SilverSparrow

Posted: December 23, 2023
from Cybersecurity Glossary
Aliases:
SilverSparrow Intel x86_64, SilverSparrow M1 ARM64
Category:
Platform:
macOS
Variants:
trojan.slisp/silversparrow,Mac.Trojan.SilverSparrow.2, Osx.Trojan.SilverSparrow-9835034-1, Mac.Trojan.SilverSparrow.2Trojan.OSX.SilverSparrow, MacOS:Agent-OC [Trj], Trojan.GenericKD.45772753, OSX/Agent.BL, Malware.OSX/Agent.smpwq, OSX/Agent.q, OSX/SlvSpr-A, OSX/Agent.KO, OSX/Agent.q, Adware.MacOS.Slisp.A
Damage:
Future Payloads, Information Harvesting, Remote Command Execution, And System Manipulation
Risk Level:
High

SilverSparrow is a form of malware that specifically targets macOS operating systems. It spreads predominantly through deceptive software packages available on the internet, deceiving users into unwittingly downloading and installing it. After infiltrating a system, SilverSparrow remains inactive, awaiting additional instructions from its developers, making the full extent of its potential damage uncertain.

Possible symptoms

  • Unusual network activity, including increased data transfer to unknown servers
  • Unexpected system slowdowns or performance issues
  • Unexplained modification or deletion of files
  • Unauthorized access or changes in system settings
  • Unusual outbound network connections, especially to suspicious IP addresses
  • Presence of unfamiliar processes or services in system logs
  • Unusual CPU or memory usage patterns

Sources of the infection

  • Compromised or malicious software packages distributed through unofficial sources and websites
  • Infected email attachments containing SilverSparrow payload
  • Drive-by downloads from compromised or malicious websites
  • Exploitation of software vulnerabilities in macOS
  • Malicious links in phishing emails or messages designed to lure users into downloading and executing the malware
  • Compromised external devices, such as USB drives, carrying the malware

Overview

SilverSparrow is a form of malware specifically tailored to target macOS operating systems. This Trojan spreads through deceptive software packages available on the internet, exploiting users who unwittingly download and install the malicious code. Once infiltrated, SilverSparrow adopts an inactive state, awaiting instructions from its developers, leaving the full extent of its potential damage uncertain.

The malware is also known by the aliases SilverSparrow Intel x86_64 and SilverSparrow M1 ARM64. Its damage potential encompasses future payloads, information harvesting, remote command execution, and system manipulation.

Identifiable symptoms of a SilverSparrow infection include unusual network activity, system slowdowns, file modifications or deletions, unauthorized access or changes in system settings, unusual outbound network connections, unfamiliar processes or services in system logs, and irregular CPU or memory usage patterns.

SilverSparrow is propagated through compromised or malicious software packages distributed via unofficial sources, infected email attachments, drive-by downloads from compromised websites, exploitation of macOS software vulnerabilities, malicious links in phishing emails, and compromised external devices like USB drives.

If infection is suspected, immediate disconnection from the internet is advised to prevent further communication with the malware's command and control servers. A thorough scan using Gridinsoft Anti-Malware is recommended for detection and removal of malicious files. Additionally, users should check for unusual network activity, unauthorized system changes, or suspicious processes, and consider restoring the system from a clean backup if available.

Preventive measures include keeping macOS and software up-to-date, exercising caution when downloading software, using a reliable anti-malware solution with updated signature databases, regularly backing up data, and enabling/configuring built-in security features like Gatekeeper and XProtect on macOS.

🤔 What to do?

If you suspect your macOS system is infected with SilverSparrow, immediately disconnect from the internet to prevent further communication with the malware's command and control servers. Perform a thorough scan using a Gridinsoft Anti-Malware to detect and remove the malicious files.

Additionally, check for any unusual network activity, unauthorized system changes, or suspicious processes running in the background. Consider restoring your system from a clean backup if available.

🛡️ Prevention

1. Keep your macOS system and software up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.

2. Exercise caution when downloading and installing software, especially from untrusted sources. Verify the authenticity of software packages and only download from official websites or app stores.

3. Use a Gridinsoft Anti-Malware and keep its signature databases up-to-date.

4. Regularly backup your important data and ensure backups are stored in a secure location. This aids in quick recovery in case of an infection.

5. Enable and configure macOS's built-in security features, such as Gatekeeper and XProtect, to provide an additional layer of protection against malware.

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