How to remove KryptoCibule malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is KryptoCibule?
KryptoCibule is malware written in the C# programming language and capable of operating as a cryptocurrency miner, clipboard hijacker and file exfiltration tool. It uses victims' computer hardware (resources) to mine cryptocurrency, can replace wallet addresses in the system clipboard, and exfiltrate cryptocurrency-related files.
KryptoCibule malware overview
Research shows that the latest version of KryptoCibule malware uses XMRig to mine Monero cryptocurrency using the victim's CPU (Central Processing Unit), and kawpowminer to mine Ethereum cryptocurrency using the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).
The mining process often causes high CPU and/or GPU usage and, therefore, infected computers might run slowly or not respond at all. It can also cause system crashes, loss of unsaved data, hardware overheating, and other issues. Note that computers employed to mine cryptocurrency use more electricity and, therefore, users receive higher electricity bills.
Furthermore, KryptoCibule monitors changes in the system clipboard when it detects an address of a cryptocurrency wallet copied by a victim. This malware then replaces it with the address of a wallet (or wallets) controlled by the cyber criminals responsible.
Therefore, victims might inadvertently transfer cryptocurrency to cyber criminals a number of times without being aware. This malware also exfiltrates certain cryptocurrency-related files, it searches for filenames that contain terms relating to cryptocurrencies, wallets, miners, private keys, and then sends them to cyber criminals.
In summary, KryptoCibule is cryptocurrency-related malware, which can be used by cyber criminals to employ infected computers (hardware) to mine cryptocurrency, steal hijacked cryptocurrency transactions and files relating to wallets, miners, etc.
| Name | KryptoCibule virus |
| Threat Type | Clipboard hijacker, cryptocurrency miner, cryptocurrency-related data stealer. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win64:Trojan-gen), BitDefender (Gen:Variant.Ursu.955217), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/KryptoCibule.A.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml), Full List (VirusTotal). |
| Malicious Process Name(s) | System Arch x86_64 transX (its name may vary). |
| Symptoms | Malware like KryptoCibule is 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 | Torrent websites, infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software 'cracks'. |
| Damage | Computer used for cryptocurrency mining, loss of cryptocurrency and/or sensitive data |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Cryptocurrency-targeting malware examples
More examples of malware, which cyber criminals use to hijack clipboard/replace cryptocurrency wallet addresses, steal wallets and/or mine cryptocurrency on other computers, include ApocalypseClipper, Anubis Stealer, BitRAT and E-Clipper. Typically, victims of such malware lose money (through cryptocurrencies) and experience issues relating to privacy.
How did KryptoCibule infiltrate my computer?
Research shows that KryptoCibule is distributed through ZIP files that contain installers for cracked or pirated software and games. These ZIP files are distributed through malicious torrents. Additionally, people who have downloaded files employed to distribute KryptoCibule seed the torrents used by the malicious software and the malicious torrents that help spread it.
Therefore, malicious files are available for other users to download, which helps spread KryptoCibule faster. Note that cyber criminals can also use other Peer-to-Peer networks (eMule) to spread malware.
They often use malspam campaigns (emails), other untrusted file and software download sources such as unofficial pages, free file hosting pages, freeware download sites, unofficial software activation tools, and third party updaters to trick users into installing malware onto their computers.
How to avoid installation of malware
It is important update and activate software with tools that are designed by official software developers. Avoid third party activation, updating tools, since these are often the reason behind unintentional installation of malware. Furthermore, it is illegal to use 'cracking' programs to activate any licensed software.
Programs and files should NOT be downloaded or installed through third party downloaders/installers, Peer-to-Peer networks from unofficial pages, or other channels and sources of this kind. Use official websites and direct links. Attachments and website links in irrelevant emails that are sent from unknown, suspicious addresses should not be opened.
Commonly, these emails are sent by cyber criminals who often disguise them as important and official. Keep operating systems safe by regularly scanning them for threats with reputable antivirus or anti-spyware software. 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.
Torrent website used to distribute KryptoCibule:
KryptoCibule running in Task Manager as "System Arch x86_64 transX":
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:
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Quick menu:
- What is KryptoCibule?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of KryptoCibule 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My computer is infected with KryptoCibule malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, KryptoCibule's removal does not necessitate formatting.
What are the biggest issues that KryptoCibule malware can cause?
KryptoCibule is a cryptominer. It is designed to abuse system resources to generate cryptocurrency. Due to the strain this type of malware puts on a computer, these infections can lead to decreased system performance or failure, permanent data loss, and hardware damage. Victims may also experience financial losses due to increased electricity bills and/or device repair/replacement.
What is the purpose of KryptoCibule malware?
KryptoCibule, like most malicious programs, is designed to generate revenue. However, malware can also be used to amuse the cyber criminals, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, etc.), carry out personal vendettas, or launch a politically/geopolitically motivated attack.
How did KryptoCibule malware infiltrate my computer?
Malware is primarily proliferated through drive-by (stealthy and deceptive) downloads, malicious attachments and links in spam emails/messages, dubious download sources (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), online scams, illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Some malicious programs are capable of self-spreading via local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating practically all known malware infections. It has to be stressed that performing a full system scan is essential - since sophisticated malicious programs usually hide deep within systems.
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