Researchers with the Russian multi-national security company Kaspersky have discovered a new OS X malware, dubbed Ventir. Reportedly it contains a keylogger, a Trojan, and a backdoor that allows the hackers to keep on accessing compromised machines. Reportedly, Ventir is lined up next to the most sophisticated computer malware, which can only suggest that hackers are now targeting Macs more increasingly. OS X used to be untouched by crooks in the past, but as the market value of the Apple products increased, the attention of the cybercriminals got drawn them.
What Does Ventir Do?
As the Ventir infiltrates the targeted machine, the dropper component of the Trojan tries to establish if it has root access to the compromised PC. This is of highest importance to the process of installation of the malware. In case it manages to gain root access, Ventir can do way more harm to the affected machine. This is why computer users, both Windows and Mac, are recommended to avoid using administrator-privileged accounts when they browse the Web.
The keylogging component of the new malware piece is able to log every key that is being pressed on the victim’s PC and send the logs to the creators of the malware. This way the cyber-crooks can get their hands on email addresses, passwords, search queries, browsing history, contacts, etc.
Ventir Involved in Data Theft Campaigns?
Researchers believe that Ventir may have been used in data theft campaigns recently. They associate the malware from the same family as Ventir with the current leaks of credentials from Gmail, Mail.ru and Yandex.
The keylogger’s kernel extension of the malware is open-source code that is available on GitHub for free, which according to the security experts makes it easier for the hackers to create new malware versions. Users should only expect the amount of Trojan-Spy programs to increase in the feature.
Kaspersky Lists the Following Features of Ventir
As soon as it is launched, the dropper checks whether it has root access by calling the geteuid () function. The result of the check determines where the Trojan’s files will be installed:
- If it has root access, the files will be installed in /Library/.local and /Library/LaunchDaemons;
- If it does not have root access, the files will be installed in ~/Library/.local and ~/Library/LaunchAgents (“~” stands for the path to the current user’s home directory).
- All files of the Trojan to be downloaded to the victim machine are initially located in the “__data” section of the dropper file.
EventMonitor spying component is used only if elevated privileges are not obtained. “Immediately before processing a keystroke, the malware determines the name of the process whose window is currently active,” says Kuzin in a blog post.
As a result, the following files will be installed on the infected system:
- Library/.local/updated – re-launches files update and EventMonitor in the event of unexpected termination.
- Library/.local/reweb – used to re-launch the file updated.
- Library/.local/update – the backdoor module.
- Library/.local/libweb.db – the malicious program’s database file. Initially contains the Trojan’s global settings, such as the C&C address.
- Library/LaunchAgents (or LaunchDaemons)/com.updated.launchagent.plist – the properties file used to set the file Library/.local/updated to autorun using the launchd daemon.
Depending on whether root access is available:
А) if it is – /Library/.local/kext.tar. The following files are extracted from the archive:
- updated.kext – the driver that intercepts user keystrokes
- Keymap.plist – the map which matches the codes of the keys pressed by the user to the characters associated with these codes;
- EventMonitor – the agent which logs keystrokes as well as certain system events to the following file: Library/.local/.logfile.
B) if it isn’t – ~/Library/.local/EventMonitor. This is the agent that logs the current active window name and the keystrokes to the following file: Library/.local/.logfile.
What experts suggest in order to protect your system from this and some other malicious software is to not log with administrator rights when just browsing the internet or using programs that don’t require it.
Preparation before removing .
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 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by 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 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 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.
FAQ
What Does Trojan Do?
The 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 , 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 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 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 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this 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 ?
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 threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.