Vidar infostealer is one nasty piece of work. This C++ malware has been wreaking havoc since 2018, stealing everything from browser passwords to cryptocurrency wallets with ruthless efficiency. For a mere $130, cybercriminals can grab this digital vacuum cleaner on the dark web – talk about a bargain for thieves. It spreads through deceptive emails and fake software, operating like a silent burglar in the night. The deeper you look into Vidar’s capabilities, the scarier it gets.
Lurking in the shadows of the internet, a dangerous piece of malware called Vidar has been wreaking havoc since late 2018. This nasty little program, which evolved from the Arkei trojan, isn’t cheap – cybercriminals shell out anywhere from $130 to $750 on the dark web to get their hands on it. And boy, do they get their money’s worth.
Vidar’s favorite way to sneak onto Windows systems? Good old-fashioned email trickery. It loves hiding in fake software installers and compromised websites. Sometimes it even dresses up as legitimate software downloads – talk about identity theft. The irony would be funny if it weren’t so dangerous. The malware typically arrives as an ISO file attachment in deceptive emails. Written in C++ programming language, this sophisticated malware packs a powerful punch with its customizable features.
Once it’s made itself at home on a computer, Vidar gets busy. It’s like a digital vacuum cleaner, sucking up everything from browser passwords to cryptocurrency wallet information. Credit card details? Gone. Browser history? Copied. Those handy autofill entries you’ve saved? Consider them compromised. It’s thorough, you’ve got to give it that. Phishing campaigns remain one of the most effective methods cybercriminals use to distribute this type of malware. Maintaining robust security measures is crucial for preventing sensitive data extraction.
The real kicker is how sneaky this thing is. It uses every trick in the book to avoid detection – bloated file sizes, expired digital certificates, fancy encryption. It even uses social media platforms like Mastodon and Telegram to communicate with its controllers. Pretty clever for a piece of malicious code.
But wait, there’s more. Vidar isn’t content just being a data thief – it’s also a gateway for ransomware. It comes with a fancy browser-based control panel for its operators and can target specific countries. By December 2022, it had become the second most popular infostealer on the dark web. No small feat in the crowded malware marketplace.
The damage this thing can do is serious. It doesn’t discriminate – from Chrome to Firefox, from FTP clients to WordPress credentials, Vidar wants it all. Think of it as a digital pickpocket that somehow got hold of a vacuum cleaner and an invisibility cloak. And it’s not going away anytime soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost Cybercriminals to Purchase Vidar Infostealer?
Criminals can get their hands on Vidar through different payment options. Monthly subscriptions run $50-$100, while one-time purchases range from $130 to $750 depending on the version.
The price includes access to command-and-control servers operated by developers. Some buyers opt for hosted C2 servers at a flat fee.
Russian Market is currently the main platform for sales, with deals often happening through Telegram groups.
Can Antivirus Software Detect Vidar Infostealer Before It Steals Information?
Antivirus software can detect Vidar, but it’s not perfect. Detection rates range from 46-73%, depending on the variant.
Next-gen antivirus solutions perform better than traditional ones, especially when using behavioral analysis and machine learning.
But here’s the kicker – Vidar keeps developing. It uses sneaky tricks like packers and obfuscation to dodge detection.
Plus, those fileless variants? They’re a real headache, completely bypassing standard scans.
Which Countries Are Most Frequently Targeted by Vidar Infostealer Attacks?
Russia dominates Vidar’s hit list, taking a whopping 73% of attacks in CIS countries.
The United States ranks as the prime global target, while South Korea and Japan have crashed the top 3 most-targeted list.
Kazakhstan and Belarus round out the top CIS targets at 8% and 7% respectively.
Surprisingly, Ukraine’s shot up 26 places in threat rankings, while New Zealand and Hong Kong are new entries in the top 10.
How Long Does Vidar Infostealer Typically Remain Undetected on Infected Systems?
Like most modern malware, Vidar typically lurks undetected for 21-30 days – pretty sneaky.
About 60% of infections get caught within two weeks, but a stubborn 15% manage to hide out for over two months.
Some cases get spotted super fast – within 24-48 hours.
Detection time really depends on how good the security setup is and whether the malware’s using legitimate websites or processes as cover.
What Programming Language Was Used to Develop Vidar Infostealer?
Based on technical analysis and code structure, Vidar was developed in C++.
The malware leverages Win32 API functions, employs object-oriented patterns, and utilizes the C++ standard library.
Reverse engineering reveals native Windows executable characteristics typical of C++ applications.
The codebase shows extensive use of classes, inheritance, and modular architecture – all hallmarks of C++ development.
Pretty standard stuff for sophisticated malware these days.
References
- https://www.checkpoint.com/cyber-hub/threat-prevention/what-is-malware/what-is-vidar-malware/
- https://blackpointcyber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Vidar-Stealer-Malware-Threat-Profile_Adversary-Pursuit-Group-Blackpoint-Cyber_2024Q3.pdf
- https://www.cyfirma.com/research/vidar-stealer-an-in-depth-analysis-of-an-information-stealing-malware/
- https://www.opentext.com/what-is/cyber-security
- https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/vidar-stealer
- https://community.opentext.com/cyberres/b/sws-22/posts/an-introduction-to-cybersecurity-data-science
- https://darktrace.com/blog/a-surge-of-vidar-network-based-details-of-a-prolific-info-stealer
- https://www.darkreading.com
- https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/vidar-malware-analyst-note-tlpclear.pdf
- https://www.esentire.com/blog/esentire-threat-intelligence-malware-analysis-vidar-stealer
