Users seeking popular games have fallen victim to a large-scale cyber attack known as StaryDobry, where trojanized game installers deploy cryptocurrency miners on compromised Windows systems. This sophisticated campaign, detected by Kaspersky, has targeted individuals and businesses globally, with a notable concentration of infections in Russia, Brazil, Germany, Belarus, and Kazakhstan.
Key Takeaways
Attack Methodology: Trojanized game installers lure users into downloading malicious software.
Targeted Games: Popular titles like BeamNG.drive and Garry's Mod were used as bait.
Evasive Techniques: The malware employs advanced techniques to avoid detection and analysis.
Mining Operations: The attack utilizes a modified version of the XMRig cryptocurrency miner.
Overview Of The StaryDobry Attack
The StaryDobry attack, first identified on December 31, 2024, has been ongoing for about a month. Cybersecurity experts from Kaspersky revealed that the attackers strategically uploaded poisoned game installers to torrent sites, enticing users with popular simulator and physics games. This careful planning indicates a high level of sophistication in the attack's execution.
How The Attack Works
Trojanized Installers: Users download what they believe are legitimate game installers, often referred to as "repacks.
Execution of Malicious Code: During installation, a dropper file named "unrar.dll" is extracted and executed, initiating the malware's payload.
Environment Checks: The malware performs checks to ensure it is not running in a debugging or sandboxed environment, showcasing its evasive capabilities.
IP Address Polling: It retrieves the user's IP address to determine their location, defaulting to China or Belarus if unsuccessful.
Payload Delivery: The malware gathers system fingerprints and decrypts additional executables, ultimately leading to the installation of the cryptocurrency miner.
The Cryptocurrency Miner
The miner deployed in this attack is a modified version of XMRig, specifically designed to operate on machines with eight or more CPU cores. If the system has fewer cores, the miner does not activate, indicating a targeted approach to maximize mining efficiency. The attackers have also set up their own mining pool, avoiding public servers to maintain control over the mining operations.
The StaryDobry attack exemplifies the growing threat of cybercrime in the gaming industry, where malicious actors exploit users' desire for popular games. As the attack remains unattributed, it highlights the need for increased vigilance and security measures among gamers and businesses alike. Users are advised to download software only from trusted sources and to maintain updated security protocols to protect against such sophisticated threats.
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Sources
Trojanized Game Installers Deploy Cryptocurrency Miner in Large-Scale StaryDobry Attack, The Hacker News.