What is a paste site?

A paste site is a website that allows users to store and share text-based information, such as code snippets, scripts, configuration files, or any other form of plain text. Paste sites typically provide users with a simple interface to paste their content. The content is then saved as a unique URL that can be shared with others. There are thousands of paste sites online, most of which cater to specific groups of interests.

Paste sites are commonly used by developers, system administrators, and other technical professionals for sharing code snippets and troubleshooting. However, their anonymity features make them attractive to cybercriminals for sharing sensitive information and malicious content.

Why are paste sites so popular among cybercriminals?

The popularity of paste sites among threat actors and cyber criminals can be attributed to several factors related to the nature of the websites and how they can be used for malicious activities.

• Paste sites are known for providing a high level of anonymity. Users can upload and share sensitive information, such as stolen data or malicious scripts, without revealing their identity. Since registration is not required, it is hard to trace content from a post back to a person.
• Paste sites are simple, making them ideal for hackers who need to quickly share data. The UI for a paste website is typically clean and straightforward.
  • This efficiency is particularly useful in intense situations, such as during the execution of coordinated attacks.
• Many paste sites offer features that allow content to expire after a specified period.
  This capability is an obvious advantage to cybercriminals who want sensitive information to automatically disappear and reduce the risk of getting caught. Some paste sites even allow content to self destruct after a certain number of views, adding an extra layer of security.
• Due to weak or inconsistent moderation, cybercriminals exploit paste sites to post illegal and harmful content knowing it’s unlikely to be taken down. Even when content is removed, it often remains accessible long enough to be widely distributed.
• Paste sites can be integrated into automated scripts and malware attacks. Hackers use these platforms as part of command and control (C&C) mechanisms, dropping payloads or issuing instructions to compromised systems in a way that’s difficult for security systems to block or monitor.
• Their nature as benign-looking platforms means that they can bypass traditional web filtering and threat detection tools. As a result, malicious content hosted on paste sites often goes unnoticed by enterprise security teams, even when it’s being actively used in attacks.
• Cybercriminals use paste sites to publicly announce data breaches and leaks.
  The goal is to threaten victims and demand ransom payments. Because these platforms are well known in underground communities, they serve as effective broadcasting tools that reach a wide audience and put pressure on the victim.

Are paste sites found on the open or dark web?

The majority of the paste sites are found on the open web, but some can also be found on encrypted networks. Since these sites offer their users a level of anonymity when sharing pastes, users are likely to be less concerned about whether the paste site operates over an encrypted or open web platform and are more likely to decide which paste site to use according to the main topics found on it.

Are all paste sites publicly accessible?

Most paste sites keep a database of all their historical ‘paste files’ accessible to the public. Those which are published on open websites in particular can be even more easily accessible, since they can be indexed by standard web search engines, such as Google or Bing.

However, some paste files are more restricted to the public. Because several paste sites allow their users to hide their files, only people with a unique URL can get full access to them. The reason for this is to allow anonymity to users who wish to remain anonymous or keep their files more protected.

What are the top 10 paste sites used by cybercriminals?

We used Lunar, our deep and dark web monitoring platform, to find the leading paste sites used by cybercriminals. We have listed them from the site most used to the least used:

What illegal content can be found on paste sites?

Paste sites have become a popular platform for cybercriminals to distribute illegal content, due to their simplicity, anonymity, and limited moderation. The types of illegal content commonly found on these sites can vary, but the following are some of the most prevalent and concerning:

