Removal instructions for the Qwixx stealer-type malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is Qwixx?
Qwixx is a stealer-type malware. This malicious program operates by extracting vulnerable information from various applications installed on infected systems. Qwixx targets account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, and other highly sensitive data.
Qwixx malware overview
As mentioned in the introduction, Qwixx is designed to extract and exfiltrate data from infected devices. From browsers, this stealer seeks to acquire browsing histories, Internet cookies, stored log-in credentials (e.g., email addresses, IDs, usernames, passwords, passphrases), and saved credit card numbers.
The malware targets the Roblox video game platform cookies specifically. However, Qwixx aims to obtain data associated with other video games as well.
The stealer targets log-in credentials in general, including those of email accounts. Emails are of particular interest to cyber criminals since these accounts are typically used to register other content, which could also be stolen.
To elaborate on the potential misuse: criminals can steal the identities of social account owners (e.g., emails, social networking, social media, messengers, etc.) and ask the contacts/friends/followers for loans or donations, promote scams, and proliferate malware by sharing malicious files/links.
Furthermore, hijacked finance-related accounts (e.g., online banking, e-commerce, money transferring, cryptowallets, etc.) can be used to make unauthorized transactions and online purchases.
It must be mentioned that malware developers often improve upon their software; hence, future releases of Qwixx could have additional/different abilities.
To summarize, the presence of software like Qwixx on devices can result in severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Qwixx malware |
| Threat Type | Trojan, stealer, password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:KeyloggerX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (IL:Trojan.MSILZilla.23953), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/PSW.Discord.CV), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-PSW.MSIL.Stealer.gen), Microsoft (PWS:MSIL/AdamantiumTheif.GA!MTB), 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 investigated numerous malware samples; SXH, RootTeam, Muggle, Phemedrone, and Meduza are but a few examples of stealers.
Information-stealing software can target incredibly specific details or a broad range of data. Stealer can also have other types of capabilities, e.g., file download or upload, cryptocurrency wallet address replacement, etc. This applies to all kinds of malware; malicious software can have a wide variety of functionalities that can be in varied combinations.
Regardless of how malware operates – its presence endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be removed immediately upon detection.
How did Qwixx infiltrate my computer?
At the time of writing, Qwixx is promoted on its developers' Telegram channel. How this stealer is spread is currently unknown.
Malware is predominantly proliferated using phishing and social engineering tactics. Malicious programs are typically disguised as or bundled with ordinary software/media. Infectious files come in various formats, e.g., executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), documents (PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, etc.), JavaScript, and so on.
In general, malware is mainly distributed through malicious attachments/links in spam emails and messages, online scams, drive-by (stealthy and deceptive) downloads, malvertising, untrustworthy download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal program activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates.
Some malicious programs can even self-spread via local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
How to avoid installation of malware?
We strongly recommend exercising caution with incoming emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, and other messages. The attachments or links found in suspect mail must not be opened, as they can be virulent. Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous.
Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. We advise activating and updating software only using functions/tools provided by genuine developers, as those obtained from third-parties can contain malware.
It is paramount to have a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated. Security programs must be used to run 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.
Screenshot of the Qwixx stealer promoted on its developers' Telegram channel:
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My computer is infected with Qwixx malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, Qwixx stealer's removal does not require formatting.
What are the biggest issues that Qwixx malware can cause?
The threats posed by an infection depend on the malicious program's functionalities and the cyber criminals' aims. Qwixx is designed to steal sensitive data from infected systems, e.g., Internet cookies, log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc. Generally, such infections can result in severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of Qwixx malware?
Cyber criminals primarily use malware for profit. However, malicious software could be used for amusement or process disruption (e.g., sites, services, companies, organizations, etc.). Malware attacks can also be motivated by personal grudges or political/geopolitical reasons.
How did Qwixx malware infiltrate my computer?
Malware is mainly distributed via drive-by downloads, online scams, spam emails and messages, malvertising, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and remove all manner of threats. It is capable of removing practically all known malware infections. Note that performing a full system scan is essential since sophisticated malicious programs usually hide deep within systems.
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