Kaspersky Researchers have discovered CosmicStrand rootkit in modified Unified Extensible Firmware Interface or UEFI. This firmware malware loads up on your PC when it starts and then initiates the OS boot process. This is something that loads up before the operating system boots up, and the criticality of this issue can also be magnified by the fact that this malware does not load from your hard disk but a chip on the motherboard. In other words, malware is so powerful that if infected, you need to discard your PC hardware into the trash.
The Threat Posed By UEFI Malware
UEFI firmware is resistant to any hard drive manipulations since it is integrated into a chip on the motherboard and not written to the hard drive. As a result, it is exceedingly challenging to remove UEFI-based malware; even erasing the drive and installing the OS again won’t work on UEFI. For the same reason, not all security programs are capable of finding malware buried in UEFI. Simply, once malware has entered the firmware, it will remain there.
Of course, hacking UEFI is not a straightforward task: either proximity to the device is required, or another advanced method of remote firmware malware infection is used. Additionally, the virus must enter the operating system at startup and reside in UEFI to accomplish its final objective, whatever that may be. This takes a lot of work, which is why targeted assaults on well-known people or organizations are the context in which such malware is most frequently used.
CosmicStrand’s Activities
CosmicStrand’s primary function is to download a malicious application at an operating system startup, which subsequently carries out the attackers’ specified activities. The OS boot process is completed by the firmware rootkit, which then executes shell code, makes contact with the attackers’ C2 server, and gets a malicious payload. The firmware rootkit received a file from its C2 server, but the researchers could not intercept it.
Instead, they discovered a piece of malware on one of the compromised computers that were probably connected to CosmicStrand. The operating system’s “aaaabbbb” user is created by this virus and given local administrator privileges.
Bonus Tip: Use A Real-Time Antivirus Like T9 Antivirus
It is unclear exactly how the cybercriminals were able to distribute this malware. Even if you could not identify the caller as a bad actor during the call and they sent you an email, you shouldn’t be concerned if you have a capable real-time antivirus program installed on your computer. Real-time antivirus with exploit protection such as T9 antivirus can help. So, we suggest using it. The following are a few benefits of utilizing this software:
Malware Protection
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Real-Time Protection
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Remove Startup Programs
You can prevent being taken advantage of by malicious apps running in the background and endangering the security of your computer and data by swiftly finding and eliminating superfluous starting items.
Defend Against Exploits
Defense against malware infestations by security holes is provided by the reliable T9 Antivirus Exploit Protection module.
Updated Virus Definitions
Antivirus software must frequently be updated to identify and remove new malware threats as they appear and hackers improve their methods. T9 Antivirus protects you from the most recent dangers by periodically installing the most recent database definition updates.
Protect yourself from the most cutting-edge and contemporary threats
The possibility of sophisticated attacks is one of the leading security concerns in today’s networked society. A cutting-edge program like T9 Antivirus and malware protection software, which offers real-time security and various defenses, is the best way to lessen these risks. Security technology identifies threats and successfully counters them before data is compromised.
The Final Word On All You Wanted To Know About CosmicStrand: A Malware In Your Firmware
Information security researchers have paid little to no attention to CosmicStrand firmware rootkit, which has been helpful to hackers. Although that is unsettling, not all is awful. First off, even though occasionally it seems as though random people are affected, this is an example of pricey, sophisticated firmware malware employed for targeted, not mass attacks.
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