vidar-collector.exe

Vidar Data Collector Executable (Vidar Stealer)

CPU Usage

N/A

Memory

N/A

Location

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Publisher

N/A

Summary

Vidar-collector-exe is a high-risk malware component that harvests browser data, credentials, and other sensitive information. It communicates with attackers and can persist through reboots. Immediate containment and remediation are essential to stop data loss and further compromise.

Mitigation Steps

Isolate the host, terminate vidar-collector.exe, remove all Vidar persistence entries (registry keys, scheduled tasks, services), update and run a full malware scan with an up-to-date EDR, rotate compromised credentials, and restore from clean backups.

What is vidar-collector.exe?

vidar-collector.exe is a malicious executable used by the Vidar information-stealer to harvest data from the host. It targets installed browsers, email clients, and local storage to extract usernames, passwords, cookies, autofill data, and other artifacts, then prepares them for exfiltration. In infected environments it often hides in user-writable folders and piggybacks on legitimate processes to avoid user detection.

The module enumerates browser profiles, reads stored credentials and cookies, and collects data from local storage and apps. It then packages the data and transmits it to attacker-controlled servers via covert channels, frequently using encrypted HTTP requests.

Is vidar-collector-exe Safe?

Vidar-collector.exe is not safe on a typical Windows workstation. It is a malicious data-collection component that secretly harvests credentials, payment data, and browser artifacts. In controlled research sandboxes it can be studied, but on live systems it enables theft and broad compromise. Immediate containment and removal are advised.

Is vidar-collector-exe a Virus?

Yes. Vidar-collector.exe functions as malware designed to silently surveil and exfiltrate sensitive information. It uses persistence mechanisms, obfuscation, and network communication to transfer stolen data. Its presence indicates an active infection requiring prompt remediation.

How to Verify Legitimacy

Check File Location: Examine the path: C:\Program Files\Vidar\vidar-collector.exe, C:\ProgramData\Vidar\vidar-collector.exe, or C:\Users\Public\Documents\vidar-collector.exe. Non-standard paths are red flags.
Verify Digital Signature: Use sigcheck or Windows Explorer to inspect the digital signature. Unknown or mismatched publisher indicates suspicious software.
Check File Hash: Compute SHA256 of C:\Program Files\Vidar\vidar-collector.exe and compare to threat intel feeds; mismatched hashes suggest tampering or replacement.
Scan for Malware: Run a full malware scan with an up-to-date AV/EDR that can detect Vidar components and associated network indicators.

Red Flags: Unusual executable name in user-writable folders, hidden or unsigned binaries, persistence entries in Run keys or scheduled tasks, and outbound traffic to known C2 domains are strong indicators of Vidar activity.

Why is it Running?

Reasons it's running:

Data harvesting: Vidar-collector.exe targets browsers, crypto wallets, and email clients to extract credentials and sensitive data for sale or use by attackers.
Credential theft: The module specifically collects saved logins, tokens, cookies, and autofill data to facilitate unauthorized access.
Persistence: It commonly installs startup entries or services to survive reboots and maintain access on the infected host.
C2 communication: Collected data is packaged and sent to attacker-controlled servers, often via obfuscated HTTP requests.
Anti-analysis: Vidar uses evasion tricks and timing delays to defeat sandboxing and hinder security tooling.

Can you disable vidar-collector.exe?

Common Problems

Common Causes & Solutions

: Terminate the process, verify no legitimate whitelisted software uses vidar-collector.exe, then run a malware scan and ensure startup items are removed.
: Check for memory-hungry modules, update security tooling, and isolate machine to prevent data exfiltration while cleaning.
: Identify and remove Run registry keys, scheduled tasks, and service installations associated with Vidar components; reboot and verify.
: Capture and analyze network traffic, block C2 domains, and perform full malware cleanup; reset any compromised credentials.
: Boot into safe mode or offline scanner, use trusted remediation tools to remove files and restore from clean backups.
: Reset or re-install affected browsers, purge cookies and saved passwords from the machine, and rotate credentials.