Mars Stealer Malware: Difference between revisions

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{{Imported Case Study 2|source=https://www.quadrigainitiative.com/casestudy/marsstealermalware.php}}
{{Case Study Under Construction}}{{Unattributed Sources}}
{{Unattributed Sources}}


[[File:Marsstealer.jpg|thumb|Mars Stealer]]Mars Stealer is a new form of malware released last summer, which is gaining popularity. Once a user is tricked into installing it, it has the capacity to steal from a massive list of cryptocurrency wallets and extensions you may have installed. If you are affected, there are very limited means by which lost cryptocurrency can be recovered.
[[File:Marsstealer.jpg|thumb|Mars Stealer]]Mars Stealer is a new form of malware released last summer, which is gaining popularity. Once a user is tricked into installing it, it has the capacity to steal from a massive list of cryptocurrency wallets and extensions you may have installed. If you are affected, there are very limited means by which lost cryptocurrency can be recovered.


This is a global/international case not involving a specific country.
This is a global/international case not involving a specific country.
<ref name="cryptoslate-6387" /><ref name="blindboxesmedium-6388" /><ref name="3xp0rt-6389" /><ref name="cyberark-6390" /><ref name="bleepingcomputer-6391" /><ref name="cryptobriefing-6392" /><ref name="pcrisk-6393" /><ref name="notebookcheck-6394" /><ref name="anycoindirect-6395" /><ref name="ledgertwitter-6396" />
<ref name="cryptoslate-6387" /><ref name="blindboxesmedium-6388" /><ref name="3xp0rt-6389" /><ref name="cyberark-6390" /><ref name="bleepingcomputer-6391" /><ref name="cryptobriefing-6392" /><ref name="pcrisk-6393" /><ref name="notebookcheck-6394" />


== About Mars Stealer ==
== About Mars Stealer ==
Mars stealer has been attaching itself to software since the summer of 2021.
The Mars stealer is a lightweight malicious program which is 95kB in size. It does not strain the compromised operating system, and leaves no obvious signs of infection.
TBD - More on how people would download this malware. Hopefully some specific cases of compelling sales pitches for software that contains the malware.
== The Reality ==
"According to security researcher 3xp0rt, Mars stealer is an advanced upgrade of the 2019 Oski Trojan and can loot cryptocurrency stored in people’s wallets by attacking the wallets’ browser extensions." "About July 2020 Oski support stopped responding to buyers and deleted the telegram account and bot. It should alert because such large projects don’t disappear so simply (e.g. KPOT Stealer, Predator The Thief)." "Fast forward almost a year later, and a new information-stealing malware called 'Mars Stealer' began to be promoted on Russian-speaking hacking forums."
"According to security researcher 3xp0rt, Mars stealer is an advanced upgrade of the 2019 Oski Trojan and can loot cryptocurrency stored in people’s wallets by attacking the wallets’ browser extensions." "About July 2020 Oski support stopped responding to buyers and deleted the telegram account and bot. It should alert because such large projects don’t disappear so simply (e.g. KPOT Stealer, Predator The Thief)." "Fast forward almost a year later, and a new information-stealing malware called 'Mars Stealer' began to be promoted on Russian-speaking hacking forums."


"The Trojan malware began circulating on Russian-speaking hacking forums in the summer of 2021" "After security researcher @3xp0rt obtained a sample, the researcher discovered that the Mars Stealer is a redesigned version of Oski malware with enhanced functionality." "But when I’ve found a sample of the Mars Stealer, I noticed that it was just an improved copy of the Oski Stealer." "Currently, Mars Stealer is sold for $140 to $160 (extended version) on hacking forums, so it will likely get in the hands of numerous threat actors and be used in attacks in the future."
"The Trojan malware began circulating on Russian-speaking hacking forums in the summer of 2021" "After security researcher @3xp0rt obtained a sample, the researcher discovered that the Mars Stealer is a redesigned version of Oski malware with enhanced functionality." "But when I’ve found a sample of the Mars Stealer, I noticed that it was just an improved copy of the Oski Stealer." "Currently, Mars Stealer is sold for $140 to $160 (extended version) on hacking forums, so it will likely get in the hands of numerous threat actors and be used in attacks in the future."