1. Stolen data
   • Personal identifiable information (PII): Paste sites are frequently used to share sensitive personal data, such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and social media profiles. Cybercriminals use these sites to distribute information stolen through data breaches or phishing attacks. For example, executive-level PII is often posted on sites like DoxBin, which targets high-profile individuals.
   • Financial data: This includes stolen credit card details, banking information, and login credentials that can be sold on the dark web or used for fraud.
2. Malicious scripts and exploits
   • Vulnerabilities and exploits: Hackers often share scripts or code that exploit vulnerabilities in widely-used platforms or applications. These scripts can be used to launch cyberattacks on unprotected systems. For instance, hackers may upload proof-of-concept exploits targeting known software flaws, which can then be utilized by others in attacks.
   • Malware payloads: Cybercriminals can use paste sites to distribute malware payloads or direct instructions for creating malicious software that can compromise victims’ systems.
3. Hacking tools and guides
   • Offensive security tools: Paste sites often host software tools that are used for penetration testing or hacking. While these tools can be legitimate in certain contexts, cybercriminals frequently misuse them for illicit activities, such as breaking into systems, evading detection, or maintaining persistent access.
   • Hacking tutorials: Detailed guides on how to perform various types of cyberattacks, from brute force cracking to social engineering tactics, are often posted to educate aspiring hackers.
4. Illegal trade listings
   • Weapons and drugs: Paste sites can serve as a marketplace for illegal goods, such as drugs, weapons, or counterfeit items. Cybercriminals use these platforms to advertise products for sale, often with links to other parts of the dark web or encrypted networks where transactions can occur.
   • Human trafficking and exploitation: In some cases, paste sites are used to share information related to human trafficking, including advertisements for illegal services or stolen identities.
5. Cybercriminal services
   • Ransomware as a service (RaaS): Some paste sites host advertisements for cybercriminal services, including ransomware-as-a-service, where individuals can hire hackers to carry out attacks on their behalf.
   • Hitman services: Platforms like Darkweb Paste (a Tor-based paste site) have been known to feature offers for illicit services such as hitman services, making it a dangerous tool for those looking to orchestrate criminal activity.
6. Confidential corporate data
   • Intellectual property (IP) leaks: Paste sites have also been used to leak confidential corporate data, such as source code, trade secrets, and internal documents. This could be part of corporate espionage or the result of a data breach, exposing organizations to reputational damage and financial loss.

Paste sites play an important role in the world of cybercrime as they work hand in hand with chat apps and the dark web, making it easier for criminals to share stolen information and coordinate their activities efficiently.

Examples of illicit content on paste sites

As mentioned before, some of the content on paste sites is illicit. We used our Dark Web API to find three examples of pastes that feature leaked stolen data, hacking tools, and a cybercriminal service listing. By understanding the diverse range of illicit content on paste sites and the potential impact of these activities, organizations and individuals can take steps to protect themselves from cyber threats.

Example #1: Leaked PII

The following post, which was published on the well-known paste site DoxBin, features private data from several executives. The data includes email addresses, phone numbers, social media profiles, education, occupation, physical addresses, birth dates, etc. DoxBin paste site is known as an important source of information belonging to and targeting executives and VIPs. 

This type of sensitive information can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and reputational damage.as published on the known paste site DoxBin, features private data of several executives.

Example #2: Hacking tools

Example #2: Hacking tools

Threat actors frequently use paste sites to share and store malicious scripts, exploit kits, and other hacking tools. These tools can be used to launch large-scale cyberattacks, targeting critical infrastructure, businesses, and individuals.

Example #3: Criminal services

Below is an example of a post from Darkweb Paste, a Tor-based hidden platform, offering hitman services, which are typical to paste sites:

Why is it important to monitor paste sites?

Monitoring paste sites has become essential for protecting organizations from a range of cyber threats. Paste sites, while often publicly accessible, can also feature hidden or restricted posts, some of which may only be available on the dark web. These sites are commonly used by cybercriminals to share sensitive and illegal content, such as stolen data, hacking tools, and exploit scripts. Since many paste sites are minimally moderated, harmful content often remains online long enough to be widely distributed, increasing the risk of data breaches or other attacks. By actively monitoring these platforms, organizations can uncover vital threat intelligence—such as emerging vulnerabilities or data breaches—that may not be visible through typical web searches, allowing them to act proactively to protect their sensitive information.

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