As for the native library differences between Windows and MacOS, the mono framework supports DLL mapping to support Windows-only dependencies to their MacOS counterparts.' 'In this case, however, the bundling of the files with the said framework becomes a workaround to bypass the systems given EXE is not a recognized binary executable by MacOS' security features. Normally, a mono framework installed in the system is required to compile or load executables and libraries,' researchers explained. 'Currently, running EXE on other platforms may have a bigger impact on non-Windows systems such as MacOS. Interestingly, the security researchers could not get the same malicious EXE file to run on Windows-attempting to run the file on Windows resulted in an error, which means that this malware has been designed to target macOS users specifically. Once installed, the exe malware then also downloads and prompts users to install various adware apps, some of which disguise as legitimate versions of Adobe Flash Media Player and Little Snitch.ĭuring their analysis, the researchers found 'no specific attack pattern' associated with the malware, but their telemetry showed that the highest numbers for infections existed in the in the United Kingdom, Australia, Armenia, Luxembourg, South Africa, and the United States.

Exe files on mac