"The Mars stealer is a lightweight malicious program. Hence, it does not strain the compromised OS (Operating System), which means that there are no obvious signs of infection (e.g., significant decrease in response/operation time, system crashes, etc.)." “Mars Stealer written in ASM/C with using WinApi, weight is 95 kb. Uses special techniques to hide WinApi calls, encrypts strings, collects information in the memory, supports secure SSL-connection with C&C, doesn’t use CRT, STD.” "Mars Stealer is known to invade the extensions of wallets by spreading through numerous channels, including file-hosting websites, torrent clients, and dubious websites." It "relies on its own loader and wiper, which minimizes the infection footprint."
 
a new type of malware called Mars Stealer is targeting browser extension wallets like MetaMask, with the potential to steal sensitive information such as wallet addresses and private keys. The malware specifically targets crypto wallets that function via a browser extension, such as Metamask or Binance Chain Wallet. It is a continuation of the 2019 trojan malware 'Oski' and targets browser extensions, private key info, and even 2FA plugins. The Mars Stealer malware is currently being sold on the dark web for just $140. To prevent falling victim to this malware, users should exercise caution when clicking on links, be wary of phishing emails and dubious download websites, and only download software from legitimate and legal sources. It is important to stay vigilant and inform others about potential threats in the online crypto space<ref name="anycoindirect-6395" />.
 
== What Happened ==
The Mars stealer malware started circulating in the summer of 2021, and has been used to drain many individual hot wallets.
{| class="wikitable"
|+Key Event Timeline - Mars Stealer Malware
!Date
!Event
!Description
|-
|February 1st, 2022
|Main Event
|Expand this into a brief description of what happened and the impact. If multiple lines are necessary, add them here.
|-
|February 4th, 2022 8:48:00 AM MST
|Ledger Tweet
|Ledger posts a tweet referencing the Mars Stealer<ref name="ledgertwitter-6396" />.
|-
|February 9th, 2022 5:00:00 PM MST
|Anycoin Article Published
|Anycoin reports that a new type of malware called Mars Stealer is targeting browser extension wallets like MetaMask, with the potential to steal sensitive information such as wallet addresses and private keys. The malware specifically targets crypto wallets that function via a browser extension, such as Metamask or Binance Chain Wallet. It is a continuation of the 2019 trojan malware 'Oski' and targets browser extensions, private key info, and even 2FA plugins. The Mars Stealer malware is currently being sold on the dark web for just $140. To prevent falling victim to this malware, users should exercise caution when clicking on links, be wary of phishing emails and dubious download websites, and only download software from legitimate and legal sources. It is important to stay vigilant and inform others about potential threats in the online crypto space<ref name="anycoindirect-6395" />.
|}
 
== Technical Details ==
“Mars Stealer written in ASM/C with using WinApi, weight is 95 kb. Uses special techniques to hide WinApi calls, encrypts strings, collects information in the memory, supports secure SSL-connection with C&C, doesn’t use CRT, STD.” "Mars Stealer is known to invade the extensions of wallets by spreading through numerous channels, including file-hosting websites, torrent clients, and dubious websites." It "relies on its own loader and wiper, which minimizes the infection footprint."


"Mars Stealer uses a custom grabber to retrieve its configuration from the command and control infrastructure and then proceeds to target application data from popular web browsers, two-factor authentication plugins, and multiple cryptocurrency extensions and wallets." "So far, it has been found to attack 40+ different browser-based wallets." "Once it enters the crypto wallet extension, the malware then performs the theft by sabotaging the wallet’s personal keys and security features and later exits the extension after deleting any visible traces of the theft."
"Mars Stealer uses a custom grabber to retrieve its configuration from the command and control infrastructure and then proceeds to target application data from popular web browsers, two-factor authentication plugins, and multiple cryptocurrency extensions and wallets." "So far, it has been found to attack 40+ different browser-based wallets." "Once it enters the crypto wallet extension, the malware then performs the theft by sabotaging the wallet’s personal keys and security features and later exits the extension after deleting any visible traces of the theft."
Line 26: Line 57:
"What’s particularly concerning about Mars Stealer is its ability to navigate the wallet’s security features. For example, it can use a “grabber function” to steal private keys even if 2FA is enabled. This makes it a particularly dangerous threat for anyone holding crypto assets."   
"What’s particularly concerning about Mars Stealer is its ability to navigate the wallet’s security features. For example, it can use a “grabber function” to steal private keys even if 2FA is enabled. This makes it a particularly dangerous threat for anyone holding crypto assets."   


