VenomSoftX is a malicious browser extension deployed by the ViperSoftX malware, primarily designed to steal digital currency and clipboard data from infected devices. This article explores the nature of VenomSoftX, its relationship with ViperSoftX, and the importance of understanding and protecting against this threat.
How to remove VenomSoftX malware.
What is VenomSoftX Malware?
VenomSoftX is a malicious browser extension that is installed without the user’s knowledge and grants attackers full access to every website the user visits, enabling them to steal sensitive information such as cryptocurrency wallet details and passwords (Cymulate, 2023).
VenomSoftX is a malicious browser extension deployed by the ViperSoftX malware, primarily designed to steal digital currency and clipboard data from infected devices. (Cymulate, 2023)
Relationship with ViperSoftX
ViperSoftX, the malware behind VenomSoftX, has evolved to target not just cryptocurrencies but also password managers like KeePass and 1Password, expanding its range to include a wider variety of sensitive data (BleepingComputer, 2023). It was first documented in 2020 as a JavaScript-based Remote Access Trojan (RAT) and crypto hijacker, with subsequent versions showing increased sophistication and evasion capabilities (BleepingComputer, 2023).
This malware typically masquerades as benign software like cracks, activators, or key generators, infecting devices when these deceptive downloads are executed. Once installed, it uses various methods to steal from an expanded list of cryptocurrency wallets and, more recently, attempts to extract data from password managers (BleepingComputer, 2023).
How VenomSoftX Works
VenomSoftX employs a multi-faceted approach to theft, using different JavaScript files for specific tasks such as:
- Tampering with cryptocurrency transactions on popular exchanges
- Monitoring the clipboard for cryptocurrency wallet addresses
The extension is designed to look innocuous, disguising itself as common browser extensions like Google Sheets (Avast Threat Labs, 2023).
Impact of VenomSoftX and ViperSoftX
The malicious activities of VenomSoftX and ViperSoftX have resulted in significant financial losses, with Avast reporting more than $130,000 worth of cryptocurrencies stolen by November 2022 (Avast Press EN-WW, 2022). Avast’s investigation also highlighted the extension’s capabilities to alter HTML on websites to misrepresent a user’s cryptocurrency wallet address and reroute funds to the attackers, emphasizing the risks involved with API requests on cryptocurrency services (crypto.news, 2023).
Protecting Against VenomSoftX
To mitigate the risks posed by VenomSoftX and similar malware, users are advised to:
- Be cautious with browser extensions, especially those that request broad access permissions to all websites visited
- Regularly update security software
- Avoid downloading software cracks or key generators
Conclusion
VenomSoftX, along with its parent malware ViperSoftX, represents a significant threat to users’ sensitive information and financial assets. By understanding the nature of this malware and adopting appropriate security measures, individuals can better protect themselves against the potential consequences of VenomSoftX and similar threats.
References
- Avast Press EN-WW, 2022. Cybercriminals Use ViperSoftX Information Stealer to Rob More than $130,000 Worth of Cryptocurrencies. [online] Available at: <https://press.avast.com/en-us/cybercriminals-use-vipersoftx-information-stealer-to-rob-more-than-130000-worth-of-cryptocurrencies> [Accessed 12 April 2024].
- Avast Threat Labs, 2023. ViperSoftX hiding in system logs and spreading VenomSoftX. [online] Available at: <https://decoded.avast.io/janrubin/vipersoftx-hiding-in-system-logs-and-spreading-venomsoftx/> [Accessed 12 April 2024].
- BleepingComputer, 2023. ViperSoftX info-stealing malware now targets password managers. [online] Available at: <https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/vipersoftx-info-stealing-malware-now-targets-password-managers/> [Accessed 12 April 2024].
- crypto.news, 2023. Avast Uncovers Chrome Extension Used to Steal Passwords and Crypto. [online] Available at: <https://crypto.news/avast-uncovers-chrome-extension-used-to-steal-passwords-and-crypto/> [Accessed 12 April 2024].
- Cymulate, 2023. Analysis of the ViperSoftX and VenomSoftX Information Stealers. [online] Available at: <https://cymulate.com/threats/analysis-of-the-vipersoftx-and-venomsoftx-information-stealers/> [Accessed 12 April 2024].
