Odyssey Stealer: How a Sophisticated Crypto Scam Targets macOS Users

If you think Macs are immune to malware, it’s time for a reality check. Today’s cybercriminals have set their sights on macOS, and their latest creation—the Odyssey Stealer—is a wake-up call for anyone who uses their Mac for finance, crypto, or just everyday browsing.

This isn’t your garden-variety piece of adware. Odyssey is a stealthy, highly effective malware campaign that tricks even savvy users, harvesting passwords, crypto wallets, and browser data right under their noses. Its attack vector? Typosquatted crypto websites and fake Apple App Store pages that look almost identical to the real thing.

In this deep dive, I’ll break down exactly how Odyssey Stealer works, why it’s so dangerous, and—most importantly—what you can do to protect yourself and your data. Let’s get started.

The New Face of macOS Malware: Why You Should Care

For years, Mac users have felt a certain confidence—some might say complacency—about security. The myth that “Macs don’t get viruses” has persisted, even as attackers have steadily changed their tactics. In fact, Microsoft’s recent research reveals a sharp rise in advanced threats targeting macOS users, especially those in the U.S. and Europe.

Here’s the kicker: Odyssey Stealer doesn’t just aim for careless users. Its traps are so convincing that even those who “know better” can fall for them, especially if they’re rushing to check their crypto balance or download a new app.

So if you use macOS—whether for work, investing, or just browsing—you need to know what Odyssey Stealer is and how to avoid it.

Inside Odyssey Stealer: How Hackers Hijack Your Crypto and Credentials

Let’s demystify the mechanics behind Odyssey. You don’t have to be a cybersecurity pro to understand it—but by the end of this section, you’ll know enough to spot the red flags.

1. Typosquatted Domains and Fake App Store Pages

Odyssey’s creators are master impersonators. Their operation starts with typosquatting: registering domains that are just a letter or two off from legitimate crypto or finance sites. Think “applestore[.]com” or “metamask[.]io” with a subtle typo. These sites are crafted to appear identical to the real thing, complete with logos and functional buttons.

Often, users land on these pages via:

Misspelled URLs typed in haste
Phishing emails or social media ads
Compromised links on forums or Discord servers

2. The Trap: A Base64-Encoded AppleScript

Here’s where it gets clever. Once on the fake site, macOS visitors are prompted to “verify” or “upgrade” their software—often via a pasted command. The site provides a Base64-encoded AppleScript and tells users to run it in their Terminal.

Why? Because Apple’s built-in security mechanisms won’t flag this as malware if the user executes it manually. It’s social engineering at its best (or worst).

If you’re ever asked to paste a mysterious script into Terminal, pause. This is the number one warning sign.

3. Silent Credential Harvesting

Once run, the AppleScript kicks off a multi-layered attack:

Deceptive Authentication Prompt: The script displays a fake system prompt asking for your password, tricking you into handing over credentials.
Dscl Utility Abuse: Using macOS’s built-in tools, it digs for user account info, Keychain data, and more.
Keychain and Browser Data Theft: Odyssey specifically targets Chrome, Brave, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. It grabs passwords, cookies, autofill details, and wallet credentials from browser extensions like MetaMask and Electrum.
File Harvesting: The malware sweeps your Desktop and Documents folders for files with common extensions—think .txt, .docx, .pdf, .csv, .jpg, and more.

4. Packing and Exfiltrating Your Data

You might wonder, “Where does all this stolen stuff go?” Here’s how Odyssey handles it:

Temporary Storage: All captured data is stashed in a folder named /tmp/lovemrtrump (yes, really).
ZIP Archive Creation: Everything is zipped into out.zip—making it easy to steal in one go.
Data Exfiltration: The archive is sent via HTTP POST to an attacker-controlled server. If the connection fails, Odyssey keeps trying until it succeeds—ensuring your secrets eventually make it to the bad guys.

To make tracking easier, each package is tagged with hardware identifiers and your username.

Why Odyssey Stealer Is So Effective (And Dangerous)

Let’s recap why this particular campaign stands out in the crowded world of malware:

Mac Users Are Prime Targets: Many believe they’re safe by default, lowering their guard.
Sophisticated Social Engineering: The fake app sites and Terminal scripts bypass most built-in macOS protections.
Comprehensive Data Theft: Odyssey doesn’t just grab passwords—it goes after crypto wallets, browser sessions (for session hijacking), and sensitive documents.
Persistence and Stealth: The malware retries uploads and leaves few traces behind, making detection and recovery tricky.
Malware-as-a-Service Model: Odyssey isn’t just a one-off. It’s part of a thriving ecosystem where criminals rent, resell, and improve these tools, making them harder to stop.

Most notably, analysis by CYFIRMA links Odyssey to a known threat actor (“Rodrigo”), who previously developed Poseidon and AMOS Stealers. Odyssey appears to be a rebranded, actively developed fork of AMOS, now sporting new tricks and greater reach.

A Look Behind the Curtain: The Attacker’s Toolkit

It’s not just the malware itself that’s sophisticated—the infrastructure supporting it is, too. Here’s a peek at what goes on behind the scenes.