"Mars Stealer is a lean malware of just 95 KB in size, which attempts to evade security by using routines that hide API calls and string-encryption techniques using a combination of RC4 and Base64. The information it collects is wrapped in memory, while all connections with the C2 are done with the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protocol, so they’re encrypted. Moreover, the Mars Stealer code contains Sleep function intervals to perform timing checks that would result in a mismatch if a debugger is used. Finally, the malware can remove itself after the user data has been exfiltrated or when the operator decides to wipe it."
"Mars Stealer is a lean malware of just 95 KB in size, which attempts to evade security by using routines that hide API calls and string-encryption techniques using a combination of RC4 and Base64. The information it collects is wrapped in memory, while all connections with the C2 are done with the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protocol, so they’re encrypted. Moreover, the Mars Stealer code contains Sleep function intervals to perform timing checks that would result in a mismatch if a debugger is used. Finally, the malware can remove itself after the user data has been exfiltrated or when the operator decides to wipe it."


"Mars Stealer can also extract valuable information concerning processor model, computer name, machine ID, GUID, installed software and their versions, user name, and domain computer name." "The only notable omission from the targeted application list is Outlook, which the malware authors will likely add in future releases."
"Mars Stealer can also extract valuable information concerning processor model, computer name, machine ID, GUID, installed software and their versions, user name, and domain computer name." "The only notable omission from the targeted application list is Outlook, which the malware authors will likely add in future releases."


"Another interesting feature of this malware is that Mars Stealer performs a prior check on a user’s country of origin to check whether the user belongs to a commonwealth of independent states. If a user’s ID belongs to countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan, the program will not perform any negative activity and will exit the application."
"Another interesting feature of this malware is that Mars Stealer performs a prior check on a user’s country of origin to check whether the user belongs to a commonwealth of independent states. If a user’s ID belongs to countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan, the program will not perform any negative activity and will exit the application."
This is a global/international case not involving a specific country.
The background of the exchange platform, service, or individuals involved, as it would have been seen or understood at the time of the events.
Include:
* Known history of when and how the service was started.
* What problems does the company or service claim to solve?
* What marketing materials were used by the firm or business?
* Audits performed, and excerpts that may have been included.
* Business registration documents shown (fake or legitimate).
* How were people recruited to participate?
* Public warnings and announcements prior to the event.
Don't Include:
* Any wording which directly states or implies that the business is/was illegitimate, or that a vulnerability existed.
* Anything that wasn't reasonably knowable at the time of the event.
There could be more than one section here. If the same platform is involved with multiple incidents, then it can be linked to a main article page.
== The Reality ==
This sections is included if a case involved deception or information that was unknown at the time. Examples include:
* When the service was actually started (if different than the "official story").
* Who actually ran a service and their own personal history.
* How the service was structured behind the scenes. (For example, there was no "trading bot".)
* Details of what audits reported and how vulnerabilities were missed during auditing.
== What Happened ==
The specific events of the loss and how it came about. What actually happened to cause the loss and some of the events leading up to it.
{| class="wikitable"
|+Key Event Timeline - Mars Stealer Malware
!Date
!Event
!Description
|-
|February 1st, 2022
|Main Event
|Expand this into a brief description of what happened and the impact. If multiple lines are necessary, add them here.
|-
|
|
|
|}


== Total Amount Lost ==
== Total Amount Lost ==
The total amount lost is unknown.
The total amount lost is unknown.
How much was lost and how was it calculated? If there are conflicting reports, which are accurate and where does the discrepancy lie?


