Home Malware Programs Mac Malware OSX.BadWord

OSX.BadWord

Posted: April 14, 2020

OSX.BadWord is the detection name used to describe a threatening OSX payload that has the ability to install additional malware such as the Meterpreter penetration testing tool – while this tool is meant to be used to analyze and enhance the security of systems, it is often being weaponized by cybercriminals like the ones behind OSX.BadWord. OSX.BadWord may arrive at your computer in the form of a Microsoft Word document whose contents can only be viewed by enabling macros – this is a common social engineering trick that cybercriminals use to convince their targets to allow the execution of a corrupted macro script that exploits vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office.

If the attack is successful, OSX.BadWord may take several steps to install Meterpreter and give it persistence. By doing this, the attacker will be able to execute remote commands on the infected host and give them the ability to plant additional malware or manipulate the macOS' configuration.

The best way to avoid threats like OSX.BadWord is to stay away from documents with an unknown origin, especially if they were brought to your attention by a random email. Do not forget that phishing emails are the most popular method to propagate malware that targets both Windows and macOS. In addition to following this basic security tip, Mac users also should consider keeping their system protected by a reliable anti-virus tool.

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