Phexia is a modular macOS malware actively distributed since late 2025 via ClickFix campaigns. It uses a multi-stage infection chain involving Terminal commands, shell scripts, LaunchAgents persistence, and AppleScript loaders. In May 2026, its operators shifted command-and-control to Polygon blockchain smart contracts. The malware steals credentials through fake password prompts, extracts browser data, keychain items, password manager data, and deploys an XMRig cryptominer. Multiple builds communicate with rotating infrastructure, and reinfections may result in concurrent infections on the same device.
An analysis of Atomic macOS (AMOS) stealer infections from early August 2026 reveals this information stealer targeting macOS systems has been advertised since April 2024. AMOS exfiltrates system information, login credentials, and sensitive data from web browsers and cryptocurrency wallets. Distribution methods include ClickFix campaigns, malicious advertisements, and fake cracked software sites offering macOS toolkits. The examined infection chain begins with malicious instructions on getmacouscloud[.]com, leading to execution of a Zsh script that retrieves and installs Mach-O binaries establishing persistence in system directories. The malware collects data from various applications including Binance, TonKeeper, Telegram, AWS, Docker, and FileZilla, compressing it into an out.zip file before exfiltrating to command and control servers. Post-infection traffic consists of HTTP POST requests with specific stage parameters indicating collected data types. The malware demonstrates active development with con...
Following Black Hat and DEF CON conferences, a threat actor targeted attendees through X direct messages, posing as CoinDesk's VP and Head of Marketing to establish trust under the pretext of conference planning. The campaign employed a malicious Google Apps Script embedded in a Google Doc that presented ClickFix-style instructions and manual download options. The attack delivered different payloads based on the victim's operating system: macOS users received AMOS infostealer, while Windows users were infected with NetSupport RAT, a Ledger wallet implant, and a TLS-intercepting proxy. A secondary lure masqueraded as a DocSend installer to deliver additional payloads. The operation demonstrated sophisticated social engineering by leveraging trusted platforms and post-conference networking expectations.
A new macOS ClickFix campaign employs fake CAPTCHA pages to deceive users into executing malicious Terminal commands. The attack chain downloads and invisibly mounts a DMG file containing a self-signed information-stealer application bundle. This payload, assessed as belonging to the AMOS (Atomic macOS Stealer) lineage—specifically the Odyssey variant—prompts users for passwords through fake System Preferences dialogs. The stealer harvests extensive data including browser credentials, cryptocurrency wallet information from 13 standalone applications and 201 browser extensions, messaging app data, Apple Notes, Safari cookies, and macOS keychain entries. Exfiltrated data is compressed and sent to two command-and-control servers. The malware establishes persistence via LaunchAgent and trojanizes legitimate cryptocurrency applications including Ledger Live and Trezor Suite, replacing them with compromised versions downloaded from attacker infrastructure.
A new variant of SHub Stealer dubbed 'Reaper' targets macOS users through fake WeChat and Miro installers, employing sophisticated multi-stage delivery chains that spoof Apple, Google, and Microsoft services. The malware leverages the applescript:// URL scheme to bypass Terminal-based defenses, conducting extensive fingerprinting and anti-analysis checks before execution. Reaper harvests browser credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, developer configurations, iCloud data, and Telegram sessions. It includes an AMOS-style document theft module targeting files under 150MB with chunked uploads. The variant establishes persistence through a fake Google Software Update LaunchAgent and installs a backdoor for remote code execution. The infection specifically avoids CIS regions and employs extensive anti-analysis techniques including WebGL fingerprinting, VM detection, and DevTools interference.
A sophisticated macOS stealer called notnullOSX emerged in March 2026, developed by threat actor alh1mik (formerly 0xFFF) who returned after a 2023 exit from underground forums. This Go-written modular stealer exclusively targets macOS users with cryptocurrency holdings exceeding $10,000. Distribution occurs through ClickFix social engineering and malicious DMG files disguised as legitimate applications like WallSpace. The malware employs a modular architecture with specialized components to exfiltrate iMessage history, Apple Notes, browser credentials, Safari cookies, crypto wallet files, SSH keys, and cloud provider credentials. By social-engineering victims into granting Full Disk Access, notnullOSX bypasses macOS TCC protections without triggering permission dialogs. The stealer maintains persistent WebSocket connections to Firebase infrastructure, functioning as both an infostealer and backdoor with remote module update capabilities.
Infostealer threats are expanding beyond Windows, targeting macOS and leveraging cross-platform languages like Python. Recent campaigns use social engineering to deploy macOS-specific infostealers such as DigitStealer, MacSync, and AMOS. These stealers use fileless execution and native macOS utilities to harvest credentials and sensitive data. Python-based stealers are also on the rise, allowing attackers to quickly adapt and target diverse environments. Additionally, threat actors are abusing trusted platforms like WhatsApp and PDF converter tools to distribute malware such as Eternidade Stealer. These evolving threats blend into legitimate ecosystems and evade conventional defenses, posing significant risks to organizations across various operating systems and delivery channels.
A sophisticated malware campaign exploits user trust in AI platforms to deliver the AMOS stealer. Attackers use SEO poisoning to surface malicious ChatGPT and Grok conversations offering 'helpful' macOS disk cleanup advice. These conversations contain Terminal commands that, when executed, deploy AMOS, a multi-stage malware that harvests credentials, escalates privileges, and establishes persistence. The attack bypasses traditional security measures by leveraging legitimate platforms and user behavior, making it particularly insidious. AMOS targets cryptocurrency wallets, browser data, and system information, exfiltrating sensitive data to attacker-controlled servers. This campaign represents a significant evolution in social engineering techniques, exploiting the growing reliance on AI assistants for technical guidance.
This analysis examines a campaign distributing Atomic macOS Stealer (AMOS), targeting macOS users through fake 'cracked' applications. Attackers use two main delivery methods: malicious .dmg installers and terminal commands that bypass Gatekeeper protection. AMOS employs rotating domains to evade detection and steals a wide range of sensitive data, including credentials, browser information, cryptocurrency wallets, and system files. The campaign demonstrates sophisticated tactics, adapting to macOS security improvements and leveraging social engineering. The report emphasizes the importance of comprehensive endpoint detection, user education, and defense-in-depth strategies to combat such threats.
Atomic macOS Stealer (AMOS) has received a major update, now including an embedded backdoor for persistent access to victims' Macs. This upgrade allows attackers to maintain control, run remote tasks, and potentially gain full system compromise. The Russia-affiliated AMOS threat group has expanded its capabilities, mimicking North Korean attack strategies. The malware is distributed through fake software websites and spear-phishing campaigns. It uses a trojanized DMG file to bypass Gatekeeper, installs persistence via LaunchDaemon, and communicates with command-and-control servers. The backdoor functionality significantly increases the risk to victims, turning one-time breaches into long-term compromises. AMOS campaigns have already affected over 120 countries, with the potential to access thousands of Mac devices worldwide.
