What is Umbral? Umbral is a type of malware known as a stealer. This classification includes malicious programs designed to steal valuable information from infected devices. Umbral has the ability to extract and exfiltrate data from systems and various installed applications. It is worth noting that the “Super Mario 3” malware has been observed distributing this program.
Overview of Umbral malware
Umbral Malware operates by obtaining sensitive data from compromised systems, as mentioned in the introduction. However, it also possesses a range of anti-analysis features. When executed on a virtual machine, this stealer detects its presence and terminates itself. Additionally, Umbral adds itself to the exclusion list of Microsoft Defender, bypassing the anti-virus scan for threats.
The malware requests admin privileges from the user. If granted, it attempts to disable Microsoft Defender. With administrator privileges, Umbral blocks access to official websites of popular anti-virus tools and includes itself in the list of programs run at system startup, ensuring persistence.
Umbral primarily targets browsers, like other stealers. Its focus is on extracting various browsing-related information, particularly Internet cookies and saved usernames/passwords. The program also seeks to acquire information related to cryptocurrency wallets.
In addition, Umbral can obtain Discord tokens and Telegram session files. For video gaming software, the stealer targets Roblox cookies and Minecraft session files. It can also take snapshots using integrated/attached cameras and capture screenshots.
In summary, the presence of malicious software like Umbral on devices can lead to serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Examples of stealer-type malware
We have examined numerous malware samples, including stealers such as RedEnergy, RDStealer, and FadeStealer. Data-stealing programs can target specific details or a wide range of information. Moreover, malware is versatile and can have various functionalities, and stealers are no exception.
However, regardless of how malicious software operates, it poses severe threats to device integrity and user privacy. Therefore, immediate action is necessary to eliminate all threats upon detection.
Umbral was observed being spread by the Super Mario 3 malware, which is further discussed in our article on that infection. This stealer can be distributed using various methods.
Cybercriminals often use phishing and social engineering tactics to proliferate malware. Malicious programs are frequently disguised as or bundled with regular software/media.
Virulent files come in different formats, including executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and more. When such a file is executed, run, or opened, the infection chain begins
.
Malware is primarily distributed through stealthy/deceptive drive-by downloads, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), online scams, malicious attachments and links in spam emails/messages, malvertising, illegal software activation tools (“cracks”), and fake updates.
Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-spread via local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
How to avoid malware installation?
While browsing, it is crucial to exercise caution as fraudulent and malicious online content often appears legitimate and harmless. The same level of vigilance should be applied to incoming emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, and other messages. Opening attachments or clicking on links from suspicious sources is not recommended, as they may contain infections.
Furthermore, all downloads should be done from official and verified channels. It is advisable to activate and update software using genuine functions/tools, as those obtained from third parties may contain malware.
| Name | Umbral Malware |
| Detection | Trojan:Win32/Sabsik.FL.B!ml on VirusTotal |
| Damage | Umbral and similar malware can result in severe consequences such as stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, and the victim’s computer being added to a botnet. |
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