Fake GTA VI ISO file spreads malware, 99.99% empty zeroes

A Grand Theft Auto VI enthusiast has drawn attention to a 113GB ISO file allegedly being shared across torrent sites, prompting warnings from security researchers that the file is fraudulent and dangerous.

The Warning

X user @GTAGolden_ highlighted the file's circulation and asked followers to "take one for the team" to verify whether it contained a legitimate build of the highly anticipated game. The user did not specify where the file was first spotted, though it is alleged to have appeared on multiple torrent platforms.

In response, X user @Aidas29506493 claimed to have conducted reverse engineering on the file, stating: "It is fully fake and full of viruses."

Further analysis by online investigators indicates the massive ISO file consists almost entirely of junk data, alongside a 50KB virus.

Technical Analysis

In a follow-up post, a researcher explained the file's malicious structure:

"The decompiled bytecode literally contains commands to whitelist the entire C:\ drive in Windows Defender (powershell Add-MpPreference -ExclusionPath %SystemDrive%\) and kill security software (taskkill -f)."

The same researcher added in another response:

"It's not 100 GB of actual code—it's just a tiny 50 KB virus padded with 99.99% empty junk (literally endless zeroes)."

Ongoing Leaks and Context

Grand Theft Auto VI remains one of the most anticipated video game releases in history. Rockstar Games is scheduled to release an extended look at the title on Netflix on August 27.

However, a leaker known as Cyberleek has been releasing gameplay footage and the full map of Leonida, the game's setting. Cyberleek claims the leaks are in protest of Rockstar's decision to offer pre-sale digital copies, which the leaker described as "anti-gamer." The leaker has threatened to continue releasing clips until the publisher issues a public apology and promises "to be better."

Take-Two Interactive has taken steps to identify the leaker, requesting device IDs from all members of three Discord servers in an effort to stop or prosecute the leaks. However, identifying the individual or group behind Cyberleek may take time, and leaks have continued on a daily basis.

Security Advisory

The intense hype surrounding GTA VI, combined with ongoing leaks and rumors of a complete build, has created an environment where bad actors are exploiting gamers' curiosity. Security experts warn that downloading pirated or unreleased software carries significant risk.

"While it's never a good idea to download pirated software online, torrenting an unreleased game is 100 times worse. That's because it is more likely than not just a virus disguised as a build of the game."

Recommendation

The safest course of action for GTA VI fans is to wait for the game's official release in November and purchase it through legitimate channels. Potential buyers may also benefit from reading reviews before purchasing to ensure the title meets expectations.

Follow Tom's Hardware on Google News, or add us as a preferred source, to get our latest news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.