== Immediate Reactions ==
== Immediate Reactions ==
How did the various parties involved (firm, platform, management, and/or affected individual(s)) deal with the events? Were services shut down? Were announcements made? Were groups formed?
TBD


== Ultimate Outcome ==
== Ultimate Outcome ==
What was the end result? Was any investigation done? Were any individuals prosecuted? Was there a lawsuit? Was any tracing done?
TBD


== Total Amount Recovered ==
== Total Amount Recovered ==
There do not appear to have been any funds recovered in this case.
It is unclear if there have been any funds lost in this case.


What funds were recovered? What funds were reimbursed for those affected users?
== Ongoing Developments ==
TBD
 
== Individual Prevention Policies ==
As a cryptocurrency user (and general computer user) you should exercise care with the software you download and install on your computer. While you can use malware detection software to scan downloaded files, the best practice is to avoid downloading it in the first place. Only install tools from trusted sources directly, verify each download using the hash, and double check you are at the correct website.


== Ongoing Developments ==
{{Prevention:Individuals:Always Verify Executables}}
What parts of this case are still remaining to be concluded?


== General Prevention Policies ==
The most secure form of storage for cryptocurrency is offline storage on paper or a hardware wallet, and that's where the majority of funds should be stored. When you need to use funds, you can withdraw only what you need.
As a user, be careful what software you download and install on your computer. You can also use a malware detection software to scan any downloaded files. Only install information from a trusted source directly and double check you are at the correct URL. The most secure form of storage for cryptocurrency is offline storage on paper or a hardware wallet, and that's where the majority of funds should be stored.


== Individual Prevention Policies ==
{{Prevention:Individuals:Store Funds Offline}}
{{Prevention:Individuals:Placeholder}}


{{Prevention:Individuals:End}}
{{Prevention:Individuals:End}}


== Platform Prevention Policies ==
== Platform Prevention Policies ==
{{Prevention:Platforms:Placeholder}}
{{Prevention:Platforms:No Platform Funds Lost}} Platforms can better educate users and work towards an industry insurance fund which could assist victims.
 
{{Prevention:Platforms:Cryptocurrency Safety Quiz}}
 
{{Prevention:Platforms:Establish Industry Insurance Fund}}


{{Prevention:Platforms:End}}
{{Prevention:Platforms:End}}


== Regulatory Prevention Policies ==
== Regulatory Prevention Policies ==
{{Prevention:Regulators:Placeholder}}
Greater education for cryptocurrency users could help prevent their accidental installation of malware, and assist them with establishing better fund security.
 
{{Prevention:Regulators:Cryptocurrency Education Mandate}}
 
{{Prevention:Regulators:Establish Industry Insurance Fund}}


{{Prevention:Regulators:End}}
{{Prevention:Regulators:End}}


== References ==
== References ==
<references><ref name="cryptoslate-6387">[https://cryptoslate.com/beware-a-new-malware-mars-stealer-can-steal-your-crypto/ Beware! A new malware "Mars Stealer" can steal your crypto | CryptoSlate] (Feb 3, 2022)</ref>
<references>
 
