Dropbox virus. Scams/trojans/ransomware

Dropbox virus – a series of different malware forms that occur while using the Dropbox application

Dropbox virus is a collection of various threats and dangerous infections that appear on Dropbox. Such threat series mostly cover different types of malicious threats that are distributed via email spam. Talking about the application itself, Dropbox provides file hosting features and has been founded by Dropbox Inc., in The United States, in 2007. Dropbox.exe is the executable which is responsible for the operating of this app, however, some users have reported that Malwarebytes detected this process as malware.^[1] The reason for this might be some struggles in the software or maybe malware has been truly injected into this service. 

Due to the increasing popularity of Dropbox, Dropbox virus or Dropbox malware has become a popular term nowadays as more and more bad actors have been discovering ways to misuse the service for their own needs (distributing malicious software). Reports from users about malware detected in this app and questions about possible infections do not look like coming to an end.^[2]

Someone wrote directly to Dropboxforum.com that he made a full system check-up and the antivirus software detected malicious components in the Dropbox application. The discovered content was Gen:Variant.Kazy 512414 and ~834b6cda.tmp and was found in the \.dropbox.cache directory.^[3]

Due to the high level of infections and distribution of Dropbox virus, the company itself has provided useless information on avoiding malicious components from accessing their services and infiltrating the application. The organization offers to complete such simple steps for ensuring safety:^[4]

Running anti-virus software

Exercising due caution when running unknown files from other computers

Furthermore, if you have been attacked by some type of malware related to this popular service, you should take quick actions to remove Dropbox virus from your computer system in order to prevent possible. That should be done by using reputable anti-malware software that is created for such advanced removal activities.

Additionally, before completing the Dropbox virus removal, you should download and install a tool such as FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes and try detecting malicious software. When you find all infected locations and malware-laden objects, you will be able to get rid of them much easier and ensure that the entire system has been cured of the infection.

Different types of cyber threats that relate to Dropbox

Cryptovirus delivered via fake Dropbox email message

It is known that ransomware infections are commonly spread via email spam pretending to come from well-known organizations. This time criminals decided to send Dropbox users and imitation of a voice mail message which includes a hyperlink (“provided by Dropbox Inc.) that truly is the malicious payload. DO NOT click on such content as it might relate in dangerous cryptovirus installation and encryption of your personal files.^[5]

If ransomware catches your Dropbox files

Due to the increasing growth of ransomware-related cybercrimes, it is very important to know how to protect your files and documents on various platforms. Dropbox might also be a target by ransomware viruses and some files from this service might also be touched by the infection. Due to this reason, you should read the Intego helping guide on how to restore an individual Dropbox file.^[6]

UPATRE malware spread through false Dropbox messages

Incoming Fax report email from Dropbox tricks users into installing UPATRE. Hackers insert a specific fax note in a link that users are provoked to click on. If you do that, you will start the download process of infectious .ZIP and .EXE files which are detected as the source of UPATRE malware that comes from the ZEUS family. Be aware of these malicious files as you might end up with a notorious virus on your computer system.^[7]

Dropbox phishing alert

A phishing scam has also been targetting Dropbox by spreading fake email letters about urgent orders that need to be placed.^[8] The scam message looks like this:

Hi,

We want to place an urgent order this month.

Kindly check the attached file if you can supply this exact product

or let us know if you have similar model.

If you decide to click on the “Download file” button which also is added in the rogue email message, you will supposedly be redirected to a fake but original-looking Dropbox login page. Be careful and do not provide any type of personal information or login details as they might easily be misused by bad actors.

Trojans misusing Dropbox for distributing threats

Malware was found pretending to be RealNetworks updater executable in order to infiltrate the computer system. Such component appears to be located in the %AppData%realupdate_ob directory and downloading malware-laden files from the well-known Dropbox service.^[9] Researchers have discovered some malicious files that misuse well-known application names:

• utorrent.exe,
• Picasa3.exe,
• Skype.exe, 
• Qttask.exe.

TrickBot pretends to be Dropbox staff

A dangerous form of malware, known as TrickBot, appears to be distributed via fake Dropbox email messages. This threat is known as a banking Trojan which has been launching malicious campaigns against big finance companies such as PayPal.^[10] Bad actors send potential victims email letters which contain a security document that needs to be opened. As expected, it is the malicious payload. 

Malware alert: random people sharing files with you

Another malware spam campaign has been released to the wild. Users who are targeted by this spam receive a message that a file has been shared by a random user name. If you select the “Click here to view” button, you will end up with the Amendment or the Agreement_09-11-2015.zip file on your system which downloads another malicious component Agreement_09-11-2015.scr.^[11]

Distribution sources of malicious software and objects

According to Virusai.lt specialists, malware-laden components appear on the system by using stealth techniques and injecting themselves through legitimate-looking content. Crooks pretend to be from reputable organizations and send emails that imitate “very important purposes” for which a link needs to be clicked or a file downloaded.

Our suggestion would be to carefully manage all email letters that you receive. If some messages fall in the spam section, better eliminate them without even taking a look as reputable companies will not drop letters in such directories and will supposedly contact you directly via mobile phone or sending a letter to where you are located.

Furthermore, all attachments should be scanned with the help of an antimalware/antivirus program just for ensuring security. This might prevent malware infections from slipping into your computer system through legitimate-looking executables, Word documents, PDF files, and other similar components attached to email messages.

Removal tips for Dropbox malware forms

If you have been infected with some type of dangerous Dropbox malware form, the removal is necessary and should be performed immediately. We do not recommend trying to get rid of the cyber threat without any automatical software as you might accidentally cause even more damage to your computer system.

Automatical Dropbox virus removal is also a good choice for computer users who lack the required skills on the virus elimination field. Our recommendation would be to scan the entire system first with reputable computer software such as FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes and find all possibly-infected locations on your machine.

Furthermore, you will see two system boot options below this text which will help you disable malicious activities before you remove Dropbox virus. Remember that all malicious components such as infectious executables, registry keys, and other types of files need to be gathered and removed from the system for a successful malware removal process.