Security researchers Shilpesh Trivedi and Pratik Jeware recently reported on a new information-stealing malware, called MacStealer, which is specifically targeting the macOS operating system. According to the researchers, the malware is being used to exfiltrate sensitive data from devices running macOS versions Catalina and later, with M1 and M2 CPUs.
Mac users should be aware that MacStealer is only one of the recently-discovered info-stealers, with a large number of similar tools still in circulation.
MacStealer Details
| Name | MacStealer |
| Type | Information Stealer / Malware |
| Short Description | Capable of stealing documents, cookies from browsers, and login information, as well as iCloud Keychain data, passwords, and credit card information from Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Brave browsers. |
| Symptoms | No obvious symptoms. |
| Distribution Method | Distributed as a DMG file |
| Detection Tool |
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MacStealer Technical Overview and Capabilities
MacStealer is capable of stealing documents, cookies from browsers, and login information, as well as iCloud Keychain data, passwords, and credit card information from Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Brave browsers. In addition, it can be used to harvest Microsoft Office files, images, archives, and Python scripts. The malicious software is advertised on online hacking forums for $100, and its authors are still developing it, with plans to add features to capture data from Apple’s Safari browser and Notes app.
How Is MacStealer Distributed?
It is unclear which exact method was employed to deploy the malware, but it appears to be distributed as a DMG file (weed.dmg) that, when opened, displays a fraudulent password prompt as though it was trying to gain access to the System Settings app, in order to collect user passwords.
What Does MacStealer Do?
The malicious actor employs a .DMG file to distribute the malware. Once the user runs the file, a fake password prompt appears, prompting the user to enter their password:
Image Source: Uptycs.com
After the user inputs their login credentials, the malware will collect the data specified in its features section, saving it to the “/var/folders/{name}/{randomname}/T/{randomname}/files/{different folders}” system directory. This data is then compressed into a ZIP file and sent to a command-and-control (C2) server with a Python User-Agent request, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. Afterwards, the stolen data and ZIP file are removed from the victim’s device during a mop-up operation.
In the meantime, the malware transfers selected details to several Telegram channels. Once the compiled ZIP file has been sent to the command and control server, it will then be shared with the threat actor’s personal Telegram bot.
Remove MacStealer from your Mac
If you believe that your macOS has been compromised by MacStealer, we advise you to scan your system with an anti-malware program. This way, the malware should be detected and then removed from your Mac.
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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 MacStealer files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MacStealer, 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 MacStealer 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 MacStealer:
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 MacStealer. 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 MacStealer. 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 MacStealer 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 MacStealer. 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 MacStealer – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
MacStealer-FAQ
What is MacStealer on your Mac?
The MacStealer 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 MacStealer?
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 MacStealer?
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 MacStealer Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MacStealer 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 MacStealer?
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 MacStealer threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.