security issue.

Unlike traditional malware delivery, ClickFix often bypasses automatic security controls by relying on user interaction.

Why ClickFix matters

ClickFix is dangerous because it:

• Exploits user trust and urgency
• Bypasses email and endpoint protections
• Requires no exploit or vulnerability
• Works across operating systems
• Is difficult to block with traditional defenses

It has become increasingly common in targeted and opportunistic attacks.

How a ClickFix attack works

A typical ClickFix attack follows this pattern:

1. The victim encounters a fake error or warning (website, email, pop-up)
2. The message claims a fix is required (browser issue, security alert, update)
3. Instructions tell the user to copy/paste or run a command
4. The user executes the command manually
5. Malware is installed or access is granted

The "fix" is actually the attack vector.

Common ClickFix scenarios

ClickFix is frequently used in:

• Fake browser error pages
• Malicious SEO or compromised websites
• Fake CAPTCHA or verification steps
• Email or chat-based "IT support" scams
• Cloud or Microsoft-style warning pages

Commands may target PowerShell, Bash, Terminal, or Run dialogs.

ClickFix vs traditional malware delivery

Aspect	ClickFix	Traditional malware
Exploit required	No	Often
User interaction	Mandatory	Optional
AV detection	Lower	Higher
Technique	Social engineering	Technical exploitation
Visibility	High deception	Often hidden

ClickFix relies on human execution, not software flaws.

Malware delivered via ClickFix

ClickFix campaigns commonly deploy:

• Info-stealers
• Remote access trojans (RATs)
• Loaders and droppers
• Ransomware precursors
• Persistence scripts

The initial payload is often small but enables follow-on attacks.

Why ClickFix is effective

ClickFix succeeds because:

• Users trust instructions that look technical
• The action feels "legitimate"
• The user believes they initiated the fix
• Security tools may not block manual actions
• Contextual pressure creates urgency

It exploits human behavior rather than system weaknesses.

Preventing ClickFix attacks

Effective defenses include:

• User awareness and training
• Blocking copy/paste execution instructions
• Restricting script execution where possible
• Application control and least privilege
• Browser isolation and URL filtering
• Monitoring suspicious command execution

Education is as important as technical controls.

Detection considerations

Security teams may detect ClickFix via:

• Unusual command-line activity
• User-initiated script execution
• PowerShell or shell abuse
• Endpoint behavior anomalies
• Correlation with phishing or malicious URLs

ClickFix often appears benign at first glance.

Common misconceptions

• "If the user runs it, it's not malware"
• "Antivirus will always stop this"
• "Only non-technical users fall for ClickFix"
• "ClickFix is just phishing"