Malicious Code Lurks in Pirated Software

Beware of Free access to expensive software applications without paying a dime. But before diving into that seemingly endless library of cracked software, beware! Hidden within the depths of those pirated programs could be malicious code, waiting to wreak havoc on your system.

How the hidden pirated programs work:

· Unlicensed websites: Hackers inject malicious code into popular software applications and upload them to unauthorized websites. These websites often mimic the official developer's website, making it difficult to distinguish the real from the fake.

· Downloads and installation: When you download and install this "cracked" software, you unknowingly install the hidden malware as well.

The question is, how feasible it would be to hide malicious code inside a pirated software. Most people just assume malicious content would be only hidden in .exe files and as a result they only upload the main PE file to online virus scan sites if they suspect anything and if it comes clean they assume it should be okay.

But on the other hand you can also modify the .dll files and add your malicious shellcode inside a code cave or you could just make a new wrapper dll around the original dll (like a packer) and run your malicious code in the entry point and then transfer execution to the original dll's entry point and so on. There are lots of other methods also but these are just off the top of the head.

Sources revealed, there are pirate software especially with video games since demos are rare these days and user’s don’t want to financially support some of the developers because of mis-practices. And for some other professional software that requires $1000 - $3000 per year but you don't have that kind of money yet and that particular software is the de-facto solution for that particular problem and the alternative FOSS software is just a crippled mess.

What makes it especially scary is the fact that still a lot of users pirate software constantly. With some popular software you can have like 1-3k downloads in a single day for a single release, even more. If you are smart and you do things like delayed execution with random jitter or monitoring file system for user initiated software execution and then delivering your payload you can minimize/redirect suspicion for the campaign.

The scenario like "Bill the Friendly Pirate Guy" highlights a particularly concerning trend. This type of persona can exploit trust and manipulate users into downloading malicious software disguised as legitimate programs.

It's true that someone who understands the inner workings of software, particularly those with expertise in reverse engineering, could potentially expose your malicious activities. However, focusing solely on this specific threat might neglect more significant vulnerabilities.

S Mohini Ratna, Editor, VARINDIA