Common types of Malware found in open source packages

Common Types of Malware Found in OSS

Backdoor

A backdoor is a method of bypassing standard authentication procedures to gain access to a system. Attackers can install backdoors to maintain persistent access to compromised systems, allowing them to execute commands and control the system remotely. These are often used to launch further attacks or exfiltrate data over an extended period.

Dropper

A dropper is a malware designed to install other malicious software onto a target system. Droppers can be standalone programs or embedded within other legitimate software. Once executed, they "drop" additional payloads, including any form of malware such as trojans, ransomware, or spyware.

Evader

Evader malware is specifically designed to avoid detection by antivirus software and other security measures. It employs techniques such as code obfuscation, encryption, and polymorphism to hide its presence and actions from security systems, making it difficult to detect and remove.

Generic

Generic malware refers to a broad category of malicious software that doesn't fit into a specific subtype but shares common malicious characteristics. These can include unauthorized data access, system damage, and network disruption. Generic malware often serves as a catch-all term for unidentified or novel threats.

Phishing

Phishing involves tricking users into divulging sensitive information such as login credentials or financial data. This is typically done through fraudulent emails, websites, or legitimate messages. Phishing malware can include keyloggers or other tools to capture the user's input and relay it back to the attacker.

Spyware

Spyware is designed to gather information about a user or organization without their knowledge. It can include capturing keystrokes, screenshots, browsing habits, and accessing sensitive information stored on the system. Spyware often operates stealthily to avoid detection while continuously collecting data.

Banker

Banker malware explicitly targets banking and financial transactions. It aims to steal sensitive information such as login credentials, account numbers, and PINs. Banker malware often uses keylogging, screen capturing, and man-in-the-middle attacks to intercept data during online banking sessions.

Trojan

A Trojan, or Trojan horse, disguises itself as legitimate software to trick users into executing it. Once installed, it can perform various malicious activities, such as creating backdoors, stealing data, or downloading additional malware. Trojans rely on social engineering to spread, often through email attachments or software downloads.

Keylogger

Keyloggers record every keystroke on a computer, capturing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers. The attacker then receives this data. Keyloggers can be hardware or software-based and are often used with other malware to maximize data theft.

Stealer

Stealer malware is designed to extract specific types of information from a system, such as passwords, cookies, and browser history. It targets stored credentials and sensitive data to transmit back to the attacker. Stealers often focus on web browsers and email clients to harvest valuable information.

Bot

A bot is a type of malware that turns an infected computer into a "bot" or "zombie," which an attacker can control remotely. Bots are typically used to form botnets, networks of compromised computers used to conduct large-scale attacks, such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, spam campaigns, or data breaches.

Ransomware

Ransomware encrypts a victim's files and demands a ransom payment for the decryption key. It often spreads through phishing emails or exploit kits. The encryption used by ransomware is typically strong, making it nearly impossible to recover the files without the decryption key provided by the attacker upon payment.

Worm

Worms are self-replicating malware that spreads across networks by exploiting vulnerabilities. Unlike viruses, worms do not need to attach themselves to an existing program. They can cause significant damage by consuming bandwidth, overloading servers, and delivering payloads, such as ransomware or trojans, to other systems on the network.

Miner

Miner malware uses the infected system's resources to mine cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin or Monero, without the user's consent. It can significantly slow down the system and increase power consumption. Miner malware often spreads through malicious websites, infected software downloads, and vulnerabilities in network security.