Super Mario Bros 3: Mario Forever is an innovative PC fan game that pays homage to the classic Super Mario Bros. franchise. It was originally released in 2004, captivating fans with its nostalgic charm and addictive gameplay.
If you are a devoted fan of the original Super Mario Bros., you may feel enticed to experience this fan-made remake. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution as certain versions of the game contain malicious software that can harm your computer.
Recently, security researchers from Cyble, as reported by BleepingComputer, made a concerning discovery. They uncovered that malicious actors are distributing a modified version of the game that contains hidden malware, capable of inflicting severe damage to your system. The malware consists of two components: a crypto-miner and a data-stealer.
Upon executing the trojanized game, your computer becomes vulnerable to a crypto-miner that utilizes your system’s resources and power to mine Monero (XMR). This process inevitably leads to a significant reduction in your computer’s performance and may result in increased electricity consumption.
In addition, the malicious executable installs a data-stealing program that extracts sensitive information from your web browser. This includes passwords, cookies, credentials for cryptocurrency wallets, and accounts on various online platforms like Discord, Minecraft, Roblox, and Telegram.
An alarming feature of this malware is its ability to capture screenshots of your desktop and exploit connected webcams and microphones to record multimedia.
According to Cyble, the infected game versions are being distributed via a modified game installer, which operates in the background during the installation process. Although the exact method of distribution is unknown, researchers suspect that gaming forums and social media groups play a significant role. It is plausible that unsuspecting users unknowingly share the link to the infected game on platforms like Reddit.
The key takeaway from this situation is simple yet essential: exercise caution when downloading any content. It is advisable to exclusively download games and applications from official sources while ensuring you scan downloaded executables for potential threats before running them.
Image credit: Mario Forever
Source: Cyble, via BleepingComputer
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Alex Smith is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including technology, business, and personal finance. His work has been published in a number of magazines and newspapers, and he is also the author of two books. Alex is passionate about helping people learn and grow, and he believes that writing is a powerful tool for communication and understanding.
