Update August 2019. OSX.Netwire also known as Netwire backdoor or Netwire Trojan is the name of a Trojan horse that is currently targeting Mac users. The threat opens a backdoor on the compromised system which may lead to various malicious outcomes.
The Trojan may have the ability to execute remote commands, download files and transfer data, and it could further allow hackers to access and fully control your Mac. Furthermore, the Netwire Trojan could help them steal your sensitive information. In the event that you see OSX.Netwire detection on your Mac, we recommend you to keep up with our removal guide.
OSX.Netwire Summary
| Name | OSX.Netwire |
| Type | Backdoor Trojan for MacOS |
| Short Description | Aims to sneak into your Mac undetected to perform series of malicious activities. |
| Symptoms | The malware aims to remain undetected, so no evident symptoms may be registered. |
| Distribution Method | Malspam, Compromised websites |
| Detection Tool |
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In the end of January 2020 a large-scale enterprise attack is being launched against targets. Ever since the first samples were launched back in 2012 the virus sample has been updated several different times. Each time a new mechanism is used to intrude onto the victim machines. The newest research gives away readings that the hacking group (of which no further details are known) is using a newly updated release and techniques to intrude onto networks of companies and businesses. The hacking group is sending out phishing business email messages which are sent to the recipients.
OSX.Netwire Trojan is found within IMG files which is the file format used by Mac’s disk imaging software. This is intentional as many email clients, firewalls and filtering systems will check for the attachments in the messages. The IMG files are often considered as trustworthy as they are used to carry software. The samples we looked into will include a file called Sales Quotation which will institute a persistent infection. When the payload file is started this will extract all built-in components. A scheduled task will be instituted which will always run the virus core when the computer is booted.
The main engine will also affect the Registry and Configuration values which will store the addresses of the hacker-controlled servers, as well as any made communications with it. The built-in Trojan component will establish the required connection via the 3012/TCP port. Using a memory scan the analysts have discovered that there are some strings written in Indonesian which is a sign that the hackers may originate from that country.
Note. The OSX.Netwire Trojan is being distributed with the help of a security vulnerability in the Mozilla Firefox browser known as CVE-2019-11707. The vulnerability is “a type confusion vulnerability” that can be triggered when manipulating JavaScript objects due to issues in Array.pop. This can allow for an exploitable crash. Security researchers are aware of targeted attacks in the wild abusing the vulnerability.
Symantec security researchers were also able to determine that OSX.Netwire is capable of creating the following files on an infected Mac:
%Home%/.defaults/Finder.app/Contents/MacOS/Finder
%Home%/.defaults/Finder.app/Contents/MacOS/.settings.conf
%Home%/.defaults/Finder.app/Contents/Info.plist
%Home%/Library/LaunchAgents/com.mac.host.plist
Once this is done, the malware opens a backdoor and connects to a remote location. Furthermore, as long as the connection remains uninterrupted, they could perform all of the actions mentioned below:
- Gather information about your computer
- Send a list of currently-running processes
- Kill processes
- Run or delete files
- Receive files from, or send files to, a remote server
- Uninstall itself
- Send an Apple event to initiate your computer to sleep, restart, shut down and log out
- Open a bash shell command prompt
Another threat similar to OSX.Netwire is [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/longage-trojan-mac-remove/”] Longage.A Backdoor Trojan.
Remove OSX.Netwire Trojan Backdoor Trojan from Your Mac
In order to remove OSX.Netwire Trojan along with all associated files that enable it to perform various malicious activities, you should complete several removal steps. In the guide below you will find all removal steps in their precise order. You could choose between manual and automatic removal approach. In order to fully get rid of this nasty malware and strengthen the security of your device we recommend you to combine the steps.
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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 OSX.Netwire files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as OSX.Netwire, 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 OSX.Netwire 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 OSX.Netwire:
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 OSX.Netwire. 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 OSX.Netwire. 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 OSX.Netwire 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 OSX.Netwire. 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 OSX.Netwire – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
OSX.Netwire-FAQ
What is OSX.Netwire on your Mac?
The OSX.Netwire 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 OSX.Netwire?
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 OSX.Netwire?
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 OSX.Netwire Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this OSX.Netwire 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 OSX.Netwire?
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 OSX.Netwire threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.