How to remove DarkVision from the operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is DarkVision?
DarkVision is the name of a Remote Administration Trojan (RAT). Malware of this type is designed to provide unauthorized access to a victim's computer. The RAT allows attackers to control the infected computer remotely, giving them access to sensitive data and the ability to perform a range of malicious actions.
More about DarkVision
Once installed on a victim's computer, DarkVision creates a backdoor that allows the attacker to access and control the system remotely. The attacker can use the RAT to steal sensitive data, plant additional malware, and use the infected computer as part of a larger botnet.
A RAT like DarkVision can have several modules that provide various functionalities to the attacker. Typically, such malware enables threat actors to view the victim's desktop, control mouse movements, and type in keystrokes, record all keystrokes made on the target system, including usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information.
Also, a RAT allows the attacker to browse and manage files on the victim's computer, control the target system's webcam and microphone, scan the target network for vulnerabilities and other targets, gather information about the target system, run programs, access system resources, and more.
One of the key features of RATs is their ability to remain undetected by anti-virus software. RATs can evade detection by using encryption to disguise their presence on a system and by modifying system files to avoid detection. Some RATs can even disable or modify anti-virus software to prevent detection.
| Name | DarkVision Remote Access Trojan |
| Threat Type | Remote Access Trojan (RAT) |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win64:TrojanX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Lazy.324547), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win64/Agent.IC), Kaspersky (Trojan.Win32.RegistryStorage.jh), Microsoft (Trojan:Win64/Androm.RJ!MTB), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Remote Administration 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 | Smoke Loader Trojan, infected email attachments |
| Damage | Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, the victim's computer added to a botnet, additional infections, montary loss, and more |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, RATs are dangerous tools that can give attackers complete control over a victim's computer system. The modules discussed in this article are just a few of the many capabilities that RATs can have. Victims of a RAT can experience a range of issues, including loss of privacy, identity theft, financial loss, and damage to personal and professional reputation.
Examples of other RATs are Atharvan, Colour-Blind, and Konni.
How did DarkVision infiltrate my computer?
DarkVision is known to be distributed via Smoke Loader Trojan. Smoke Loader malware is commonly distributed through spam emails disguised as job applications or work-related documents containing Microsoft Office files.
When users open the attachment, they are prompted to enable macros to properly view the content, which triggers the malware's execution. The malware then establishes a connection to a remote IP address, allowing the attacker to infiltrate Smoke Loader into systems.
Once Smoke Loader is injected, it is used to download DarkVision. It is important to mention that cybercriminals can use Smoke Loader to distribute all kinds of malware.
How to avoid installation of malware?
To avoid malware, it is essential to practice safe browsing habits and exercise caution when downloading files from the Internet. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening email attachments from unknown addresses (especially when emails are irrelevant or unexpected).
Also, keep your operating system and software up to date with the latest security patches and use reputable antivirus software to protect your system from 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 DarkVision RAT's admin panel:
Screenshot of DarkVision RAT's promotion website:
Update October 23, 2024 - Recently, a new malware campaign distributing DarkVision RAT was uncovered. In this campaign, the DarkVision RAT attack begins with a .NET executable that decrypts second-stage shellcode. This shellcode utilizes the Donut loader to directly load .NET assemblies into memory.
The next stage involves the PureCrypter assembly, which decompresses and deserializes a payload. Finally, the RAT achieves persistence by resolving APIs dynamically and using XOR encoding to conceal critical information from detection.
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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
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 DarkVision?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of DarkVision 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 DarkVision malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
If your computer is infected with DarkVision malware, formatting your device can effectively remove it. However, this method should be considered a last resort since it will erase all data on a computer. Before taking this step, you should try to remove the malware using an antivirus program.
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
The biggest issues that malware can cause include stealing sensitive information such as personal and financial data, destroying important files and documents, and rendering the system unusable. Malware can also lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences.
What is the purpose of DarkVision?
This malware provides remote access to the attackers, allowing them to control and use the compromised computer for malicious activities.
How did DarkVision infiltrate my computer?
The distribution of DarkVision is known to be facilitated by the Smoke Loader Trojan, typically delivered through spam emails posing as work-related documents or job applications containing Microsoft Office files.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Combo Cleaner has the ability to identify and remove nearly all known malware infections. However, it is important to note that sophisticated malware can often hide in the depths of the system. Thus, it is crucial to perform a complete system scan to ensure its detection and removal.
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