Analysts Trace the KATANA_CLOUD FREE Leak to 7,003 Stolen Passwords

Analysts Trace KATANA_CLOUD FREE Upload to 7,003 Exposed Records

HEROIC analysts identified a stealer log file, labeled "KATANA_CLOUD FREE," uploaded by a Telegram user on October 4, 2024. The file contained 7,003 records made up of email addresses, plaintext passwords, and the URLs each login belongs to. It is a smaller dataset compared to some breaches, but the plaintext passwords make every single record immediately usable.

Why This Is Dangerous

Because these passwords were exposed in plaintext, there is no encryption or hashing standing in the way of an attacker. Anyone who accesses this file can take the matching email address, password, and site URL and log straight into the account. No cracking, no guessing, just direct access.

What Was Exposed

• Email addresses
• Plaintext passwords
• URLs of the associated login pages

Why This Matters

A dataset of 7,003 records is still large enough to fuel credential stuffing attacks, where automated tools test each email and password pair against other popular websites. Anyone who reused this password elsewhere faces the risk of account takeover, identity theft, or financial fraud on accounts that had nothing to do with the original leak.

How Stealer Logs Work

Stealer logs are produced by infostealer malware that infects a device, often through a malicious download, cracked software, or a phishing link. Once installed, it silently collects saved browser passwords, autofill data, and session details, then compiles them into a log file. These files are commonly shared or sold on Telegram channels shortly after collection, which is how this particular dataset became public.

Check If You Are Affected

Curious if your email shows up in this leak or another one like it? HEROIC's free breach scanner checks your address against a database of more than 400 billion exposed records. Run a free scan today and update any password you have reused on more than one site.