How to remove ZombieBoy malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is ZombieBoy?
ZombieBoy is the name of a cryptomining Trojan that uses the EternalBlue exploit to spread and DoublePulsar backdoor to load and execute its modules. It is used for cryptocurrency mining and remote control. Additionally, it includes an intranet scanner module.
ZombieBoy in detail
ZombieBoy's remote access module can be used to capture the screen, record audio, edit the clipboard, log keystrokes (record keyboard input), and more. Cybercriminals can use it to steal sensitive information (including passwords, credit card details, and more) and spy on victims.
Also, ZombieBoy can be used as a tool to mine cryptocurrency using the hardware installed on the victim's computer. Cryptocurrency miners use a graphics processing unit (GPU) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) to mine cryptocurrency. Having a miner installed usually decreases computer performance and increases electricity consumption.
| Name | ZombieBoy cryptomining Trojan |
| Threat Type | Trojan |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win64:Malware-gen), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.44006034), ESET-NOD32 (Win64/TrojanDownloader.Agent.AX), Kaspersky (Trojan-Downloader.Win64.Agent.oh), Microsoft (TrojanDownloader:Win64/ZombieBoy.B!bit), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Malicious Process Name(s) | 123.exe, 64.exe, 74.exe, 84.exe, CPUinfo.exe, N.exe, S.exe, |
| Payload | Crypto mining and remote access modules |
| Symptoms | An unknown policy in IP security Polices, new executables in Windows directory, malicious processes running in Task manager, |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software 'cracks'. |
| Damage | The victim's computer added to a botnet, monetary loss, higher electiciry bills, decresed computer performance. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
More about ZombieBoy Trojan
It is known that ZombieBoy was first spotted on 2017 and later tens of thousands computers were infected by it. Most of the infected computers had weak security protection. ZombieBoy is called like that because it uses a tool called ZombieBoyTools to drop the first DLL of the malware. It uses WinEggDrop to search for new hosts.
How did ZombieBoy infiltrate my computer?
A big part of cybercriminals uses emails containing malicious attachments or website links to deliver malware. Usually, their emails are disguised as important/urgent/official letters from legitimate entities. Recipients infect computers by downloading and executing malware.
It is also common for malware to be distributed via cracked software download pages and other unreliable sources for downloading files and programs to distribute malware. Examples of other sources of this kind are free hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer networks (like torrents, eMule), various third-party downloaders, unofficial sites, etc.
In other cases, malware is distributed via fake updaters. Cybercriminals attempt to trick users into executing malware by themselves. They use malicious Microsoft Office or PDF documents, JavaScript files, executables, archives, and other files.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Do not trust irrelevant emails sent from unknown addresses. Opening attachments and links in such emails can cause computer infections. Download programs (and files) only from official pages and use direct links. Activate and update installed programs with tools provided by their official developers.
Keep the operating system (and other installed software) up to date. Also, have reputable antivirus software installed on a computer and run virus scans regularly. 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:
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Quick menu:
- What is ZombieBoy?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of ZombieBoy 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 ZombieBoy malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, there is no need to format the storage device to remove ZombieBoy.
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
It may cause problems such as identity theft, financial losses, decreased computer performance, further computer infections, data loss. It depends on the type of malware.
What is the purpose of ZombieBoy malware?
It is known that this malware can execute cryptocurrency mining and remote access modules. It uses a computer for cryptocurrency mining and steals sensitive information.
How did a malware infiltrate my computer?
Malware is distributed using various phishing and other social engineering techniques (e.g., emails containing malicious links or attachments, fake system warning messages. In other cases, threat actors aim to trick users into executing malicious drive-by downloads, files downloaded via P2P networks, cracked software download pages, and other unreliable sources.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and eliminate almost all known malware infections. When computers are infected with high-risk malware, they must be scanned using a full scan option. Otherwise, antivirus software will not be able to detect malware hiding deep in the operating system.
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