What is the general purpose of a Dropper in a malware context?

In the context of malware, the primary purpose of a Dropper is to install additional malicious payloads on a target system. A Dropper is a type of malware designed specifically to deploy other types of malicious software, which may include Trojans, spyware, ransomware, or other harmful payloads. Once the Dropper has successfully executed its initial phase on the target device, it can then download and install these secondary threats, thereby compromising the system further.

The Dropper often does this stealthily, working without the user’s knowledge, and may take advantage of vulnerabilities in the system to facilitate its actions. This process is crucial for attackers, as it allows them to establish a foothold and potentially execute a range of malicious activities on the compromised system. The effectiveness of a Dropper lies in its ability to bypass security measures and operate unnoticed, making it a fundamental component of many multi-stage attacks.