How to make sure there's no virus in mouse/keyboard memory? | Razer Insider
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Hi guys. I'm new to macro and firmware stuff, but after googling I realized, its memory can store keylogger or an exploit that can be used as trojan downloader. Recently I discovered that my PC was hacked and I wanna make sure my Razer devices are clean. What can be done in cases like this?
Theoretically it's possible, but it would require to have a modified firmware for mouse/keyboard, and installation of this malicious firmware.

Never seen such 'virus' in the wild, but this doesn't mean, that such thing isn't exist.
FiszPL
Theoretically it's possible, but it would require to have a modified firmware for mouse/keyboard, and installation of this malicious firmware.

Never seen such 'virus' in the wild, but this doesn't mean, that such thing isn't exist.




This is true.

Though.... if it were a zero day, any bug hunter or malware researcher worth their weight would have reported it and any security holes that existed would be closed via a firmware patch.
FiszPL
it would require to have a modified firmware for mouse/keyboard, and installation of this malicious firmware


You mean modified version of Synapse application?

tuningislife
if it were a zero day, any bug hunter or malware researcher worth their weight would have reported it and any security holes that existed would be closed via a firmware patch.


I think more like of malicious script (.BAT or something) stored alongside the firmware without affecting it. Can it be?



If yes, is there a way to wipe the device memory completely? I wanna make sure there's nothing else apart of my profiles, which I gonna configure again when it's done.



P.S. why both UEFI and Windows device manager detect two USB keyboards? Is that normal?
mikola55
You mean modified version of Synapse application?



I think more like of malicious script (.BAT or something) stored alongside the firmware without affecting it. Can it be?



If yes, is there a way to wipe the device memory completely? I wanna make sure there's nothing else apart of my profiles, which I gonna configure again when it's done.



P.S. why both UEFI and Windows device manager detect two USB keyboards? Is that normal?


No, not modified Synapse. Installation malicious firmware directly on the mouse/keyboard without Synapse software.



It would be only possible to reflash it again with original firmware, but dunno if it's possible now on Synapse 3 (it was possible on the Copperhead / 1st DeathAdder era).



On the other side if such malicious firmware exists, none of the script kiddies have it, because it would cost a lot of money, and it would be most probably used against specified (really important) target.



Mouse may be wrongly identified as a keyboard, so you have 2 keyboard devices.
Well it would be possible to insert with an AddOn software. Similar to the ROG boards or Nanoleaf it is possible to control Synapse or at least with Connect. But if Synapse would not be allowed to access it, Synapse would not allow this and would close the software directly or at least force a repair or reinstallation. So nothing should happen to the hardware.
M-S-G
Well it would be possible to insert with an AddOn software. Similar to the ROG boards or Nanoleaf it is possible to control Synapse or at least with Connect. But if Synapse would not be allowed to access it, Synapse would not allow this and would close the software directly or at least force a repair or reinstallation. So nothing should happen to the hardware.


You're talking about controlling through restricted API - so it's possible only to change some settings of the peripheral.

But agree with you, nothing should happen with the hardware.
Right. Big changes shouldn't be possible.
You guys mean mouse only or talking about keyboard as well? And what is considered as big change?

FiszPL
it's possible only to change some settings of the peripheral


Like what?



I used Synapse (or was it legacy driver?) just once, many years ago. Then lost the app due to Windows reinstallaition and never downloaded it again. Could you remind me please, is there any difference between legacy driver and Synapse except cloud service? If I install and run one of those, would it automatically reset my profiles? I don't want it to happen.

FiszPL
It would be only possible to reflash it again with original firmware, but dunno if it's possible now on Synapse 3 (it was possible on the Copperhead / 1st DeathAdder era).


New version doesn't support my mouse anyway. By reflashing you mean reconfiguring new profiles or some additional actions must be done?
mikola55
You guys mean mouse only or talking about keyboard as well? And what is considered as big change?



Like what?



I used Synapse (or was it legacy driver?) just once, many years ago. Then lost the app due to Windows reinstallaition and never downloaded it again. Could you remind me please, is there any difference between legacy driver and Synapse except cloud service? If I install and run one of those, would it automatically reset my profiles? I don't want it to happen.



New version doesn't support my mouse anyway. By reflashing you mean reconfiguring new profiles or some additional actions must be done?


All keyboards and mouse that has it's own memory for storing firmware.



You mean the Razer control panel, before Synapse 2.0? If you'll install Synapse 2.0 - the settings will remain, because they're stored on mouse/keyboard internal memory.



By reflashing I mean install mouse/keyboard firmware (internal software) again, and it will loose all the settings stored on the internal mouse/keyboard memory.



Overall, we're making offtopic a bit.
FiszPL
By reflashing I mean install mouse/keyboard firmware (internal software) again, and it will loose all the settings stored on the internal mouse/keyboard memory.


What app should I use for that? Tell me how it's done, please.
mikola55
What app should I use for that? Tell me how it's done, please.


Please refer to #5 th post in this topic. I've already mentioned it.
FiszPL
Please refer to #5 th post in this topic. I've already mentioned it.


Forgive me for bothering you, but what is original firmware and how to relfash something with it?



In download section it's legacy driver and Synapse 2.0 for my models. Back then I indeed used Razer control panel.
mikola55
Forgive me for bothering you, but what is original firmware and how to relfash something with it?



In download section it's legacy driver and Synapse 2.0 for my models. Back then I indeed used Razer control panel.


Not every Razer device has flashable firmware, ask Razer support for it.

And as said earlier, no need to reflash device, you're panicking too much. Just install new OS, and be safe.