GoPIX is a malicious program targeting Pix and cryptocurrency transactions in Brazil. It spreads through malvertising campaigns and deceptive websites.
Once on a victim’s system, it operates as a clipper, intercepting Pix platform transactions and rerouting them to the attacker’s control. This clipper also targets cryptocurrency transactions by replacing wallet addresses. The malware poses severe privacy and financial risks, making it vital for users to stay vigilant and employ strong security measures to protect their digital assets.
GoPIX Overview
GoPIX is a malicious program designed to target the Pix instant payment platform. It functions as a clipper, redirecting transactions made through the Pix platform. Additionally, it can also target cryptocurrency transactions. GoPIX has been active since at least December 2022. It primarily operates in Brazil because it focuses on Pix, a payment platform created and managed by the Central Bank of Brazil. This malware is tailored to exploit Pix users, predominantly in Brazil.
Detection results for Virustotal
| Name | GoPIX |
| Detection | Trojan:Win32/Rastreio.RPZ!MTB (Microsoft) |
| Threat Type | Trojan, banking malware, clipper, clipboard hijacker. |
| Damage | Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, the victim’s computer added to a botnet. |
| Similar Behavitor | Clipper.Trojan.Stealer.DDS, Trojan.Clipper.MSIL |
| Fix Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by GoPIX Virus |
Technical Analysis
As of the latest information available, GoPIX malware infections primarily originate from malicious websites promoted through malicious advertisements, a technique known as malvertising. The source of the malware download depends on whether the victim’s device has port 27275 open. This port is associated with a safe banking product from Avast. If this Avast software is absent, an NSIS installer package containing PowerShell scripts is downloaded, initiating the infection chain that ultimately leads to GoPIX. However, if the Avast software is detected, a ZIP archive with an LNK file and PowerShell script is downloaded to continue the infection chain.
GoPIX is a clipper malware that monitors the clipboard for copied content and replaces it with different information. In the case of GoPIX, it explicitly targets Pix transfers. When a Pix payment request is detected, GoPIX alters the data, redirecting the transaction to cybercriminals. Notably, the attacker’s information is retrieved from a Command and Control (C&C) server, making it flexible and adaptable.
GoPIX also functions as a clipper targeting cryptocurrency wallet addresses with predetermined addresses for Bitcoin and Ethereum. In summary, the presence of GoPIX on a device can lead to significant privacy issues and financial losses, making it a considerable threat.
Spreading Methods
GoPIX primarily infiltrates computers through malvertising campaigns. These campaigns involve SEO poisoning, where the top search results, often displayed as advertisements, are manipulated to lead users to malicious websites. In the case of GoPIX, these campaigns were observed to target users searching for “WhatsApp web” to redirect them to fake web pages. Notably, these malicious websites employed user filtering mechanisms to ensure that only real users, not bots, could access them. The deceptive web pages were designed to mimic the official WhatsApp website.
The specific file downloaded onto the victim’s computer depended on whether the machine had an Avast product that utilized port 27275. So, if this software was detected, a ZIP file containing an LNK file with an embedded PowerShell script was downloaded. If the Avast product was not present, an NSIS installer package with multiple PowerShell scripts was used to initiate the infection chain.
It is important to note that GoPIX could potentially be distributed through other methods as well. Phishing and social engineering techniques are standard in malware distribution, and malicious programs often hide within or alongside legitimate software and media files. Malicious files can take various formats, such as archives, executables, documents, JavaScript, etc. These files can be disseminated through spam emails, online scams, deceptive downloads, and even self-spreading via local networks and removable storage devices like USB drives and external hard drives. Therefore, vigilance and strong security practices are essential in safeguarding against such threats.
Remove GoPIX with Gridinsoft Anti-Malware
We have also been using this software on our systems ever since, and it has always been successful in detecting viruses. It has blocked the most common Stealers as shown from our tests with the software, and we assure you that it can remove GoPIX as well as other malware hiding on your computer.
To use Gridinsoft for remove malicious threats, follow the steps below:
1. Begin by downloading Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, accessible via the blue button below or directly from the official website gridinsoft.com.
2.Once the Gridinsoft setup file (setup-gridinsoft-fix.exe) is downloaded, execute it by clicking on the file.
3.Follow the installation setup wizard's instructions diligently.
4. Access the "Scan Tab" on the application's start screen and launch a comprehensive "Full Scan" to examine your entire computer. This inclusive scan encompasses the memory, startup items, the registry, services, drivers, and all files, ensuring that it detects malware hidden in all possible locations.
