What is XProtect Suite?
XProtect is a built-in security feature on Macs that uses Yara signature-based detection to identify and remove malware. In simple terms, XProtect works by scanning files and code to detect malicious patterns and behavior.
How Does XProtect Work?
XProtect works by utilizing three main components:
- XProtect app: This component can detect malware using Yara rules whenever an app first launches, changes, or updates its signatures.
- XProtectRemediator (XPR): This more proactive component can detect and remove malware by regular scanning with Yara rules, among other things.
- XProtectBehaviorService (XBS): This component monitors system behavior in relation to critical resources.
What Can XProtect Detect and Remove?
While XProtect app itself can only detect and block threats, it comes down to XPR’s scanning modules for removal. Currently, we can identify 14 of the 24 remediators in the current version of XPR (v151) to keep malware off your machine.
| Malware Name | Malware Type | Remediator |
|---|---|---|
| Adload | Adware and bundleware loader | XPR (v151) |
| BadGacha | Not identified yet | |
| BlueTop | Trojan-Proxy | Alden |
| Bundlore | Family of adware droppers | XPR (v151) |
| CardboardCutout | Malware blocker | |
| ColdSnap | Remote Access Trojan (RAT) | Alden |
| Crapyrator | Trojan dropper | |
| Eicar | Harmless file | |
| FloppyFlipper | Not identified yet | |
| Genieo | Potentially unwanted program (PUP) | |
| GreenAcre | Not identified yet | |
| KeySteal | Infostealer | Alden |
| MRTv3 | Malware detection and removal components | |
| Pirrit | Adware | XPR (v151) |
| RankStank | Trojan | Alden |
| RedPine | Not identified yet | |
| RoachFlight | Not identified yet | |
| SheepSwap | Not identified yet | |
| ShowBeagle | Not identified yet | |
| SnowDrift | CloudMensis macOS spyware | |
| ToyDrop | Not identified yet | |
| Trovi | Browser hijacker | |
| WaterNet | Not identified yet |
How to Enable XProtect on Your Mac
XProtect is enabled by default in every version of macOS. It also runs at the system level, completely in the background, so no intervention is needed. Updates to XProtect also happen automatically. You can find XProtect by following these steps:
- Go to Macintosh HD and navigate to Library > Apple > System > Library > CoreServices
- Right-click on XProtect and click Show Package Contents
- Expand Contents and open MacOS
Limitations of XProtect
While XProtect is a powerful security feature, it’s not a foolproof solution. More advanced or sophisticated attacks could easily circumvent detection. It’s recommended to use third-party malware detection and removal tools in conjunction with XProtect.
Cite References
Phil Stokes with Sentinel One Labs manages a handy repository on GitHub that maps obfuscated signatures used by Apple to more common names used by vendors and found in public malware scanners like VirusTotal. Moreover, Alden has recently made significant advancements in understanding how XPR works by extracting Yara rules from its scanning module binaries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, XProtect is a robust security feature on Macs that uses Yara signature-based detection to identify and remove malware. While it’s not a foolproof solution, it’s a valuable tool in the fight against malware. By enabling XProtect and using third-party malware detection and removal tools, you can significantly improve your Mac’s security. Note: Users shouldn’t rely entirely on Apple’s XProtect suite, as it’s made to detect known threats. I highly advise the use of third-party malware detection and removal tools.
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