WinstarNssmMiner Cryptocurrency Miner

A new cryptocurrency miner known as WinstarNssmMiner. has been observed which can crash computers when detected.

Threat ID:: CC-2421
Category:
Threat Severity:: Low
Threat Vector:
Published:: 24 May 2018 12:00 AM

Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

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Summary

A new cryptocurrency miner known as WinstarNssmMiner. has been observed which can crash computers when detected.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

At the time of publication it is unclear how the malware is delivered.

Once installed it scans for Kapersky and Avast antivirus software, if either are found the the infection stops. If both AV's are not detected 2 new svchost.exe processes are spawned, one for the mining using the open source project XMRig and one with the attribute 'critical process' to run in the background which if terminated will crash the computer.

Threat updates

Date	Update
17 Jul 2018	WinstarNssmMiner is now being delivered via compromised Ace Stream media player downloads.

Remediation advice

To prevent and detect an infection, ensure that:

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails. All operating systems, anti-virus and other security products are kept up-to-date. All day-to-day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts. Strong password policies are in place and password reuse is discouraged. Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity. User accounts accessed from affected devices should be reset on a clean computer. Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Type

Step

A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails.
All operating systems, anti-virus and other security products are kept up-to-date.
All day-to-day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts.
Strong password policies are in place and password reuse is discouraged.
Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity.
User accounts accessed from affected devices should be reset on a clean computer.
Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:57 pm