<ref name="cryptoslate-6387">[https://cryptoslate.com/beware-a-new-malware-mars-stealer-can-steal-your-crypto/ Beware! A new malware "Mars Stealer" can steal your crypto | CryptoSlate] (Feb 3, 2022)</ref>
<ref name="blindboxesmedium-6388">[https://medium.com/blind-boxes/mars-stealer-new-malware-that-can-steal-your-nfts-2f74ed25c993 Mars Stealer New Malware That Can Steal Your Nfts] (Feb 11, 2022)</ref>
<ref name="blindboxesmedium-6388">[https://medium.com/blind-boxes/mars-stealer-new-malware-that-can-steal-your-nfts-2f74ed25c993 Mars Stealer New Malware That Can Steal Your Nfts] (Feb 11, 2022)</ref>
<ref name="3xp0rt-6389">[https://3xp0rt.com/posts/mars-stealer Mars Stealer: Oski refactoring | 3xp0rt] (Feb 12, 2022)</ref>
<ref name="3xp0rt-6389">[https://3xp0rt.com/posts/mars-stealer Mars Stealer: Oski refactoring | 3xp0rt] (Feb 12, 2022)</ref>
<ref name="cyberark-6390">[https://www.cyberark.com/resources/threat-research-blog/meet-oski-stealer-an-in-depth-analysis-of-the-popular-credential-stealer Meet Oski Stealer: An In-depth Analysis of the Popular Credential Stealer] (Feb 12, 2022)</ref>
<ref name="cyberark-6390">[https://www.cyberark.com/resources/threat-research-blog/meet-oski-stealer-an-in-depth-analysis-of-the-popular-credential-stealer Meet Oski Stealer: An In-depth Analysis of the Popular Credential Stealer] (Feb 12, 2022)</ref>
<ref name="bleepingcomputer-6391">[https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/powerful-new-oski-variant-mars-stealer-grabbing-2fas-and-crypto/ Powerful new Oski variant ‘Mars Stealer’ grabbing 2FAs and crypto] (Feb 12, 2022)</ref>
<ref name="bleepingcomputer-6391">[https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/powerful-new-oski-variant-mars-stealer-grabbing-2fas-and-crypto/ Powerful new Oski variant ‘Mars Stealer’ grabbing 2FAs and crypto] (Feb 12, 2022)</ref>
<ref name="cryptobriefing-6392">[https://cryptobriefing.com/mars-stealer-can-grab-your-crypto/ "Mars Stealer" Malware Can Grab Your Crypto - Crypto Briefing] (Feb 12, 2022)</ref>
<ref name="cryptobriefing-6392">[https://cryptobriefing.com/mars-stealer-can-grab-your-crypto/ "Mars Stealer" Malware Can Grab Your Crypto - Crypto Briefing] (Feb 12, 2022)</ref>
<ref name="pcrisk-6393">[https://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/21505-mars-stealer Mars Stealer - Malware removal instructions (updated)] (Feb 12, 2022)</ref>
<ref name="pcrisk-6393">[https://www.pcrisk.com/removal-guides/21505-mars-stealer Mars Stealer - Malware removal instructions (updated)] (Feb 12, 2022)</ref>
<ref name="notebookcheck-6394">[https://www.notebookcheck.net/New-Mars-Stealer-malware-targets-Chrome-based-browser-crypto-wallets.597668.0.html New Mars Stealer malware targets Chrome-based browser crypto wallets - NotebookCheck.net News] (Feb 12, 2022)</ref>
<ref name="notebookcheck-6394">[https://www.notebookcheck.net/New-Mars-Stealer-malware-targets-Chrome-based-browser-crypto-wallets.597668.0.html New Mars Stealer malware targets Chrome-based browser crypto wallets - NotebookCheck.net News] (Feb 12, 2022)</ref>
 
<ref name="anycoindirect-6395">[https://anycoindirect.eu/en/blog/mars-stealer-malware What is Mars Stealer? The new crypto stealing malware - Anycoin Direct] (Feb 12, 2022)</ref>
<ref name="anycoindirect-6395">[https://anycoindirect.eu/en/blog/mars-stealer-malware What is Mars Stealer? The new crypto stealing malware | Anycoin Direct] (Feb 12, 2022)</ref>
<ref name="ledgertwitter-6396">[https://twitter.com/Ledger/status/1489627017217773569 Ledger - "And what's the deal with the Mars Stealer attack? "It is particularly efficient . . .It also targets some new desktop wallets that weren't really the target before, like Bitcoin core and derivatives," says @yhql6" - Twitter] (Feb 12, 2022)</ref>
 
</references>
<ref name="ledgertwitter-6396">[https://twitter.com/Ledger/status/1489627017217773569 @Ledger Twitter] (Feb 12, 2022)</ref></references>

Latest revision as of 15:30, 14 July 2023

Notice: This page is a new case study and some aspects have not been fully researched. Some sections may be incomplete or reflect inaccuracies present in initial sources. Please check the References at the bottom for further information and perform your own additional assessment. Please feel free to contribute by adding any missing information or sources you come across. If you are new here, please read General Tutorial on Wikis or Anatomy of a Case Study for help getting started.

