Home / malware OSX.Dropper
First posted on 04 July 2015.
Source: SymantecAliases :
There are no other names known for OSX.Dropper.
Explanation :
OSX.Dropper is a detection name used by Symantec to identify malicious software programs that drop other malware files onto the compromised computer.
Background information
An OSX.Dropper is a type of Trojan horse whose purpose is to deliver an enclosed payload onto a destination host computer. A dropper is a means to an end rather than the end itself. In other words, the dropper is usually used at the start or in the early stages of a malware attack.
Throughout the history of malicious software, the creators of malware have always looked for ways to bypass security software and stealthily install malware onto computers. Using a dropper is one method that is often used. Droppers primarily act as container files or an envelope in which to transport a malware payload from one computer to another. Once a dropper is executed, its own code is simply to load itself into memory and then extract the malware payload and write it to the file system. It may perform any installation procedures and execute the newly dropped malware. The dropper usually ceases to execute at this point as its primary function has been accomplished.
Malware authors use droppers as a method to confuse the user and make it more difficult for them to notice anything untoward that may be happening. For instance, after a user runs a file that is supposed to be a screen saver, they may see an error message. The message may mention something about a system error that caused the program to terminate. When the user closes the message box, he or she believes that the file has stopped execution, and technically they may be correct. What the user may not suspect, however, is that other files have been dropped and executed and are performing other malicious activities with the user being totally unaware.
Some droppers may also employ other more advanced techniques to help them bypass security programs such as encryption and packing of their payload.
Who creates droppers?
OSX.Droppers are created by malware authors to help distribute their creations. They provide an easy, low cost, and low risk means of disguising their software and covering their tracks during malware distribution. For example, the droppers can be easily made to look like any other file or application by giving them different icons and file names to avoid them being recognized by users.
What is dropped?
The content that is dropped varies from one example to the next. The malicious files that are dropped may include executable file types such as Mach-O. When these are executed they may perform any number of malicious actions.
Are there any tell-tale signs?
Droppers containing malicious software are generally discrete programs that attempt to mask their true purpose by masquerading as other software in the classic sense of the term Trojan horse. Some droppers may drop and execute their payloads while displaying a fake error message, while others may show nothing at all.
In the latter case it is possible that any tell-tale signs seen may be those caused by the dropped payload rather than the dropper itself. File system comparison programs run before and after execution of the dropper may show additional files created by the dropper if no rootkits are dropped and executed. Other signs may include registry changes or other system configuration changes that may be made by the dropper as it drops and installs its payload.
What are the risks?
The dangers posed by droppers are somewhat open-ended. As a dropper may enclose virtually anything at all, the scope of the damage it can potentially cause is only limited to what it can successfully dropped. On a positive note, even if the original dropper file itself is not detected by security software, there is a chance that the dropped payload may already be detected as an attempt is made to write it to the disk.
What can I do to minimize the risks?
As a general rule, users should always run up-to-date antivirus software with real-time protection such as Norton Antivirus, Norton Internet Security, Norton 360 or Symantec Endpoint Protection. In addition, a firewall -- or better still, an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) -- will help to block download activities initiated by these types of malicious programs. Program controls such as those found in Symantec Endpoint Protection can also help to prevent programs such as these from executing in the first place.
How can I find out more?
Advanced users can submit a sample to Threat Expert to obtain a detailed report of the system and file system changes caused by a threat.Last update 04 July 2015
