SilverSparrow
Also known as: SilverSparrow Intel x86_64, SilverSparrow M1 ARM64
Category: Malware
Type: Mac virus, trojan, password-stealing virus, spyware
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 potential: Future payloads, information harvesting, remote command execution, and system manipulation
Overview
SilverSparrow is a piece of malware targeting macOs operating systems. It spreads mainly through malicious software packages available on the internet, tricking users into downloading and installing it. Once on a system, SilverSparrow lies dormant, awaiting further instructions from its developers, which means its full range of potential damage is unknown.
Possible symptoms
SilverSparrow is designed to operate stealthily, but there are some potential symptoms to look out for, such as:
Unexpected system behavior: Apps crash unexpectedly or your computer slows down for no apparent reason.
Browser issues: Your browser redirects you to unfamiliar websites, you see new toolbars, or ads start popping up more often.
Increased network traffic: Your internet connection is unusually slow or you notice a lot of data being used without any reason.
Suspicious files: You see unfamiliar apps or files on your system.
Sources of the infection
SilverSparrow was found bundled in seemingly legitimate software packages. Users who downloaded and installed these packages unintentionally introduced the malware to their system. Although the exact infection vectors for SilverSparrow are not clear, possible sources of infection include:
Here are the ways AutoIt.Gen may infect your device:
Trojanized applications: Similar to the bundled software packages, SilverSparrow might be embedded in some applications.
Malvertising and drive-by downloads: Malicious online ads or websites can automatically download and install malware on a visitor’s device.
Phishing emails: Users might receive emails with malicious links or attachments that, when opened or clicked, infect their device with malware.
Fake software updates: SilverSparrow might disguise as a software update or an update file for some program (update.pkg or updater.pkg) to deceive users.
Damage potential
When SilverSparrow was discovered, its exact intentions and full capabilities were unknown. However, based on its design and structure, several potential threats were identified:
Potential for future payloads: At the time of its discovery, SilverSparrow didn’t deliver any known harmful payloads, but it has the infrastructure to do so at any time. This means SilverSparrow can introduce other malware, ransomware, or spyware into infected systems.
Information harvesting: As a backdoor malware, SilverSparrow can collect and send user data to its command and control servers. This might include personal information, sensitive files, or other data stored on the infected device.
Remote command execution: Because of its backdoor nature, SilverSparrow allows attackers to execute commands remotely. This can be used for various malicious activities from data manipulation to system damage.
System manipulation: SilverSparrow can potentially modify system settings, change user permissions, or alter system functionalities, compromising the system’s integrity and security.
Protection
Update your macOs and other software regularly.
Use a reliable antivirus or anti-malware solution that can detect and remove threats like SilverSparrow.
Download software only from reputable sources.
Use NordVPN’s Threat Protection to scan downloads for malware and block malicious websites and ads.
Back up your data regularly.