Malware masquerades as Super Mario to steal data from your computer

One of the most famous characters in gaming history is used for online fraud. An alternative version of Super Mario 3: Mario Forever, which is circulating on some websites and social networks, actually, hides threats that can cause serious damage to your computer.

A report from security company Cyble has identified a game loader that carries two trojans that, in addition to bringing the game itself, can harm your computer and implement financial fraud.

do not enter through the pipe

Super Mario 3: Mario Forever is not an official Nintendo game: it is a modification made exclusively for the computer by fans, recreating a platform game of the character using textures, and fairies other titles of this and other franchises.

Usually the installer does not carry any threats. However, the popularity of the game cybercriminals modified and spread a version of the title with the malware inside the package.

According to the research, the executable has a trojan. super mario forever v702e.exe. When analyzed, it is possible to notice that the game brings in two “extra” files, two threats that are installed together, java.exe and atom.exe.

The first is a cryptocurrency miner that uses PC processing to mine units. money Without the user’s consent, it can even cause damage to the device due to heavy use of components and overheating.

second file threshold thiefis now a notorious piece of malware that steals information from the victim by scrambling browser folders and files. At worst, it steals access information from games, social networks, virtual wallets and other platforms.

Cyble emphasizes that not every copy of Super Mario 3: Mario Forever is infected with viruses, but that the user should be extra careful if they have recently downloaded or are considering downloading the game.