Spyware:OSX/OpinionSpy

Classification

Category :

Malware

Type :

Spyware

Aliases :

Spyware:OSX/OpinionSpy, Spyware:OSX/OpinionSpy

Summary

This program negatively affects a user's control of their computer system or browsing experience, usually without their knowledge or consent.

Removal

Allow F-Secure Anti-Virus for Mac to remove the relevant files.

Suspect a file is incorrectly detected (a False Positive)?

A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:

  • Check for the latest database updates

    First check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.

  • Submit a sample

    After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.

    Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.

  • Exclude a file from further scanning

    If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.

    Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.

Technical Details

Spyware:OSX/OpinionSpy affects computers running the Mac operating system and silently monitors the user's activities. Information about the user's actions may also be forwarded to a remote server.

The details below refer to the original Spyware:OSX/OpinionSpy.A variant; a later B variant is also known.

This malware was discussed in the Lab Weblog in this blogpost.

Distribution

OpinionSpy is a standalone application that may be distributed together with and/or installed by other Mac applications available online. These 'delivery programs' retrieve the OpinionSpy program and install it during their own installation.

Deceptive notifications or messages may be displayed during the installation process to mislead the user into believing the second installed program is a 'market research' program.

Activity

Once installed on the system, OpinionSpy can:

  • Open a HTTP backdoor
  • Scan and analyze all accessible files
  • Scan and analyze transmitted network data
  • Send encrypted data to a remote server