Nvidia RTX LHR v2 Unlocker reported as malware

An unlocker currently promises to unlock the full potential of Nvidia graphics cards in Ethereum mining. Various publications have already reported on the software. However, it turned out to be just malware. The tool in question is offered under the name “Nvidia RTX LHR v2 Unlocker“.

According to the self-description, it disables the mining brake in Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 30 and RTX A series, allowing the respective graphics cards to be used at full power for working on cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum. In recent days there has also been sympathetic coverage, but now these contributions had to be withdrawn again. Because analysis of the software showed that its developers were mainly looking for a way to force malicious code on users.

Of course, the tool has not made the promised changes to the graphics card firmware. Instead, the installer injects foreign code into the Powershell of the Windows systems.

Accurate analysis is still pending

It is not yet entirely clear what consequences this will have for the user’s system. Initial investigations have not yielded any clear conclusions and it is said that the malware can serve as both a keylogger and build a botnet for mining cryptocurrencies. Further analyzes can be expected in the coming days. The alleged unlock has since been removed on GitHub.

Nvidia started implementing hash locks in the firmware of graphics cards intended for the gaming market some time ago. As a result, regular customers from the games sector should no longer be confronted with serious bottlenecks because the mining operators are buying the market dry. Alternatively, these are now being offered products specifically developed for crypto mining.