How to eliminate XStealer malware from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is XStealer?
XStealer is a piece of malicious software designed to steal data. This stealer malware can exfiltrate browsing and user information. Therefore, XStealer infections endanger victims' privacy and safety.
XStealer malware overview
XStealer, like many stealers, begins its operation by gathering relevant device data (e.g., machine name, username, user privileges, OS version and architecture, etc.). This malware can exfiltrate text files from specific locations, i.e., the Desktop, as well as the Downloads and Documents folders.
Additionally, XStealer can extract Internet cookies from browsers and Telegram and Steam sessions. With this data in their possession (i.e., cookies, sessions), cyber criminals might be able to steal various accounts.
It is noteworthy that malware developers often improve upon their creations; hence, future variants of XStealer could target a broader range of data and/or have additional abilities.
In summary, XStealer infections can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
If you believe that your device is infected with XStealer (or other malware) - run a full system scan with an anti-virus and remove all detected threats without delay.
| Name | XStealer virus |
| Threat Type | Trojan, password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win64:Evo-gen [Trj]), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Fortinet (W32/NDAoF), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-PSW.Python.Agent.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml), 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 thousands of malware samples; WASP, Patriot, and AcridRain are merely a few stealer examples. Data-stealing malicious software can extract specific or a broad range of information. Stealers can also have other functionalities. However, regardless of how malware operates - its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety.
How did XStealer infiltrate my computer?
Malware is proliferated using phishing and social engineering tactics. Malicious software is typically disguised as or bundled with ordinary programs/media.
Virulent files can be PDF and Microsoft Office documents, archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), JavaScript, and so on. When such a file is executed, run, or otherwise opened - the infection process is triggered.
The most widely used proliferation techniques include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, malicious attachments and links present in spam emails/messages, online scams, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), fake updates, and malvertising.
How to avoid installation of malware?
We strongly recommend exercising caution with incoming mail. The attachments/links present in suspect emails or messages - must not be opened since they can be malicious and cause system infections. It is crucial to be vigilant when browsing - as fake and dangerous online content usually appears ordinary/innocuous.
Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified channels. We advise activating and updating programs using functions/tools provided by legitimate developers, as illegal activation tools ("cracks") and fake updaters can contain malware.
We must emphasize the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. This software must be used to run regular system scans to remove threats/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.
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 XStealer?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of XStealer 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 XStealer malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, XStealer's removal does not necessitate formatting.
What are the biggest issues that XStealer malware can cause?
The threats posed by a malicious program depend on its abilities and the cyber criminals' modus operandi. Therefore, a data stealer like XStealer infections can cause severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even result in identity theft.
What is the purpose of XStealer malware?
Most malware attacks are used to generate profit. However, cyber criminals can also use malicious software to amuse themselves, carry out personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, etc.), and even launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did XStealer malware infiltrate my computer?
Malware is mainly distributed through drive-by downloads, untrustworthy download channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), spam emails and messages, online scams, malvertising, illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-spread via local networks and/or removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate threats. It can remove practically all known malware infections. However, since high-end malicious programs tend to hide deep within systems - running a complete system scan is essential.
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