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Mars Stealer

Mars Stealer is a new form of malware released last summer, which is gaining popularity. Once a user is tricked into installing it, it has the capacity to steal from a massive list of cryptocurrency wallets and extensions you may have installed. If you are affected, there are very limited means by which lost cryptocurrency can be recovered.

This is a global/international case not involving a specific country. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]

About Mars Stealer

Mars stealer has been attaching itself to software since the summer of 2021.

The Mars stealer is a lightweight malicious program which is 95kB in size. It does not strain the compromised operating system, and leaves no obvious signs of infection.

TBD - More on how people would download this malware. Hopefully some specific cases of compelling sales pitches for software that contains the malware.

The Reality

"According to security researcher 3xp0rt, Mars stealer is an advanced upgrade of the 2019 Oski Trojan and can loot cryptocurrency stored in people’s wallets by attacking the wallets’ browser extensions." "About July 2020 Oski support stopped responding to buyers and deleted the telegram account and bot. It should alert because such large projects don’t disappear so simply (e.g. KPOT Stealer, Predator The Thief)." "Fast forward almost a year later, and a new information-stealing malware called 'Mars Stealer' began to be promoted on Russian-speaking hacking forums."

"The Trojan malware began circulating on Russian-speaking hacking forums in the summer of 2021" "After security researcher @3xp0rt obtained a sample, the researcher discovered that the Mars Stealer is a redesigned version of Oski malware with enhanced functionality." "But when I’ve found a sample of the Mars Stealer, I noticed that it was just an improved copy of the Oski Stealer." "Currently, Mars Stealer is sold for $140 to $160 (extended version) on hacking forums, so it will likely get in the hands of numerous threat actors and be used in attacks in the future."


a new type of malware called Mars Stealer is targeting browser extension wallets like MetaMask, with the potential to steal sensitive information such as wallet addresses and private keys. The malware specifically targets crypto wallets that function via a browser extension, such as Metamask or Binance Chain Wallet. It is a continuation of the 2019 trojan malware 'Oski' and targets browser extensions, private key info, and even 2FA plugins. The Mars Stealer malware is currently being sold on the dark web for just $140. To prevent falling victim to this malware, users should exercise caution when clicking on links, be wary of phishing emails and dubious download websites, and only download software from legitimate and legal sources. It is important to stay vigilant and inform others about potential threats in the online crypto space[9].

What Happened

The Mars stealer malware started circulating in the summer of 2021, and has been used to drain many individual hot wallets.

Key Event Timeline - Mars Stealer Malware
Date Event Description
February 1st, 2022 Main Event Expand this into a brief description of what happened and the impact. If multiple lines are necessary, add them here.
February 4th, 2022 8:48:00 AM MST Ledger Tweet Ledger posts a tweet referencing the Mars Stealer[10].
February 9th, 2022 5:00:00 PM MST Anycoin Article Published Anycoin reports that a new type of malware called Mars Stealer is targeting browser extension wallets like MetaMask, with the potential to steal sensitive information such as wallet addresses and private keys. The malware specifically targets crypto wallets that function via a browser extension, such as Metamask or Binance Chain Wallet. It is a continuation of the 2019 trojan malware 'Oski' and targets browser extensions, private key info, and even 2FA plugins. The Mars Stealer malware is currently being sold on the dark web for just $140. To prevent falling victim to this malware, users should exercise caution when clicking on links, be wary of phishing emails and dubious download websites, and only download software from legitimate and legal sources. It is important to stay vigilant and inform others about potential threats in the online crypto space[9].

Technical Details

“Mars Stealer written in ASM/C with using WinApi, weight is 95 kb. Uses special techniques to hide WinApi calls, encrypts strings, collects information in the memory, supports secure SSL-connection with C&C, doesn’t use CRT, STD.” "Mars Stealer is known to invade the extensions of wallets by spreading through numerous channels, including file-hosting websites, torrent clients, and dubious websites." It "relies on its own loader and wiper, which minimizes the infection footprint."

