Vidar (Infostealer) – Malware

Overview

Vidar is an infostealer that targets Windows operating systems. First detected at the end of 2018, it is designed to steal passwords, credit card data and other sensitive information from various web browsers and digital wallets. Vidar is sold on various online forums and used as a malware dropper to download GandCrab ransomware as its secondary payload.

Vidar is continuing to leverage popular social media services such as TikTok, Telegram, Steam, and Mastodon as an intermediate command-and-control (C2) server.

Targets

How they operate

Cyber criminals employ this tool to steal IP addresses, browsing history (including from Tor browsers), cryptocurrency wallets, saved passwords, messages from messenger software, and so on. It can also take screenshots.

Furthermore, criminals can choose the type of information they wish to steal using Vidar’s internal options. Once the malware reaches an infected machine, it uses a few different techniques to protect against detection. Among these are the use of a large executable file — designed to defeat antivirus scanners — and files digitally signed with an expired and potentially breached Avast digital certificate.

Vidar is an infostealer and frequently uses social media as part of its command and control (C2) infrastructure. The IP address of the C2 infrastructure will be embedded in a user profile on platforms like Mastodon or Twitter. The malware can access this profile, contact the indicated IP address, and download configuration files, instructions, and additional malware.

One option allows Vidar to infect computers with the GandCrab 5.0.4 ransomware-type infection. This, however, depends on the malware distributor used.

References

• Vidar Malware Launcher Concealed in Help File
• What is Vidar Malware?
• Removal instructions for the Vidar trojan-type malware
• Vidar Stealer Under the Lens: A Deep-dive Analysis
• The Evolving Tactics of Vidar Stealer: From Phishing Emails to Social Media