How to remove Zenon clipper malware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Zenon clipper?
Zenon is malicious software classified as a 'clipper'. The primary functionality of this malware is stealing outgoing transfers from digital currency wallets. It does this by replacing the addresses of recipient cryptocurrency wallets and other e-wallets with those under possession of cyber criminals using Zenon.
Furthermore, this clipper has significant anti-detection and anti-analysis capabilities. The Zenon clipper is classified as a highly dangerous program. Therefore, its infections must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
The Zenon clipper targets outgoing transactions to and from Bitcoin, Dash, Doge Coin, Etherum, Lite Coin, Monero and Zcash cryptowallets. Other digital wallets that are similarly targeted include Payeer, Qiwi, Ripple, Yandex Money, WMR, WMU and WMZ.
As mentioned, the malicious program stealthily transfers the outgoing (potentially, incoming) transactions by replacing the addresses of the receiving e-wallets. It can also disrupt trades on the Steam video game digital distribution service. Zenon intercepts the exchanges by replacing Steam trade links.
Additionally, this clipper can display fake error messages. It has the capability to detect whether it is run on a virtual machine and operate accordingly to the findings. Another of the clipper's functionality is to disable Windows SmartScreen, an anti-phishing/anti-malware component of Microsoft products.
Windows Task Manager can likewise be disabled to ensure that the malicious program's process is not terminated. The malware is also lightweight (100-200 KB size) and, hence, does not put a strain on system resources. Therefore, it is unlikely to raise suspicion, as the device's operation and response time is often unaffected.
These are just some of Zenon's features, which ensure its persistence and complicate detection. If it is suspected/known that Zenon clipper (or other malware) has already infected the system, use anti-virus software to remove it without delay.
| Name | Zenon malware |
| Threat Type | Trojan, password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj]), BitDefender (Trojan.MSIL.Basic.8.Gen), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/Kryptik.XHC), Fortinet (MSIL/Kryptik.XGY!tr), Full List (VirusTotal). |
| Malicious Process Name(s) | SmartFTP Client Setup (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. |
MoistStealer, T-RAT, KryptoCibule and ApocalypseClipper are some examples of other malicious programs with clipper functionality. Malware can be designed for a wide variety of purposes and have different capabilities in varied combinations.
This software can extract information from infected devices, browsers and other applications, cause chain infections (i.e. download/install additional malware), remotely control the compromised machine, encrypt files and/or lock the screen for ransom purposes (ransomware), use system resources to mine cryptocurrency (cryptominers), and so on.
Regardless of how malicious programs operate, the purpose is always the same: to generate revenue for the cyber criminals using them.
How did Zenon infiltrate my computer?
At the time of research, the Zenon clipper was offered for sale on various hacker forums. Therefore, how it is proliferated depends on the specific cyber criminals who have obtained it. The most common malware distribution methods are via Trojans, spam campaigns, illegal activation tools ("cracking"), bogus updaters and dubious download sources.
Trojans are malicious programs with a broad range of functionality that can include the capability to cause chain infections (i.e. download/install additional malware). Spam campaigns are large-scale operations, during which thousands of scam emails are sent.
The deceptive messages contain download links of infectious files and/or the files are simply attached to the emails. Malicious files can be in various formats (e.g. PDF and Microsoft Office documents, archive and executable files, JavaScript, etc.) and when they are opened, the infection process is triggered.
Rather that activate licensed products, illegal activation tools ("cracks") can download/install malware. Fake updaters infect systems by exploiting weaknesses of outdated products or by installing malicious programs.
Untrusted download channels such as unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and third party downloaders can offer malware, disguised as or bundled with normal content .
How to avoid installation of malware
Do not open suspect or irrelevant emails, especially those with any links or attachments found in them, as this can lead to high-risk system infection. You are advised to only use official and verified download sources. Additionally, all products must activated/updated with tools or functions provided by legitimate developers.
Illegal activation ("cracking") tools and third party updaters should be avoided, as they are often employed to spread malware. To protect device and user safety, it is crucial to have a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed. This software must be kept updated, used to run regular system scans and to remove detected/potential threats.
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 Zenon clipper process in Windows Task Manager ("SmartFTP Client Setup"):
Screenshots of Zenon clipper promoted online:
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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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.
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