Skip to main content
Protect My Mac — FreeNo credit card required

Realst is a stealer targeting macOS, first discovered in 2023. Realst is a macOS information stealer written in Rust that targets cryptocurrency users through fake blockchain games. It steals browser data, Keychain passwords, and cryptocurrency wallet information. Some variants were even compiled for macOS Sonoma before its official release, showing the developers' sophistication. CoreLock detects this threat using CoreLock detects Realst through YARA rules targeting its Rust-compiled binary patterns, behavioral monitoring of AppleScript password harvesting dialogs, code signing verification flagging unsigned game installers, and network analysis identifying C2 communication patterns.

DangerStealerDiscovered 2023

Realst

Also known as: Realst Stealer, Realst Infostealer

What is Realst?

Realst is a macOS information stealer written in Rust that targets cryptocurrency users through fake blockchain games. It steals browser data, Keychain passwords, and cryptocurrency wallet information. Some variants were even compiled for macOS Sonoma before its official release, showing the developers' sophistication.

How It Spreads

Fake blockchain and play-to-earn game websites promoted on social media

Direct messages on Twitter/X and Discord from fake gaming communities

Malicious PKG and DMG installers disguised as game clients

AppleScript-based dialogs harvesting passwords during installation

Signs of Infection

Recently installed a blockchain game from a link shared on social media

AppleScript dialogs asking for your system password during game setup

Browser saved passwords or crypto wallet balances unexpectedly changed

Suspicious Rust-compiled binaries in your Applications or Downloads folder

How to Remove Realst

1

Disconnect from the internet

Immediately cut your network connection to stop any ongoing data exfiltration to the attacker's servers.

2

Delete the fake game application

Remove the blockchain game app from /Applications, ~/Downloads, and check ~/Library/Application Support for related folders. Empty the Trash afterward.

3

Remove persistence mechanisms

Check ~/Library/LaunchAgents for suspicious plist files created around the same time as the game installation. Remove any you do not recognize.

4

Reset all credentials

Change all passwords stored in your browser and Keychain. Move cryptocurrency to new wallets generated on a clean device. Revoke active sessions on exchanges.

5

Scan with CoreLock

Run a full CoreLock scan to detect any residual components, secondary payloads, or persistence artifacts left behind by the stealer.

Prevention Tips

Never download games or apps promoted via unsolicited DMs on social media

Verify game developers through official channels before installing anything

Use hardware wallets for significant cryptocurrency holdings

Enable CoreLock real-time monitoring to flag suspicious Rust binaries and AppleScript execution

How CoreLock Detects Realst

Real-time Detection

CoreLock detects Realst through YARA rules targeting its Rust-compiled binary patterns, behavioral monitoring of AppleScript password harvesting dialogs, code signing verification flagging unsigned game installers, and network analysis identifying C2 communication patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Realst malware on Mac?

Realst is a macOS stealer written in Rust that spreads through fake blockchain games. It steals browser passwords, Keychain data, and cryptocurrency wallet files. Discovered in 2023, it targets crypto enthusiasts through social engineering on platforms like Twitter and Discord.

How does Realst spread?

Realst spreads through fake play-to-earn blockchain game websites. Attackers reach out via Twitter/X DMs, Discord, or Telegram, inviting victims to try their 'new game.' The game installer is a malicious PKG or DMG that installs the stealer.

Can Realst steal my cryptocurrency?

Yes. Realst specifically targets cryptocurrency wallets including MetaMask, Phantom, and other browser extensions. It extracts wallet data, seed phrases stored in browsers, and Keychain entries related to exchanges. Use hardware wallets to protect significant holdings.

Protect Your Mac from Realst

Download CoreLock to detect and remove Realst and other macOS threats. AI-powered analysis, real-time monitoring, and one-click remediation.

Download CoreLock Free

Available for macOS and Windows