Removal instructions for malware disguised as "Super Mario 3: Mario Forever"
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is disguised as "Super Mario 3"?
Super Mario 3 is the name given to a malware infection that infiltrates systems under the guise of a video game from the Super Mario franchise, specifically the fan-made Super Mario 3: Mario Forever game. The trojanized game arrives alongside XMR miner and SupremeBot mining client, and the latter also infiltrates Umbral stealer into systems.
The purpose of this malware campaign is to extract sensitive information from victims' systems and abuse its resources to mine cryptocurrency.
Super Mario 3 malware overview
Super Mario 3 malware is downloaded as an executable titled "Super-Mario-Bros.exe". The file does contain "super-mario-forever-v702e.exe" – the legitimate installer for Mario Forever, but it is also bundled with "java.exe" and "atom.exe" – the respective executables for XMR miner and SupremeBot. While the user is presented with the real installation setup for the game, the malware gets stealthily executed in the background.
XMR miner begins its operations by collecting relevant device data, e.g., device name, CPU, GPU, RAM, etc. The goal of this malicious program is to use system resources to generate cryptocurrency; XMR Miner mines Monero (XMR) cryptocurrency.
In basic terms, cryptocurrency mining is the process of solving mathematical problems using computers. Mining requires a lot of processing power and employs system resources (e.g., CPUs, GPUs, etc.). These processes put a lot of strain on systems and can easily cause them to "freeze" or force reboots.
What is more, systems operating at capacity produce a lot of heat, which in tandem with other factors (e.g., poor ventilating system, high room temperature, etc.), can cause hardware to overheat and even get permanently damaged.
SupremeBot is a mining client designed for mining process management. The malware can allocate tasks to the mining botnet and otherwise ensure smooth and productive operation. Additionally, SupremeBot downloads the Umbral stealer onto the compromised device.
This information-stealing program employs several anti-detection and persistence-ensuring mechanisms. The stealer requests permission from the user to gain admin privileges. It can detect if it is launched on a virtual machine, and if that is the case – Umbral terminates itself.
The malware also adds itself to the exclusion list for the Microsoft Defender. And if it has admin privileges, the stealer attempts to disable the Defender Antivirus, creates a block list of renowned anti-virus software websites, and adds itself to the programs that are run at system startup.
Malware within this classification usually has the ability to extract and exhilarate data from various applications, and Umbral is not an exception. It targets a variety of browsing-related data as well as Internet cookies and log-in credentials (usernames/passwords) from browsers (full list).
The malicious program also aims to extract information from messaging software, namely Discord tokens and Telegram session files. The Minecraft and Roblox video game related data is of interest to Umbral as well. The stealer targets the information associated with at least ten cryptocurrency wallets (full list). Other capabilities of this malware include taking screenshots and snapshots via the device's camera.
In summary, infections like Super Mario 3 can result in severe privacy issues, permanent data loss, hardware damage, significant financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Super Mario 3 virus |
| Threat Type | Trojan, cryptomining malware, cryptominer, miner, stealer, password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:Evo-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Generic.33964372), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win64/GenKryptik.GKVX), Kaspersky (Backdoor.Win32.Raroger.gb), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Vigorf.A), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Payload | XMR miner, SupremeBot, Umbral |
| Symptoms | Trojans are designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim's computer and remain silent, and thus no particular symptoms are clearly visible on an infected machine. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software 'cracks'. |
| Damage | Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, the victim's computer added to a botnet, higher electricity bills, hardware overheating, slow computer performance, loss of unsaved data. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Similar malware examples
We have researched thousands of malware samples; Minas, Pripyat, Punisher Miner – are merely a couple examples of cryptominers, and RedEnergy, RDStealer, FadeStealer – of stealers.
It must be stressed that regardless of how malicious software operates – i.e., mines cryptocurrency, exfiltrates data, or performs other harmful activities – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, we strongly advise removing all threats immediately upon detection.
How did Super Mario 3 malware infiltrate my computer?
Based on the fact that Super Mario 3 malware is disguised as a video game, it is most likely proliferated through channels that are standard when it comes to acquiring such content. That includes webpages disguised as trustworthy download sources, freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and similar.
It is possible that this software is promoted using some manner of social engineering, e.g., endorsement of the bundled executable (or a malicious site hosting it) via fake or hijacked social media accounts, and similar.