"Mars Stealer uses a custom grabber to retrieve its configuration from the command and control infrastructure and then proceeds to target application data from popular web browsers, two-factor authentication plugins, and multiple cryptocurrency extensions and wallets." "So far, it has been found to attack 40+ different browser-based wallets." "Once it enters the crypto wallet extension, the malware then performs the theft by sabotaging the wallet’s personal keys and security features and later exits the extension after deleting any visible traces of the theft."

"Browser extension list: Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Kometa, Amigo, Torch, Orbitium, Comodo Dragon, Nichrome, Maxxthon5, Maxxthon6, Sputnik Browser, Epic Privacy Browser, Vivaldi, CocCoc, Uran Browser, QIP Surf, Cent Browser, Elements Browser, TorBro Browser, CryptoTab Browser, Brave, Opera Stable, Opera GX, Opera Neon, Firefox, SlimBrowser, PaleMoon, Waterfox, CyberFox, BlackHawk, IceCat, K-Meleon, Thunderbird."

"Crypto extension list: TronLink, MetaMask, Binance Chain Wallet, Yoroi, Nifty Wallet, Math Wallet, Coinbase Wallet, Guarda, EQUAL Wallet, Jaox Liberty, BitAppWllet, iWallet, Wombat, MEW CX, Guild Wallet, Saturn Wallet, Ronin Wallet, Neoline, Clover Wallet, Liquality Wallet, Terra Station, Keplr, Sollet, Auro Wallet, Polymesh Wallet, ICONex, Nabox Wallet, KHC, Temple, TezBox Cyano Wallet, Byone, OneKey, Leaf Wallet, DAppPlay, BitClip, Steem Keychain, Nash Extension."

"Wallets targeted: Bitcoin Core, Ethereum, Electrum, Electrum LTC, Exodus, Electron Cash, MultiDoge, JAXX, Atomic, Binance, Coinomi."

"2FA plugins targeted: Authenticator, Authy, EOS Authenticator, GAuth Authenticator, Trezor Password Manager."

"What’s particularly concerning about Mars Stealer is its ability to navigate the wallet’s security features. For example, it can use a “grabber function” to steal private keys even if 2FA is enabled. This makes it a particularly dangerous threat for anyone holding crypto assets."

"Mars Stealer is a lean malware of just 95 KB in size, which attempts to evade security by using routines that hide API calls and string-encryption techniques using a combination of RC4 and Base64. The information it collects is wrapped in memory, while all connections with the C2 are done with the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protocol, so they’re encrypted. Moreover, the Mars Stealer code contains Sleep function intervals to perform timing checks that would result in a mismatch if a debugger is used. Finally, the malware can remove itself after the user data has been exfiltrated or when the operator decides to wipe it."

"Mars Stealer can also extract valuable information concerning processor model, computer name, machine ID, GUID, installed software and their versions, user name, and domain computer name." "The only notable omission from the targeted application list is Outlook, which the malware authors will likely add in future releases."

"Another interesting feature of this malware is that Mars Stealer performs a prior check on a user’s country of origin to check whether the user belongs to a commonwealth of independent states. If a user’s ID belongs to countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan, the program will not perform any negative activity and will exit the application."

Total Amount Lost

The total amount lost is unknown.

Immediate Reactions

TBD

Ultimate Outcome

TBD

Total Amount Recovered

It is unclear if there have been any funds lost in this case.

Ongoing Developments

TBD

Individual Prevention Policies

As a cryptocurrency user (and general computer user) you should exercise care with the software you download and install on your computer. While you can use malware detection software to scan downloaded files, the best practice is to avoid downloading it in the first place. Only install tools from trusted sources directly, verify each download using the hash, and double check you are at the correct website.

Any time untrusted software is being run is an opportunity for abuse. It is recommended to always interact with cryptocurrency in a fully controlled environment, which is an environment where you have understanding of every piece of software running there. Using a hardware wallet, spare computer with all software wiped, and/or virtual machine with only the needed software greatly reduces your attack surface. Take the time to verify downloaded files come from the correct and expected source and match available hashes if provided. Any time you encounter a new file, always check if it can contain executable code prior to using it.

