Threat Signal Report

Mac Malware UpdateAgent Variant Distributed Through Drive-by-download

Description

FortiGuard Labs is aware of a report that a variant of UpdateAgent disguised as legitimate software was distributed in the wild. UpdateAgent (a.k.a WizardUpdate) is a macOS malware that is typically used to collect information from the compromised machine and install unwanted apps on it such as adware. According to Microsoft who reported the latest campaign, UpdateAgent is likely being delivered via drive-by-downloads, a term that refers to the unintentional download of malicious code onto a computer or mobile device without any user interaction or consent.

Why is this Significant?

This is significant because UpdateAgent has reportedly received several updates over the past year for new features such as evading the macOS GateKeeper and installing additional payloads off the public cloud infrastructure. The developer is expected to continue the upgrade effort as one of the main goals of the malware is financial gain through the adware it deploys.

What is UpdateAgent?

UpdateAgent (aka WizardUpdate) is a malware for macOS that is designed to harvest information from the compromised machine. UpdateAgent has gained additional features such as installing additional payloads by abusing legitimate public cloud infrastructures and bypassing GateKeeper. Microsoft claims UpdateAgent was first discovered in November/December 2020.

How is UpdateAgent Distributed?

UpdateAgent is typically distributed through fake software (e.g., a fake Flash Player). Microsoft states that UpdateAgent was distributed via drive-by-downloads in the recent campaign. Drive-by-download refers to the unintentional download of malicious code onto a computer or mobile device without any user interaction or consent.

What is GateKeeper?

GateKeeper is a security feature offered by Apple for macOS, which is designed to ensure that only trusted software runs on the machine. The feature relies on code-signing verification and blacklists of known malware.

What is the Status of Coverage?

FortiGuard Labs provide the following coverage against the UpdateAgent variant Microsoft called out and older variants FortiGuard Labs was able to find:

MAC/Agent.8AC3!tr

MAC/Agent.5753!tr

MAC/Agent.E3CB!tr

Adware/Agent!OSX