How to remove Vidar malware

Vidar is a dangerous data-stealer that collaborates with other threats to create a deadly malware mix

Vidar malware is a Trojan that belongs to an info-stealing type of computer threats. The virus is capable of harvesting a variety of information, including web browsing history, cookie IDs, cryptocurrency wallet data, comprehensive technical details of the device, messaging content, various credentials, screenshots, etc. Vidar was first discovered in late October 2018, although the closer analysis was performed in January when the virus was spotted being distributed together with the notorious GandCrab 5.0.4, although other malware can be downloaded as a secondary payload – it all depends on the configuration inputs used by hackers. Vidar malware mostly uses malicious advertisements in the combination of the Fallout^[1] or GrandSoft exploit kits to propagate and can be bought on the black market for around $700.

Initially, researchers believed that Vidar malware was actually a string of Arkei virus.^[2] However, the in-depth analysis showed that it is in fact Vidar, which was closely related to the former, as differences between the two were relatively small. Nevertheless, the impact of the info-stealing capabilities is still huge, and those infected should immediately remove Vidar malware from their computers.

Vidar malware authors use exploit kits to infiltrate the virus into the system. The malicious ads are usually hosted on poorly-regulated torrent or video streaming websites. As soon as the victim clicks on the location-based ad, the Fallout or GrandSoft EK (however, the former is more popular – it accounts for more than 70% of total infections) is launched. If successfully exploited, users will find themselves infected with Vidar malware, along with GandCrab, or possibly other strings.

Once Vidar malware establishes itself on the system, it harvests a variety of information, such as:

• Cookie ID;
• Browser history of Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Tor, etc.;
• Screenshots;
• Detailed technical data;
• Two-factor authentication software data;
• Loader settings;
• Crypto-wallet info;
• Notifications from various messaging apps;
• Various credentials, etc.

The aggregated data is then compiled into a file information.txt and sent off to a Command & Control server controlled by hackers. During the data-stealing process, Vidar malware launches several DLL files, including msvcp140.dll, mozglue.dll, softokn3.dll, vcruntime140.dll, and others.

Once Vidar virus completes the data-stealing procedure, it will then load GandCrab 5.0.4 ransomware which will encrypt all personal data and demand the ransom for file decryptor. Nevertheless, the official tool was released by BitDefender recently,^[3] and it can recover all the encoded data for free.

Due to the fact that ransomware is a rather “noisy” infection, it is practically impossible to fail to notice it; users will be concentrated on the secondary payload, not noticing that their credit card details, along with a large amount of other sensitive data are being stolen. For that reason, the damage Vidar malware can cause is probably as, or even more, destruction than that of a secondary payload.

Nevertheless, after Vidar malware removal, users should take extra steps to recover from the attack: change all passwords, contact the bank to check for illegal transactions, and also scan the device with such tools like FortectIntego to make sure that no malicious components are left.

Update your software to avoid exploitation and install security application

Exploit kits are one of the more sophisticated malware infection methods used by cybercriminals. An exploit kit is basically a piece of software that serves hackers as a tunnel which allows exploitation of vulnerabilities in software like Adobe Flash, Java, Drupal, and even Windows operating system itself. All users have to do is visit a compromised site that hosts the kit, and the malicious payload will be delivered automatically via the flaw.

To avoid such course of events, users should always make sure that all their software is updated with the latest security patch, especially Windows updates, as they often include major patches for Adobe and similar vulnerable software. Thus, make sure your operating system is set to update itself automatically.

Other updates, such as Java or Adobe Flash can also be set to be updated automatically. Alternatively, users can download them from official sites. Be aware that hackers often abuse Flash player updates to install malware, so never download any fake updates that might pop-up on compromised websites.

Another way to protect yourself from exploits is by employing anti-exploit engines that can prevent the vulnerability from being abused. Many vendors include this functionality, so make sure you choose the one that has it.

Terminate Vidar malware together with its secondary payload immediately

Vidar, considering its sophisticated infection methods and the inclusion of the secondary payload, is possibly one of the most devastating infections. It can bring not only to stolen money from the bank account, but also identity theft, and personal file loss due to ransomware. The recovery process of such infection might be complicated, but first, you have to take care of Vidar malware removal.

To accomplish that, you need to make sure you download and install powerful security software that can remove Vidar virus, along with any other malware that could have been established with it. Download a security application and then enter Safe Mode with Networking, as explained below.

Once you terminate Vidar malware, make sure you use the decryptor by BitDefender^[4] if your files got locked by GandCrab.