DarthMiner

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DarthMiner is a type of malware designed to mine cryptocurrency on infected macOS systems. It combines elements of two other malware families, EmPyre and XMRig, to achieve its objectives. EmPyre is a post-exploitation agent that provides a backdoor into the system, while XMRig is a popular open-source cryptocurrency miner. As of October 2023, DarthMiner primarily targets macOS users by exploiting vulnerabilities in software and using social engineering tactics to gain access to systems. The malware is notable for its ability to evade detection and its focus on mining Monero, a cryptocurrency known for its privacy features.

Overview

DarthMiner is a sophisticated piece of malware that targets macOS systems to mine cryptocurrency, specifically Monero. It combines the capabilities of EmPyre, a post-exploitation framework, and XMRig, a cryptocurrency mining software. The malware is distributed through various infection vectors, including malicious downloads and phishing campaigns. Once installed, DarthMiner provides attackers with a backdoor into the system, allowing them to execute commands and mine cryptocurrency without the user's knowledge. The malware is designed to evade detection by security software, making it a persistent threat to macOS users.

History

DarthMiner was first identified in December 2018. It emerged as part of a broader trend of malware targeting macOS systems, which were traditionally considered more secure than their Windows counterparts. The malware was initially distributed through compromised versions of popular software, such as Adobe Zii, a tool used to crack Adobe software. Security researchers from Malwarebytes were among the first to document the malware, noting its use of the EmPyre backdoor and XMRig miner. Since its discovery, DarthMiner has continued to evolve, incorporating new techniques to evade detection and improve its mining efficiency.

Technical characteristics

DarthMiner is a combination of two main components: EmPyre and XMRig. EmPyre is a post-exploitation framework that provides a backdoor into the infected system. It allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands, download additional payloads, and maintain persistence on the system. XMRig is an open-source cryptocurrency miner that is used to mine Monero. Monero is a popular target for miners due to its privacy features and the fact that it can be mined using standard computer hardware.

The malware is typically distributed as a malicious script or application. Once executed, it downloads and installs the EmPyre backdoor, which then downloads and executes the XMRig miner. DarthMiner is designed to evade detection by security software. It achieves this by using obfuscation techniques and by running its processes under the guise of legitimate system processes. The malware also includes persistence mechanisms to ensure it remains on the system even after a reboot.

Infection vector

DarthMiner is primarily distributed through malicious downloads and phishing campaigns. One common method of distribution is through compromised versions of popular software. For example, users attempting to download cracked versions of Adobe software may inadvertently download a version bundled with DarthMiner. The malware can also be distributed through phishing emails that contain malicious attachments or links to malicious websites. Once the user downloads and executes the malicious file, the malware installs itself on the system and begins mining cryptocurrency.

Notable campaigns

Since its discovery, DarthMiner has been involved in several notable campaigns targeting macOS users. One of the earliest campaigns involved the distribution of compromised versions of Adobe Zii, a tool used to crack Adobe software. In this campaign, users who downloaded the compromised software unknowingly installed DarthMiner on their systems. The malware then used the EmPyre backdoor to install the XMRig miner and begin mining Monero.

Another notable campaign involved the use of phishing emails to distribute the malware. These emails typically contained malicious attachments or links to websites hosting the malware. Once the user downloaded and executed the file, DarthMiner installed itself on the system and began mining cryptocurrency. These campaigns highlight the importance of user awareness and caution when downloading software or opening email attachments.

Detection and mitigation

Detecting DarthMiner can be challenging due to its use of obfuscation techniques and its ability to masquerade as legitimate system processes. However, there are several steps users can take to protect themselves from this malware. First, users should ensure their macOS systems are up to date with the latest security patches. This can help prevent the exploitation of known vulnerabilities.

Users should also be cautious when downloading software, especially from unofficial sources. It is recommended to download software only from trusted sources and to verify the integrity of the software before installation. Additionally, users should be wary of phishing emails and avoid opening attachments or clicking on links from unknown senders.

Security software can also help detect and remove DarthMiner. Users should ensure their security software is up to date and configured to scan for malware. If DarthMiner is detected, the security software should be able to remove it from the system. In some cases, manual removal may be necessary, which involves identifying and terminating the malware's processes and removing its files from the system.

DarthMiner Infection Process

DarthMiner History

See also

Sources

Categories: Malware
Last updated: September 20, 2026