How to remove the BLADABINDI backdoor from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is BLADABINDI?
BLADABINDI is a backdoor threat, designed to inject systems with malicious payloads. I.e., following successful infiltration, it stealthily downloads/installs malware onto affected systems. At the time of research, BLADABINDI has been observed being proliferated by and bundled with Windscribe VPN installers.
"Bundling" is the term used to describe a deceptive marketing technique of packing ordinary software with unwanted or malicious additions. Note that Windscribe is a legitimate cyber-security and privacy company offering tools geared towards device and online security/privacy.
The BLADABINDI backdoor bundled with the aforementioned VPN application was not distributed through official channels (e.g. Windscribe's website, Google or Apple stores) - cyber criminals promoted the modified installers through unofficial and third party download sources.
More about BLADABINDI
As mentioned, the primary function of the BLADABINDI backdoor is to cause chain infections (i.e., download/install additional malware). Through this backdoor, a compromised system can be infected with Trojans, ransomware, cryptominers and other malicious programs.
To elaborate, BLADABINDI can download and execute files, as well as update them. The backdoor can also extract computer data, such as device name, operating system details (e.g. version, architecture, etc.), and system account username.
BLADABINDI can also detect installed anti-virus tools installed on the system and take screenshots (images of the screen).
To summarize, BLADABINDI infections can lead to a wide variety of problems, including (but not limited to) device/data damage, financial losses, severe privacy issues and identity theft.
If it is known or suspected that BLADABINDI (or other malware) has already infected the system, use anti-virus software to eliminate it immediately.
| Name | BLADABINDI virus |
| Threat Type | Trojan, password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware. |
| Detection Names (deceptive installer) | Avast (Win32:Malware-gen), BitDefender (Gen:Variant.Bulz.78687), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/TrojanDropper.Agent.EXX), Kaspersky (HEUR:Backdoor.MSIL.Bladabindi.gen), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (malicious file "lscm.exe") | AVG (Win32:Malware-gen), BitDefender (Trojan.GenericKD.43751695), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/TrojanDownloader.Tiny.AOA), Kaspersky (HEUR:Backdoor.MSIL.Bladabindi.gen), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Malicious Process Name(s) | lscm (process name may vary) |
| 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. |
Malware of this type in general
Groooboor, Upatre, BazarBackdoor, Berbew and Buer Loader are some examples of malicious programs, which operate as backdoors for other malware. Malicious software can have a wide variety of functions that can likewise be used in varied ways, depending on the cyber criminals' intentions.
Regardless of how these programs operate, the purpose is always the same: to generate revenue for the developers and criminals using them.
How did BLADABINDI infiltrate my computer?
BLADABINDI was spread through deceptive installers, disguised as the Windscribe VPN installation setups. The bundled installer consisted of the legitimate Windscribe VPN install setup, a malicious file containing the backdoor ("lscm.exe"; filename may vary), and an app operating as the runner for the virulent file ("win.vbs"; may vary).
The fake installation setups were distributed through untrustworthy download sources.
Malware is usually distributed via malspam campaigns, unofficial software activation ('cracking') tools, Trojans, dubious file/software download sources, and fake software updating tools.
When cyber criminals attempt to distribute malware via malspam campaigns, they send emails that contain malicious attachments or download links for malicious files. Typically, they disguise their emails as official and important. If recipients open the attached file (or a file downloaded via a website link), they cause installation of malicious software.
Cyber criminals commonly attach executable files (.exe), archive files such as RAR, ZIP, PDF documents, JavaScript files and Microsoft Office documents to their emails. Software 'cracking' tools supposedly activate licensed software illegally (bypass activation), however, they often install malicious programs and do not activate any legitimate installed software.
Trojans are other rogue programs that can cause chain infections. I.e., when a Trojan is installed on the operating system, it can install additional malware.
Free file hosting websites, freeware download websites, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), unofficial websites, and third party downloaders are examples of other sources that are used to distribute malware. Cyber criminals disguise malicious files as legitimate and regular. When users download and open them, they inadvertently infect their computers with malware.
Fake software updating tools install malicious software rather than updates/fixes for installed programs, or they exploit bugs/flaws of outdated software that is installed on the operating system.
How to avoid installation of malware
Download software and files from official websites and via direct links. It is not safe to use torrent clients, eMule (or other Peer-to-Peer networks), third party downloaders, unofficial websites or other sources of this kind.
Avoid third party installers. Check "Advanced", "Custom" and other settings, and decline offers to download or install unwanted software. Do not click ads that are displayed on dubious websites, since they can open other untrusted websites or even cause unwanted downloads and installations.
Remove any unwanted, suspicious applications (extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins) that are installed on the browser. The same should be applied to programs of this kind that are installed on the operating system.
Regularly scan your computer with reputable antivirus or anti-spyware software and keep this software up to date.
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.
Screenshot of the deceptive installer used to proliferate BLADABINDI:
Screenshot of BLADABINDI process in Windows Task Manager ("lscm"):
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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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 BLADABINDI?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of BLADABINDI 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 BLADABINDI malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
You do not have to format the storage device to eliminate BLADABINDI. It can be achieved by following the steps described in our removal guide.
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
Malware can steal sensitive information, encrypt files, mine cryptocurrency, launch DDoS attacks, inject other malware, and more. It depends on the type of malware.
What is the purpose of BLADABINDI malware?
The purpose of BLADABINDI is to inject additional malware (infect computers with other malware). Cybercriminals can use it to distribute ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, Trojans, and other types of malware (or other unwanted software).
How did a malware infiltrate my computer?
Most cybercriminals send emails containing malicious attachments or links or use cracked software download pages to distribute malware. They also use fake system warning messages, unreliable sources for downloading files/programs (like P2P networks, third-party downloaders, etc.), and similar channels for malware distribution.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will detect and eliminate malware. It can detect almost all known malware. A computer must be scanned using a full scan to remove high-end malware because malware of this kind can hide deep in the operating system.
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