Phishing and social engineering tend to be crucial elements in malware proliferation. Disguising malicious programs as legitimate/harmless software or media is practically standard. Infectious files come in other formats aside from executables; they can also be archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), documents (PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, etc.), JavaScript, and so forth.
In addition to dubious download channels, malware is commonly spread through drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, pirated software and illegal program activation ("cracking") tools, malicious attachments and links in spam mail (e.g., email, PM/DM, SMS, etc.), online scams, malvertising, and fake updates.
Some malicious programs can even self-proliferate via local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
How to avoid installation of malware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Furthermore, all programs must be activated and updated by using legitimate functions/tools, as those acquired from third-parties can contain malware.
We advise vigilance while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears genuine and innocuous. Another recommendation is to approach incoming emails and other messages with caution. Attachments or links present in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious.
We must emphasize the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated. This software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove threats and issues. If you believe that your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.
Installation setup of the trojanized "Super Mario 3: Mario Forever" video game:
"Mario Forever" video game menu interface launched while malware is executed in the background:
List of browsers targeted by Super Mario 3 malware:
- Google Chrome
- Microsoft Edge
- Brave
- Chromium
- Comodo
- EpicPrivacy
- Iridium
- Opera
- OperaGx
- Slimjet
- UR
- Vivaldi
- Yandex
List of cryptocurrency wallets targeted by Super Mario 3 malware:
- Armory
- AtomicWallet
- Bytecoin
- Coinomi
- Electrum
- Ethereum
- Exodus
- Guarda
- Jaxx
- Zcash
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is Super Mario 3?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of Super Mario 3 malware.
- STEP 2. Check if your computer is clean.
How to remove malware manually?
Manual malware removal is a complicated task - usually it is best to allow antivirus or anti-malware programs to do this automatically. To remove this malware we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
If you wish to remove malware manually, the first step is to identify the name of the malware that you are trying to remove. Here is an example of a suspicious program running on a user's computer:
If you checked the list of programs running on your computer, for example, using task manager, and identified a program that looks suspicious, you should continue with these steps:
Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:
Restart your computer into Safe Mode:
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking - Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window, select Advanced startup.
Click the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu". Click the "Troubleshoot" button, and then click the "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen, click "Startup settings".
Click the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options".
In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button. In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.
In the Autoruns application, click "Options" at the top and uncheck "Hide Empty Locations" and "Hide Windows Entries" options. After this procedure, click the "Refresh" icon.
Check the list provided by the Autoruns application and locate the malware file that you want to eliminate.
You should write down its full path and name. Note that some malware hides process names under legitimate Windows process names. At this stage, it is very important to avoid removing system files. After you locate the suspicious program you wish to remove, right click your mouse over its name and choose "Delete".
After removing the malware through the Autoruns application (this ensures that the malware will not run automatically on the next system startup), you should search for the malware name on your computer. Be sure to enable hidden files and folders before proceeding. If you find the filename of the malware, be sure to remove it.
Reboot your computer in normal mode. Following these steps should remove any malware from your computer. Note that manual threat removal requires advanced computer skills. If you do not have these skills, leave malware removal to antivirus and anti-malware programs.
These steps might not work with advanced malware infections. As always it is best to prevent infection than try to remove malware later. To keep your computer safe, install the latest operating system updates and use antivirus software. To be sure your computer is free of malware infections, we recommend scanning it with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My computer is infected with Super Mario 3 malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, most malicious programs can be removed without resorting to formatting.
What are the biggest issues that Super Mario 3 malware can cause?
The threats associated with an infection depend on the program's capabilities and the cyber criminals' aims. Super Mario 3 has stealer and cryptominer components. Typically, infections of this kind can result in serious privacy issues, data loss, hardware damage, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of Super Mario 3 malware?
In most cases, malware is used to generate revenue; the features of Super Mario 3 infections suggest the same purpose. It is pertinent to mention that cyber criminals also use malicious software to amuse themselves, carry out personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, etc.), and even launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did Super Mario 3 malware infiltrate my computer?
Since the Super Mario 3 malware is presented as a video game, it is most likely distributed through sources commonly used to host said software (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.). Aside from untrustworthy download channels, malicious programs are widely proliferated via drive-by downloads, online scams, spam emails/messages, malvertising, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating nearly all known malware infections. It must be mentioned that since sophisticated malicious software tends to hide deep within systems – performing a complete system scan is paramount.
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