Removing 000 Stealer malware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is 000 Stealer?
While inspecting malware selling hotspots, our researchers discovered a malicious program named 000. It is a stealer-type malware designed to exfiltrate and extract a wide variety of sensitive data from infected machines.
000 Stealer malware overview
The 000 Stealer can download files, obtain system and user data, and extract information from browsers and other installed applications.
This program collects the following device data - GPU, CPU, OS (Operating System), RAM, IP address/ geolocation, and active processes. According to 000 Stealer's promotional material, it is a customizable program - in addition to managing its operations, cyber criminals can geoblock the stealer (i.e., set regions of interest or those where it should not operate). This malware can take screenshots and download files from the desktop and documents folders.
This stealer targets over twenty browsers (full list), and from them it can extract - Internet cookies, download data, bookmarks, auto-fills, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), and other vulnerable information. 000 Stealer also attempts to obtain the credentials of over sixty cryptocurrency wallets, both those with an online access (full list) and those without (full list).
Additionally, this malware can steal various information from communication platforms (e.g., Discord, Telegram), file transfer protocols (e.g., FileZilla), and games/gaming-related software (e.g., Minecraft, Steam).
To summarize, malware infections like 000 Stealer can lead to serious privacy issues, significant financial losses, and even identity theft. If you suspect that your system is already infected, we strongly advise using an anti-virus to remove all threats immediately.
| Name | 000 Stealer virus |
| Threat Type | Trojan, password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win64:PWSX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.39343858), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of WinGo/PSW.Agent.BG), Kaspersky (Trojan-PSW.Win64.BroPass.yr), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Mamson.A!ac), Full List Of Detections (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. |
Stealer-type malware examples
We have analyzed countless stealers; Whisper Stealer, ColdStealer, FFDroider, MetaStealer, and Lightning Stealer are just some examples.
Malware can have a broad range of functionalities, which can be in varied combinations. Hence, stealer capabilities are common for other malware types. However, regardless of how malicious software operates - its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety.
How did 000 Stealer infiltrate my computer?
Since 000 Stealer is offered for sale on the Web, how it is distributed depends on the specific cyber criminals using it. In general, malware is mainly spread using phishing and social engineering tactics.
Malicious programs are often disguised as or bundled with ordinary software/media. Infectious files can be archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), PDF and Microsoft Office documents, JavaScript, and so forth. When such a file is opened - the infection process is triggered.
The most common distribution methods include: malicious attachments and links in spam email and messages, drive-by (stealthy and deceptive) downloads, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks), fake updaters, illegal activation tools ("cracks"), and online scams.
How to avoid installation of malware?
We highly recommend downloading from official and verified channels. Furthermore, all programs must be activated and updated with tools provided by genuine developers, as those acquired from third-parties can cause system infections.
What is more, the attachments and links present in suspicious emails and messages - must not be opened, as they may contain malware.
It is paramount to have a dependable anti-virus installed and kept updated. Security software must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove detected threats and 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.
Appearance of 000 Stealer malware promoted on hacker forums (GIF):
List of browsers targeted by 000 Stealer: Brave, Chrome, Chrome Beta, Chromium, CocCoc, Comodo, Edge, Firefox, Firefox Beta, Firefox Dev, Firefox ESR, Firefox Nightly, Maxthon, Opera, Opera GX, Orbitum, QQBrowser, Speed360, Vivaldi, and Yandex.
List of online cryptocurrency wallets (hot wallets) targeted by 000 Stealer: Binance Wallet, CerbyMask, Clover, Coin98, Coinbase Wallet, Finnie, Goby, Guarda, Harmony, Hashpack, Hiro Wallet, ICOnex, Infinity Wallet, Jaxx, KardiaChain, Keplr, Liquality Wallet, Maiar DeFi Wallet, Math Wallet, Metamask, MetaWallet, MyEtherWallet, Nabox Wallet, Nami, Nash, Oasis Wallet, ONTO Wallet, Phantom, PIP, Polkadot-JS, Rabby, Ronin, Sender Wallet, Slope, Solflare, Sollet, Solong, StarMask, Terra, Tezos Wallet, Tron, WaykiMax, XDeFi, Yaroi, Zecrey, and ZilPay.
List of offline cryptocurrency wallets (cold wallets) targeted by 000 Stealer: 42-Coin, Argentum, Armory, Atomic, Bitcoin Core, Bytecoin, Coinomi, Dashcoin, Deadalus, Dogecoin, Electrum, Ethereum, Exodus, Guarda, Jaxx Liberty, Litecoin Core, Monero GUI, Polkadot-JS Desktop, Quarkcoin, Terracoin, TokenPocket, and ZCash.
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 000 Stealer?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of 000 Stealer 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 000 Stealer malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, 000 Stealer can be removed without formatting.
What are the biggest issues that 000 Stealer malware can cause?
The threats posed by a malicious program depend on its functionalities and the cyber criminals' modus operandi. 000 Stealer is designed to steal information; hence, its infections may lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of 000 Stealer malware?
Typically, malware is used to generate revenue. However, other reasons include - the attackers' amusement, process distribution (e.g., websites, services, companies, organizations, etc.), political/geopolitical motivations, and personal grudges.
How did 000 Stealer malware infiltrate my computer?
Malware is primarily proliferated through drive-by downloads, spam emails and messages, unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks (e.g., Torrent clients, eMule, Gnutella, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), online scams, and fake updates. Furthermore, some malicious programs are capable of self-spreading via local networks and unplugged 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 most of the known malware infections. It is noteworthy that performing a complete system scan is paramount - since high-end malicious software tends to hide deep within systems.
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