{
  "family": "expiro",
  "sample_count": 305,
  "category": "file_infector",
  "description": "Expiro (also known as Xpiro) is a file infector that has been active for over a decade and continues to be updated by its authors. It infects executable files on both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows systems by inserting its own code into them. Beyond classic file infection, Expiro has information-stealing capabilities: it can install browser extensions, alter the security settings and behaviour of an infected system, and steal data such as account credentials. Its infection routine was notably revised in samples observed around 2017. Expiro is documented by Fraunhofer FKIE's Malpedia and has been analysed by vendors including McAfee.",
  "cta": "Published by the SystemHelpdesk team.",
  "aliases": [
    "xpiro"
  ],
  "enrichment_level": "curated_sourced",
  "faq": [
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What is Expiro?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Expiro, also known as Xpiro, is a file infector virus that has been active for more than a decade. It infects executable files on 32-bit and 64-bit Windows systems and also includes information-stealing functionality."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How does Expiro infect a system?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "As a file infector, Expiro inserts its code into legitimate Windows executable files so that the malicious code runs when an infected program is launched. It is capable of infecting both 32-bit and 64-bit executables, and its infection routine was revised in samples seen around 2017."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What can Expiro do besides infecting files?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Beyond spreading through executables, Expiro can install browser extensions, change the security settings and behaviour of an infected system, and steal information such as account credentials."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What sources document Expiro?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Expiro is profiled in Fraunhofer FKIE's Malpedia and has been analysed in named-vendor research, including work by McAfee. These sources describe it as a long-running, frequently updated file infector with credential-theft capabilities."
      }
    }
  ],
  "faq_count": 4,
  "mitre_attack": [],
  "cisa_advisory": null,
  "last_updated": "2026-06-11",
  "sources": [
    {
      "name": "Malpedia (Fraunhofer FKIE): Expiro",
      "url": "https://malpedia.caad.fkie.fraunhofer.de/details/win.expiro"
    },
    {
      "name": "McAfee Labs: W32/Expiro file infector analysis",
      "url": "https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/other-blogs/mcafee-labs/"
    }
  ],
  "target_industries": [
    "Global / Opportunistic"
  ],
  "motivation": "Opportunistic",
  "threat_actors": [
    "Unknown / Cybercriminal"
  ],
  "target_geographies": [
    "Global"
  ]
}