How to remove FrigidStealer (Mac)

What is FrigidStealer

FrigidStealer is a sophisticated piece of malware targeting macOS, primarily designed to exfiltrate sensitive user information. It typically infiltrates systems through deceptive campaigns masquerading as legitimate browser updates for Safari or Google Chrome, effectively bypassing Mac’s Gatekeeper security feature. Once installed, this stealer discreetly harvests critical data, including login credentials, cryptocurrency wallet information, and internet cookies, posing a significant risk to user privacy and financial security. Its modus operandi involves searching through the Desktop and Documents folders for files with specific keywords, further highlighting its targeted nature. Moreover, FrigidStealer’s capability to extract entries from Mac’s native Notes application underscores its threat level, as it can lead to identity theft and financial losses. The absence of overt symptoms makes it particularly insidious, allowing it to operate undetected while compromising system integrity. It is crucial for users to employ reputable antivirus solutions and practice safe browsing habits to mitigate the risks associated with this potent malware.

How FrigidStealer infected your system

FrigidStealer is a sophisticated piece of malware that specifically targets Mac operating systems, primarily spreading through deceptive tactics masquerading as legitimate browser updates for Safari and Google Chrome. Cybercriminals utilize compromised websites injected with malicious code to redirect unsuspecting users to download sites posing as essential browser updates. Once a user downloads the seemingly authentic DMG file, they are instructed to bypass macOS’s Gatekeeper security feature by right-clicking and selecting “Open,” which allows the malware to execute and install on the system. During installation, FrigidStealer prompts users to enter their system credentials, which it captures, and then proceeds to search for sensitive information such as login credentials and cryptocurrency-related data on the user’s device. This malicious software can also extract internet cookies and data from the Notes app, posing a significant threat to privacy and financial security. By exploiting social engineering tactics and drive-by download methods, FrigidStealer effectively infiltrates systems, underscoring the importance of vigilance and robust security measures.

Remove FrigidStealer from macOS manually

Removing FrigidStealer from macOS requires a systematic approach that involves a combination of built-in tools, safe computing practices, and sometimes third-party software. Here’s a comprehensive guide to identifying and removing viruses from your Mac, ensuring your system’s integrity and security.

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Disconnect your Mac from the Internet. This prevents the virus from sending data to its creator or downloading more malicious software. Turn off Wi-Fi and unplug any Ethernet cables.

Step 2: Enter Safe Mode

2. Restart your Mac in Safe Mode. Safe Mode performs a check of your startup disk and restricts certain software from automatically loading or opening.
   • For Intel-based Macs: Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key until you see the login window.
   • For Apple Silicon Macs: Turn off your Mac, press and hold the power button until you see the startup options window, select your startup disk, press and hold the Shift key, then click Continue in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Use Built-in Tools for Malware Removal

3. Use Finder to identify and remove suspicious applications.
   • Open Finder, go to the Applications folder, and look for any applications you don’t recognize or didn’t intentionally download.
   • Right-click the suspicious application and select Move to Trash, then empty the Trash.
4. Use macOS built-in malware removal tool (MRT). macOS automatically runs MRT in the background, but you can manually run a malware scan by updating your software.
   • Go to System Preferences > Software Update.
   • Install any available updates, as these often include the latest security improvements and malware definitions.

Step 4: Check and remove FrigidStealer from Login Items

Note: FrigidStealer may set up to start on macOS startup. Therefore, before starting the removal, perform these steps:

1. Open System Preferences, choose Users & Groups.
2. Choose your account (set up as Current User).
3. Click Login Items tab.
4. Find suspicious entries. Select it, and click the “-“ (minus) button to remove them.

Step 5: Check and remove FrigidStealer Malicious Device Profile

Important update: FrigidStealer can install malicious Device Profile called AdminPrefs or similarly on MacOS, that won’t allow users to make changes to browser search engine and homepage settings. Follow instructions below to remove this profile.

Remove FrigidStealer profile

1. Go to System Preferences and click on Profiles.
2. In the list of profiles on the left side, choose AdminPrefs or other profile and click on “-” button to remove it.
3. In your case it can be named differently, in this case remove all visible profiles. Check the picture below to see how it looks like.

Step 6: Reset Your Web Browsers

Reset Safari:

1. Start Safari on your Mac, click Safari to open drop-down menu and choose Preferences
2. Go to the Privacy section of Safari’s preferences.
3. Click Remove All Website Data button.
4. In the opened window, click Remove Now button to remove data stored by websites in Safari.
5. Go to the Advanced section of Safari’s preferences.
6. Click the Show Develop menu in menu bar option.
7. In the menu, click Develop and select Empty Caches from this menu.
8. Again, go to Safari menu and choose Clear History….
9. Choose to clear all history and click Clear History button.

Reset Google Chrome:

1. Start Google Chrome browser
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) chrome://settings.
3. Scroll down and find Show advanced settings link.
4. Click on it and scroll down to the bottom again.
5. Click Reset settings button and click Reset to confirm.

Reset Mozilla Firefox:

1. Start Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. In address box type (or copy-paste) about:support.
3. Click Refresh Firefox… button.
4. Click Refresh Firefox to confirm.

Step 7: Restore from a Backup

8. If the issue persists, consider restoring your Mac from a backup.
   • Use Time Machine or another backup system to restore your Mac to a state before it was infected.
   • Ensure the backup you choose predates the malware infection.

Prevention Tips

• Keep your macOS updated. Regularly check for and install macOS updates to ensure you have the latest security patches.
• Be cautious with downloads and attachments. Only download software from trusted sources like the Mac App Store or official websites.
• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.
• Consider enabling the macOS firewall in System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
• Regularly back up your Mac using Time Machine or another backup solution to ensure you can recover your system if needed.

Following these steps should help you remove most viruses from your Mac. If you continue to experience issues, consider seeking help from Apple Support or a professional cybersecurity service.