The most secure form of storage for cryptocurrency is offline storage on paper or a hardware wallet, and that's where the majority of funds should be stored. When you need to use funds, you can withdraw only what you need.

Store the majority of funds offline. By offline, it means that the private key and/or seed phrase is exclusively held by you and not connected to any networked device. Examples of offline storage include paper wallets (seed phrase or key written down and deleted from all electronic media), hardware wallets, steel wallet devices, etc...

For the full list of how to protect your funds as an individual, check our Prevention Policies for Individuals guide.

Platform Prevention Policies

This case does not appear to have resulted in a loss to any platform. Platforms can better educate users and work towards an industry insurance fund which could assist victims.

Never take for granted the limited knowledge of users of your service and their tendency to skip past provided information. It is recommended to design a simple tutorial and quiz for new users which explains the basics of seed phrases, strong password generation, secure two-factor authentication, common fraud schemes, how ponzi schemes work, as well as other risks which are unique to the cryptocurrency space. This tutorial and quiz should ensure their understanding and be a standard part of the sign-up or download process which is difficult or impossible to skip.

Work with other industry platforms to set up a multi-signature wallet with private keys held separately by delegate signatories from seven prominent platforms and services within the industry. Establish requirements for contributions by all platforms and services, designed to be affordable for small platforms yet large enough to cover anticipated breach events. Any breach event can be brought forth by a member platform or a petition of 100 signatures for consideration by the delegate signatories. A vote of 4 or more delegate signatures is required to release any funds, which could partially or fully restore lost funds based on their assessment.

For the full list of how to protect your funds as a financial service, check our Prevention Policies for Platforms guide.

Regulatory Prevention Policies

Greater education for cryptocurrency users could help prevent their accidental installation of malware, and assist them with establishing better fund security.

Create a standard tutorial and quiz for all new cryptocurrency participants, which is required to be completed once per participant. This tutorial and quiz should cover the basics of proper seed phrase protection, strong password generation, secure two-factor authentication, common fraud schemes, how to detect and guard against phishing attacks, how ponzi schemes work, as well as other risks which are unique to the cryptocurrency space.

Set up a multi-signature wallet with private keys held separately by delegate signatories from seven prominent platforms and services within the industry. Establish requirements for contributions by all platforms and services within the country, designed to be affordable for small platforms yet large enough to cover anticipated breach events. Any breach event can be brought forth by a member platform or a petition of 100 signatures for consideration by the delegate signatories. A vote of 4 or more delegate signatures is required to release any funds, which could partially or fully restore lost funds based on their assessment.

For the full list of regulatory policies that can prevent loss, check our Prevention Policies for Regulators guide.

References

  1. ↑ Beware! A new malware "Mars Stealer" can steal your crypto | CryptoSlate (Feb 3, 2022)
  2. ↑ Mars Stealer New Malware That Can Steal Your Nfts (Feb 11, 2022)
  3. ↑ Mars Stealer: Oski refactoring | 3xp0rt (Feb 12, 2022)
  4. ↑ Meet Oski Stealer: An In-depth Analysis of the Popular Credential Stealer (Feb 12, 2022)
  5. ↑ Powerful new Oski variant ‘Mars Stealer’ grabbing 2FAs and crypto (Feb 12, 2022)
  6. ↑ "Mars Stealer" Malware Can Grab Your Crypto - Crypto Briefing (Feb 12, 2022)
  7. ↑ Mars Stealer - Malware removal instructions (updated) (Feb 12, 2022)
  8. ↑ New Mars Stealer malware targets Chrome-based browser crypto wallets - NotebookCheck.net News (Feb 12, 2022)
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 What is Mars Stealer? The new crypto stealing malware - Anycoin Direct (Feb 12, 2022)
  10. ↑ Ledger - "And what's the deal with the Mars Stealer attack? "It is particularly efficient . . .It also targets some new desktop wallets that weren't really the target before, like Bitcoin core and derivatives," says @yhql6" - Twitter (Feb 12, 2022)
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