What Is Geacon?
Geacon is a malicious program which has been created to target Mac Operating Systems, and is believed to have originated from the Go programming language implementation of the infamous Windows malware Cobalt Strike. Notably, this malicious program had not been previously observed to be used for attacking macOS devices until its emergence, and investigations have revealed that two versions of this malware have been developed by a Chinese developer. It is also believed that one of these variants is potentially available for purchase.
What Is Mac Malware?
Mac malware is malicious software that is built to target Mac computers and other Apple devices. It is designed to disrupt, damage, or gain access to a user’s computer system without their knowledge. Common forms of Mac malware include various types of trojans, potentially unwanted programs, adware, and browser hijackers. However, more severe forms of malware such as Geacon are also emerging, specifically targeting macOS users.
Geacon Malware Details
| Name | Geacon, a Mac variant of Cobalt Strike, also detected as Trojan.OSX.Cobaltstrike, MacOS:CobalStrike-N [Trj], A Variant Of OSX/CobaltStrike.Beacon.F, etc. |
| Type | Malware |
| Short Description | A piece of malicious software that has two iterations, one tailored to Apple-Intel architecture and the other with Apple Silicon. |
| Symptoms | N/A |
| Distribution Method | Phishing emails |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Combo Cleaner
Malware Removal Tool
|
How Did the Geacon Malware Emerge?
In February 2020, GitHub users were introduced to Geacon, a Go-based variant of Cobalt Strike. By April of 2023, two new VirusTotal samples had been attributed to Geacon variants – geacon_plus and geacon_pro – developed by anonymous Chinese developers Z3ratu1 and H4de5. Geacon_Pro was made available on GitHub in March of 2023, and had the ability to bypass popular antivirus engines such as Microsoft Defender, Kaspersky, and Qihoo 360 360 Core Crystal.
The open-source Geacon_Plus and the private Geacon_Pro projects, both created by Z3ratu1, had collected close to 1,000 stars and were included in the 404 Starlink project, a public repository of red-team and penetration tools administered by the Zhizhi Chuangyu Laboratory. These two distinct Geacon payloads had caught the attention of VirusTotal users that same month, one of which appearing to be part of a malicious campaign. Geacon_Pro is no longer available on GitHub, however, an Internet Archive snapshot of it is still available, dated March 6, 2023.
What Capabilities Does Geacon Malware Have?
Geacon is a piece of malicious software that has two iterations, one tailored to Apple-Intel architecture and the other with Apple Silicon. It is compatible with OS X 10.9 Mavericks and later Mac versions. Geacon carries out a multitude of tasks, ranging from relaying communication and orders, espionage, pilfering information, to downloading and installing more nefarious applications/components.
To function, it necessitates administrator privileges, and requests permission to access the device’s camera, microphone, and other data (e.g. images, contacts, etc.). Through the use of camera and microphone, Geacon can record video/audio, possibly for blackmail. It can also be used to inject payloads into a system, granting it the potential to introduce a variety of malware, including ransomware, trojans, and cryptocurrency miners.
How to Remove Geacon Malware from Mac
The removal of the Geacon malware from an infected Mac may require high technical skills. Because of that, using an advanced anti-malware program is advisable.
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Steps to Prepare Before Removal:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove Geacon files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Geacon, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Step 2: Uninstall Geacon and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Geacon:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Geacon. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Geacon. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Geacon via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Geacon. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3: Remove Geacon – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Geacon-FAQ
What is Geacon on your Mac?
The Geacon threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down significantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
Can Macs Get Viruses?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that almost all of the Apple devices can become infected with a threat.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the types of threats that can currently infect your Mac can be rogue antivirus programs, adware or hijackers (PUPs), Trojan horses, ransomware and crypto-miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like Geacon?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.
There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to Secure My Data from Geacon?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the Geacon Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Geacon how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on Geacon?
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 Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the Geacon threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.