How to remove the Ratty Remote Access Trojan (RAT) from the operating system

What is the Ratty RAT?

Ratty is a malicious program categorized as a Remote Access Tool (RAT). When used for malicious purposes, RATS are referred to as Remote Access Trojans.

Ratty malware is an open source Java RAT. This Trojan was made available on the GitHub software development platform and was strongly endorsed on HackForums.

Sometime in 2016/2017, Ratty's original uploader deleted their repository, however, several clones (potentially, other variants) of Ratty still exist. Remote access Trojans allow remote access and control over infected devices.

These malicious programs can have a broad range of functionalities that enable likewise varied misuse. RATs are highly dangerous and, as such, all infections must be eliminated immediately.

Remote Access Trojans can have a significant amount of control over an infected machine, and in some cases can grant user-level control. Typically, these Trojans can interact with and manage the Windows Registry database, which contains information (e.g. settings, options, values and other details) of software and hardware installed on the operating system.

Due to this, RATs can manage (i.e. view, rename, copy, delete) system and personal files. They can even manipulate device software and hardware.

The malicious programs can access, execute, run files/applications and terminate their processes. They can spy via connected or integrated microphones/cameras (e.g. stream audio/video live or record).

Recording and/or obtaining stills (i.e. screenshots) of the screen is also a feature of this type of malware. RATs can often exfiltrate (download) data stored on the system and some can infiltrate (upload) it. If malicious software is capable of infiltrating files and executing them, this can cause chain infections (i.e. download/installation of additional malware).

As well as the capability of downloading stored content, remote access Trojans commonly have other features geared specifically towards stealing information. Keylogging (i.e. recording of key strokes) is common functionality, and the capability to extract saved/stored log-in credentials (i.e. IDs, usernames and passwords) from browsers and other applications.

If the stored/recorded content is particularly sensitive and/or compromising, it can be used for blackmail. Various online accounts are especially targeted by cyber criminals.

Stolen email, social networking/media and other communication accounts can be used by criminals to request  loans from contacts/friends and to spread malware by sharing infectious files under the guise of the genuine account owner. Accounts that deal with financial information (e.g. banking, e-commerce, money transfers and others) can be used for fraudulent transactions and to make online purchases.

To summarize, Ratty infections can result in substantial device and data damage, financial loss, serious privacy issues and identity theft. If it is suspected/known that the Ratty RAT (or other malware) has already infected the system, use anti-virus software to remove it without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	Ratty remote access trojan
Threat Type	Trojan, password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware.
Detection Names	Avast (Java:Malware-gen [Trj]), BitDefender (Exploit.AppendedJar.1.Gen), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Generik.JIFITEU), Kaspersky (Trojan.Java.Ratty.a), Full List (VirusTotal)
Symptoms	Trojans are designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim's computer and remain silent, and thus no particular symptoms are clearly visible on an infected machine.
Distribution methods	Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software 'cracks'.
Damage	Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, the victim's computer added to a botnet.
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

VanTom, DarkTrack, EpicSplit, Hupigon and Luminosity are some examples of other RATs. As mentioned, these malicious programs can be multi-functional and pose an especially serious threat to device/user safety.

Regardless of how malware operates, the purpose is identical: to generate revenue for the cyber criminal. Therefore, all malware infections necessitate immediate removal.

How did Ratty infiltrate my computer?

The primary malware distribution techniques include spam campaigns, illegal activation tools ("cracks"), bogus updates and dubious download channels. Spam campaigns are operations during which deceptive/scam emails are sent on a mass scale.

These messages are typically disguised as "official", "urgent", "important", and so on. The emails have infectious files attached to or linked inside them.

Malicious files can be in various formats (e.g. archives, executables, Microsoft Office and PDF documents, JavaScript, etc.) and when they are executed, run or otherwise opened, the infection process/chain is initiated. Rather than activating licensed products, "cracking" tools can download/install malware.

Fake updaters cause infections by abusing flaws of outdated products and/or simply installing malicious programs rather than the promised updates. Malware is often downloaded inadvertently from untrusted sources such as unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders.

How to avoid installation of malware

To avoid system infections through malware distributed via spam campaigns. Do not open suspect or irrelevant emails, especially those with any attachments or links found in them.

Use official and verified download channels. It is also important to activate and update products with tools/functions provided by legitimate developers. Illegal activation ("cracking") tools and third party updaters must not be used, as they often proliferate malicious software.

To ensure device integrity and user safety, it is paramount to have reputable anti-virus software installed. This must be kept up to date, used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats/issues.

If you believe that your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Instant automatic malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is Ratty?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of Ratty malware.
• STEP 2. Check if your computer is clean.

How to remove malware manually?

Manual malware removal is a complicated task - usually it is best to allow antivirus or anti-malware programs to do this automatically. To remove this malware we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

If you wish to remove malware manually, the first step is to identify the name of the malware that you are trying to remove. Here is an example of a suspicious program running on a user's computer:

If you checked the list of programs running on your computer, for example, using task manager, and identified a program that looks suspicious, you should continue with these steps:

Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:

Restart your computer into Safe Mode:

Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK.

During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking - Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window, select Advanced startup.

Click the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu". Click the "Troubleshoot" button, and then click the "Advanced options" button.

In the advanced option screen, click "Startup settings". Click the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.

Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options".

In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button. In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.

Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

 

Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.

In the Autoruns application, click "Options" at the top and uncheck "Hide Empty Locations" and "Hide Windows Entries" options. After this procedure, click the "Refresh" icon.

Check the list provided by the Autoruns application and locate the malware file that you want to eliminate.

You should write down its full path and name. Note that some malware hides process names under legitimate Windows process names. At this stage, it is very important to avoid removing system files.

After you locate the suspicious program you wish to remove, right click your mouse over its name and choose "Delete".

After removing the malware through the Autoruns application (this ensures that the malware will not run automatically on the next system startup), you should search for the malware name on your computer.

Be sure to enable hidden files and folders before proceeding. If you find the filename of the malware, be sure to remove it.

Reboot your computer in normal mode. Following these steps should remove any malware from your computer. Note that manual threat removal requires advanced computer skills.

If you do not have these skills, leave malware removal to antivirus and anti-malware programs. These steps might not work with advanced malware infections.

As always it is best to prevent infection than try to remove malware later. To keep your computer safe, install the latest operating system updates and use antivirus software.

To be sure your computer is free of malware infections, we recommend scanning it with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

▼ Show Discussion