CpuMeaner

The CPUMeaner utility is a threatening application designed to target Mac computers. The CPUMeaner threat is likely being distributed via fake application updates and installs, bogus pirated applications and similar means of propagation.

The creators of the CPUMeaner threat are known to utilize various infection vectors such as fraudulent Web pages, torrent trackers, dubious YouTube videos, bogus Discord channels, and dodgy groups on various social media platforms. The attackers would propagate functional applications, which would plant the CPUMeaner threat on the user’s computer silently. Using a working copy of an application to propagate malware is a very clever way to distribute threats. This is due to the fact that users are far less likely to spot anything fishy going on if the application they installed works as intended.

Thankfully, the CPUMeaner malware is not one of the top-tier OSX threats, and this tool is not capable of granting its operators full control over your Mac computer. However, the CPUMeaner malware is still able to cause significant damage to the compromised host. The goal of the CPUMeaner malware is to plant its mining module onto the user’s system. The CPUMeaner threat is meant to ensure that the computing resources of the infected host are fully available for the mining module in question. This is done by killing all the processes that are linked to demanding applications and services. If any other crypto mining operation is active on the system, the CPUMeaner malware will make sure to halt it immediately. This ensures that all the CPU resources possible are available for the CPUMeaner to exploit. The CPUMeaner’s mining module is programmed to mine for the Monero cryptocurrency. All the gathered cryptocurrency will be transferred to the wallets of the CPUMeaner threat’s operators.

CPUMeaner appeared bundled with a pirated version of the "Sketch" app on a French fake torrent website. It has been around since September 2017 at the very least and continues to be a threat to Mac users around the world. Below is a screenshot of someone looking at a compromised Sketch download to give you an idea of what it may look like:

How Does CPUMeaner Affect Macs?

The malware is designed to do one thing and one thing only: to install a cryptocurrency miner on infected computers. The program gets to work mining for Monero cryptocurrency using the resources of the target computer. The results of the mining operations are sent to the cryptocurrency wallets of the person behind the attack.

CPUMeaner uses as many resources as it wants to. The miner can kill other processes and resource-heavy applications to free up more resources for mining. Mining viruses like this are just one way that cyber-criminals generate profit from their victims.

While CPUMeaner doesn't take full control over your system like some viruses, it is still a threat you can't afford to ignore. Having CPUMeaner on your computer presents a severe risk. The intense power needed to run mining operations could leave your computer unstable and cause serious performance issues. If you've noticed that your CPU is using up more power than usual, you need to take the time to check your computer for viruses and malware.

The Cryptominer Menace

Cryptocurrency-related viruses like CPUMeaner are on the rise. More are appearing each month, with Android, Linux, Windows, and Mac systems alike feeling the sting. Some viruses are sophisticated enough to keep the mining activity to a minimum so that the average user doesn't suspect there is a problem. These threats are only going to become more prevalent in the future, so keep an eye on your CPU usage and perform regular scans to check for viruses and malware.