Brinztech Alert: The Alleged Database of Emachi.co.jp is Leaked

Dark Web News Analysis

The dark web news reports a significant data breach involving Emachi.co.jp, a comprehensive Japanese business directory. A threat actor on a hacker forum has released a database allegedly containing over 830,000 records.

The leaked data is structured as an SQL Dump, suggesting a direct exfiltration from the company’s backend. The compromised fields are extensive and highly specific to the Japanese market, including Names (Kanji + Furigana), Phone Numbers, Email Addresses, Physical Addresses, Business Details, and notably, GPS Coordinates.

Key Cybersecurity Insights

This breach poses a unique threat to the small business owners and local shopkeepers listed in the directory:

• Physical Security Risks: The exposure of GPS Coordinates alongside business names and owner details acts as a digital map for criminals. Thieves could target high-value businesses (like jewelers or electronics shops) identified in the list, knowing the exact location and the owner’s identity.
• Cultural Phishing Precision: The inclusion of names in both Kanji and Furigana allows attackers to craft perfectly formatted phishing emails. In Japan, using the correct honorifics and readings of a name is crucial for formality. Scammers can use this data to send “official” notices from tax authorities or business associations that look indistinguishable from real correspondence.
• B2B Invoice Fraud: Small business owners often handle their own accounting. Attackers can use the Business Details to send fake invoices for “Directory Listings,” “advertising fees,” or “web hosting,” betting that busy shop owners will pay small amounts without verifying.
• SQL Injection Vulnerability: The fact that the data is an SQL Dump strongly suggests the website suffered from an SQL Injection (SQLi) vulnerability. This is a common flaw in older web directories where user input is not properly sanitized before querying the database.

Mitigation Strategies

To protect the local business community and the platform’s reputation, the following strategies are recommended:

• Vulnerability Patching: Emachi.co.jp must urgently audit its code for SQL injection flaws and apply patches. The website should be taken offline for maintenance if the vulnerability is still active.
• User Notification: Notify all 830,000 listed business owners immediately. Warn them specifically about physical mail or emails claiming to be from “Emachi Support” asking for payments.
• Law Enforcement Cooperation: Report the incident to the National Police Agency (NPA) of Japan. Given the scale and the potential for physical crimes, law enforcement needs to be aware of the data circulation.
• Credential Reset: Although passwords were not the primary focus of the leak description, users should reset their passwords as a precaution against credential stuffing.

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