Be patient, as the scan duration depends on the number of files and your computer's hardware capabilities. Use this time to relax or attend to other tasks.
5. Upon completion, Anti-Malware will present a detailed report containing all the detected malicious items and threats on your PC.
6. Select all the identified items from the report and confidently click the "Clean Now" button. This action will safely remove the malicious files from your computer, transferring them to the secure quarantine zone of the anti-malware program to prevent any further harmful actions.
8. If prompted, restart your computer to finalize the full system scan procedure. This step is crucial to ensure thorough removal of any remaining threats. After the restart, Gridinsoft Anti-Malware will open and display a message confirming the completion of the scan.
Remember Gridinsoft offers a 6-day free trial. This means you can take advantage of the trial period at no cost to experience the full benefits of the software and prevent any future malware infections on your system. Embrace this opportunity to fortify your computer's security without any financial commitment.
Trojan Killer for “GoPIX” removal on locked PC
In situations where it becomes impossible to download antivirus applications directly onto the infected computer due to malware blocking access to websites, an alternative solution is to utilize the Trojan Killer application.
There is a really little number of security tools that are able to be set up on the USB drives, and antiviruses that can do so in most cases require to obtain quite an expensive license. For this instance, I can recommend you to use another solution of GridinSoft - Trojan Killer Portable. It has a 14-days cost-free trial mode that offers the entire features of the paid version. This term will definitely be 100% enough to wipe malware out.
Trojan Killer is a valuable tool in your cybersecurity arsenal, helping you to effectively remove malware from infected computers. Now, we will walk you through the process of using Trojan Killer from a USB flash drive to scan and remove malware on an infected PC. Remember, always obtain permission to scan and remove malware from a computer that you do not own.
Step 1: Download & Install Trojan Killer on a Clean Computer:
1. Go to the official GridinSoft website (gridinsoft.com) and download Trojan Killer to a computer that is not infected.
2. Insert a USB flash drive into this computer.
3. Install Trojan Killer to the "removable drive" following the on-screen instructions.
4. Once the installation is complete, launch Trojan Killer.
Step 2: Update Signature Databases:
5. After launching Trojan Killer, ensure that your computer is connected to the Internet.
6. Click "Update" icon to download the latest signature databases, which will ensure the tool can detect the most recent threats.
Step 3: Scan the Infected PC:
7. Safely eject the USB flash drive from the clean computer.
8. Boot the infected computer to the Safe Mode.
9. Insert the USB flash drive.
10. Run tk.exe
11. Once the program is open, click on "Full Scan" to begin the malware scanning process.
Step 4: Remove Found Threats:
12. After the scan is complete, Trojan Killer will display a list of detected threats.
13. Click on "Cure PC!" to remove the identified malware from the infected PC.
14. Follow any additional on-screen prompts to complete the removal process.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer:
15. Once the threats are removed, click on "Restart PC" to reboot your computer.
16. Remove the USB flash drive from the infected computer.
Congratulations on effectively removing GoPIX and the concealed threats from your computer! You can now have peace of mind, knowing that they won't resurface again. Thanks to Gridinsoft's capabilities and commitment to cybersecurity, your system is now protected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Reformatting your storage device should only be considered as a last resort for removing GoPIX malware. Prior to taking such drastic action, it is advisable to perform a comprehensive scan using trustworthy antivirus or anti-malware software.
Malware poses a significant risk to the security and privacy of sensitive information, potentially leading to identity theft, financial loss, and unauthorized access to personal accounts. Furthermore, it can disrupt the normal operation of a system, causing performance issues, system crashes, and data corruption.
The purpose of GoPIX is to enable remote access and control of compromised devices. It allows threat actors to perform various malicious activities, such as unauthorized access, data theft, system manipulation, and disabling security measures, potentially causing significant harm to individuals and organizations.
Gridinsoft Anti-Malware has the ability to identify and eliminate most malware infections. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that sophisticated malware can remain hidden deep within the system. Consequently, conducting a complete system scan is imperative to detect and eradicate malware.
How to Remove GoPIX Malware
Name: GoPIX
Description: GoPIX is a malicious program targeting Pix and cryptocurrency transactions in Brazil. It spreads through malvertising campaigns and deceptive websites. Once on a victim's system, it operates as a clipper, intercepting Pix transactions and rerouting them to the attacker's control. This clipper also targets cryptocurrency transactions by replacing wallet addresses. The malware poses severe privacy and financial risks, making it vital for users to stay vigilant and employ strong security measures to protect their digital assets.
Operating System: Windows
Application Category: Malware
