Angry Stealer: The Malware Targeting Your Personal Data

In the vast and ever-evolving world of cyber threats, here comes another menace—Angry Stealer. This information-stealing malware, built on the foundation of an older threat known as Rage Stealer, is designed to extract sensitive data from infected devices. Unlike other malicious programs, Angry Stealer is highly sophisticated and capable of compromising a wide range of personal information and financial assets. Understanding how it works and what it seeks to gain is crucial in safeguarding your digital life.

What is Angry Stealer?

Angry Stealer is a type of malware specifically designed to infiltrate systems and extract a wide array of personal data. Developed and promoted by cybercriminals, likely with Russian origins, given the language used in its code, Angry Stealer is a new iteration of a previously known threat. Once it infects a device, the malware systematically gathers information about the system and its user.

This malware operates through two primary executables: "Stepasha.exe" and "MotherRussia.exe." While "Stepasha.exe" functions as the main data thief, the exact role of "MotherRussia.exe" remains somewhat unclear. However, it is suspected that this file helps in extending the malware's capabilities, potentially enabling remote access to the compromised device.

How Does Angry Stealer Work?

After successfully infiltrating a device, Angry Stealer springs into action by collecting extensive data about the system. It can gather detailed information such as the device name, hardware specifications, operating system version, network details, and even geolocation data, including the IP address, city, and country. This initial data collection is crucial for the malware to tailor its attacks to the specific victim.

Angry Stealer is particularly adept at extracting information from various software applications. It targets popular web browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, stealing browsing histories, stored passwords, cookies, auto-fill data, and even saved credit card details. The malware doesn’t stop there—it also aims to compromise data from VPN services, FTP clients, messaging platforms like Discord and Telegram, and gaming applications like Steam.

One of the most concerning aspects of Angry Stealer is its ability to steal cryptocurrency wallets. It targets many digital wallets, including those for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Monero, and others. This capability puts users' financial assets at significant risk, as the stolen information can lead to the loss of valuable cryptocurrencies.

What Does Angry Stealer Want?

At its core, Angry Stealer is designed to gather as much sensitive information as possible for financial gain. The data it collects can be used in various malicious ways. Stolen passwords and credentials can be sold on the dark web or used directly by the attackers to access accounts, including online banking and cryptocurrency wallets. The malware's ability to gather detailed system and geolocation data allows cybercriminals to create highly targeted attacks, increasing the likelihood of success.

Furthermore, Angry Stealer's developers are actively marketing the malware across various platforms, including Telegram channels. This widespread distribution means that different cybercriminals can purchase and use the stealer, leading to a diverse range of attacks. Depending on how it is deployed, Angry Stealer can be used to execute everything from identity theft to large-scale financial fraud.

The Threat of Evolving Malware

One of the most troubling aspects of Angry Stealer is its potential for evolution. Malware developers often improve upon their creations, adding new features and expanding their capabilities. As such, future versions of Angry Stealer could be even more dangerous, targeting a broader range of information or employing new infiltration methods.

Angry Stealer’s ability to exfiltrate files of specific formats and sizes, take screenshots, and steal clipboard content adds to its already impressive arsenal. These features make it a versatile tool in the hands of cybercriminals, capable of adapting to various targets and attack scenarios.

The Distribution of Angry Stealer

Like many other forms of malware, Angry Stealer spreads through a variety of channels. Common methods include:

• Phishing emails.
• Deceptive downloads from unofficial sources.
• Even malicious software bundled with pirated content.

Once the user inadvertently downloads and executes the malicious file, the infection process begins, often without any visible signs, until the damage is done.

Some versions of Angry Stealer may even be capable of spreading across local networks or through removable storage devices like USB drives. This ability to self-propagate increases the risk of widespread infection, particularly in environments where multiple devices are connected.

Staying Safe in a Digital World

In the face of threats like Angry Stealer, vigilance is your best defense. Being cautious about where you download software, avoiding clicking on suspicious links, and not opening attachments from unknown sources are all essential practices. The internet is full of deceptive content, and cybercriminals constantly devise new ways to trick users into compromising their devices.

Angry Stealer serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking online. By staying informed and adopting safe browsing habits, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to this and other similar threats. As malware continues to evolve, so must our strategies for staying safe in the digital age.