The Command-and-Control (C2) Panel

Odyssey’s operators manage infections via a sleek online dashboard, or command-and-control panel. This isn’t your average “hacker in a basement” setup:

Live Monitoring of infected machines (hardware, geolocation, user data)
On-Demand Payload Deployment for launching new attacks or stealing more data
“Google Cookies Restore” Feature allowing attackers to hijack your active browser sessions—think instant access to your Gmail or Google Drive
Guest Mode so would-be buyers can preview the malware’s capabilities (a hallmark of malware-as-a-service operations)

Targeting and Avoidance

Odyssey Stealer primarily targets users in the U.S. and EU. Interestingly, it deliberately avoids machines in CIS countries (like Russia and its neighbors)—a common trait among Russian-speaking cybercrime groups. If you’re outside these regions, you’re not necessarily safe, but you may be less likely to be targeted.

What Makes macOS Attacks Like Odyssey So Hard to Detect?

macOS once enjoyed a reputation as a malware “fortress.” But Odyssey shows just how quickly things have changed.

Here’s why attacks like this are tough to catch:

User-Initiated Execution: By asking users to manually run a script, Odyssey sidesteps many security tools. Apple’s Gatekeeper and XProtect can’t help if you give explicit permission.
Native Tool Abuse: The malware uses built-in macOS utilities (like dscl and AppleScript), so it doesn’t look suspicious to most antivirus software.
Rapid Evolution: Malware-as-a-Service means new variants and techniques appear almost weekly. Defenders are always playing catch-up.

According to recent Microsoft OSINT findings, threat actors are investing more time and resources into macOS exploits, signaling that the golden age of “Mac safety” is over.

Protecting Yourself: Practical Tips for macOS and Crypto Users

Feeling a bit uneasy? That’s understandable. But with awareness and a few smart habits, you can dramatically reduce your risk.

1. Never Run Unverified Scripts

If a website or email ever asks you to open Terminal and paste code—stop. Double-check the URL, and consult the official site or support channel first.

2. Double-Check URLs—Every Time

Typosquatted domains can be nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. Before entering credentials or downloading anything, inspect the URL carefully. Bookmark the official sites you use often.

3. Enable Built-in Security Features

Keep macOS and all apps up to date. Apple regularly patches security holes.
Use Gatekeeper and XProtect (enabled by default) to block known malware.
Consider a reputable macOS-compatible antivirus for an extra layer of defense.

4. Use Unique Passwords and a Password Manager

If Odyssey grabs your Chrome or Safari passwords, you don’t want it to unlock the rest of your accounts. Password managers generate and store unique passwords for each site, reducing damage if one is compromised.

5. Be Wary of Browser Extensions

Only install browser extensions from official stores, and review permissions often. Rogue extensions are a favored attack route for malware like Odyssey.

6. Protect Your Crypto Wallets

Never enter your seed phrase or private keys on untrusted sites or pop-ups.
Use hardware wallets for large balances—these keep your keys offline.
Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.

7. Regularly Back Up Important Files

If Odyssey or another threat wipes or locks your data, a secure backup (ideally offline or in the cloud) is your best insurance.

How the Cybersecurity Community Is Responding

It’s not all bad news. As Odyssey and similar threats evolve, so too do the defenses:

Apple’s ongoing security updates are more frequent than ever, targeting newly discovered malware families.
Microsoft and other researchers are quickly publishing indicators of compromise (IOCs) to help detect and mitigate attacks.
Security awareness is rising among Mac users, thanks to increased media and OSINT coverage.

If you suspect you’ve been targeted by Odyssey or any Mac malware, change your passwords immediately, check your device for suspicious files or processes, and seek help from professional cybersecurity services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Odyssey Stealer and how does it infect Macs?

Odyssey Stealer is a malware tool that targets macOS users through typosquatted finance and crypto sites. It tricks users into running a malicious AppleScript in Terminal, which then steals credentials, browser data, and crypto wallet info.

How can I tell if a website is typosquatted or fake?

Look for subtle spelling errors in the domain, lack of HTTPS, missing contact info, or strange pop-ups. When in doubt, access sites via bookmarks or official links.

What should I do if I accidentally ran a suspicious Terminal command?

Immediately disconnect from the internet, change all passwords (beginning with your Apple ID and financial accounts), and scan your device with a reputable macOS antivirus. Consider consulting an IT professional for a full malware check.

Does Odyssey Stealer affect Windows or Linux systems?

Odyssey Stealer specifically targets macOS. However, similar malware strains exist for Windows and Linux, often using comparable social engineering tactics.

Are Apple’s built-in security features enough to stop threats like Odyssey?

While Gatekeeper and XProtect help block many threats, they can’t always stop malware executed manually by the user. That’s why vigilance and good security habits are crucial.

Where can I learn more about current macOS malware threats?

Check out these reliable sources: – Microsoft Security Blog – Apple’s official security updates – CYFIRMA’s threat intelligence

Bottom Line: Stay Sharp, Stay Safe

The rise of sophisticated threats like Odyssey Stealer marks a turning point for macOS security. Complacency is no longer an option—especially for those handling crypto, finance, or sensitive personal data.

By staying informed, practicing smart security habits, and double-checking every site and script, you’ll make yourself a much harder target for even the most cunning cybercriminals.

Stay proactive. Share this article with friends and colleagues who use Macs. And if you want to keep up with the latest in security, consider subscribing for more expert insights.

Your digital life is worth protecting. Let’s outsmart the attackers—together.

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Odyssey Stealer: How a Sophisticated Crypto Scam Targets macOS Users—and How to Stay Safe

The New Face of macOS Malware: Why You Should Care

Inside Odyssey Stealer: How Hackers Hijack Your Crypto and Credentials

1. Typosquatted Domains and Fake App Store Pages