A trojan horse, created by a hacking group, dubbing it FastPOS, has recently been updated with a new technique that causes infection via a bug in Windows Mailslots mechanisms.
The new version of the POS malware is not only created exclusively to attack Point-of-Sale systems but also to be sold in the underground markets as well. However, unlike your typical point of sale trojan, the FastPOS, like it’s name suggests focuses on speed. Since it’s coding and focus is primarily oriented towards, that it sacrifices many obfuscating components and this makes it much easier to be detected.
First discovered back in 2015, the virus has only had support for single processor architecture. Now, the case is different; FastPOS has 32 as well as 64-bit processor architecture.
The virus originally consists of two main modules – one for memory scrapping and one for obtaining the keystrokes of the POS machine (keylogger).
Furthermore, researchers at TrendMicro have detected traffic coming through via HTTP stream and the malware to steal credit card details from the POS as well. This is possible primarily because several key issues were disregarded, as the lack of protection of the files themselves.
What makes infections by FastPOS so successful Is the new strategy used during the infection process. The virus takes advantage primarily of a mechanism in Windows, known as Mailslots. These type of files are similar to .tmp (temporary) files, and they are existent solely in the random access memory of Windows PC’s. The modules of the virus are automatically executed once an infection is performed after which they cause an injection to legitimate Windows processes.
What is very interesting about FastPOS is the methods it uses to extract financial information and other credentials from the affected computer. To do this, the FastPOS malware uses scripts that call the malicious modules to immediately send information as soon as an action is performed on a given machine. This makes this tool very dangerous, meaning that as soon as it detects a debit card being inserted, it immediately sends out information to the C&C (Command and Control) server held by the black hat hackers.
Conclusion on FastPOS and It’s Dangers
Similar to other POS malware, like LogPOS, this type of virus also uses these mailslots files to steal information. However, unlike the other viruses this type of malware is focused on immediate response, which requires almost constant communication with it’s C&C servers. This means that with the proper protection software, this malware can be stopped even before having caused any damages.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Preparation before removing FastPOS.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
- Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
- Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
- Be patient as this could take a while.
- Scan for Malware
- Fix Registries
- Remove Virus Files
Step 1: Scan for FastPOS with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by FastPOS on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by FastPOS there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.Step 3: Find virus files created by FastPOS on your PC.
1.For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
2: Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
3: Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC's screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be "fileextension:exe". After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navigation box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn't found it yet.
2.For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS's the conventional approach should be the effective one:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
2: After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
3: After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
FastPOS FAQ
What Does FastPOS Trojan Do?
The FastPOS Trojan is a malicious computer program designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. It can be used to steal sensitive data, gain control over a system, or launch other malicious activities.
Can Trojans Steal Passwords?
Yes, Trojans, like FastPOS, can steal passwords. These malicious programs are designed to gain access to a user's computer, spy on victims and steal sensitive information such as banking details and passwords.
Can FastPOS Trojan Hide Itself?
Yes, it can. A Trojan can use various techniques to mask itself, including rootkits, encryption, and obfuscation, to hide from security scanners and evade detection.
Can a Trojan be Removed by Factory Reset?
Yes, a Trojan can be removed by factory resetting your device. This is because it will restore the device to its original state, eliminating any malicious software that may have been installed. Bear in mind that there are more sophisticated Trojans that leave backdoors and reinfect even after a factory reset.
Can FastPOS Trojan Infect WiFi?
Yes, it is possible for a Trojan to infect WiFi networks. When a user connects to the infected network, the Trojan can spread to other connected devices and can access sensitive information on the network.
Can Trojans Be Deleted?
Yes, Trojans can be deleted. This is typically done by running a powerful anti-virus or anti-malware program that is designed to detect and remove malicious files. In some cases, manual deletion of the Trojan may also be necessary.
Can Trojans Steal Files?
Yes, Trojans can steal files if they are installed on a computer. This is done by allowing the malware author or user to gain access to the computer and then steal the files stored on it.
Which Anti-Malware Can Remove Trojans?
Anti-malware programs such as SpyHunter are capable of scanning for and removing Trojans from your computer. It is important to keep your anti-malware up to date and regularly scan your system for any malicious software.
Can Trojans Infect USB?
Yes, Trojans can infect USB devices. USB Trojans typically spread through malicious files downloaded from the internet or shared via email, allowing the hacker to gain access to a user's confidential data.
About the FastPOS Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this FastPOS how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific trojan problem.
How did we conduct the research on FastPOS?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of trojans (backdoor, downloader, infostealer, ransom, etc.)
Furthermore, the research behind the FastPOS threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.