How to eliminate the RDP stealer malware from your operating system

What kind of malware is RDP stealer?

RDP stealer is a malicious program that targets Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) log-in credentials. Its developers are offering this stealer for sale on the Web. Hence, how this malware is distributed depends on the cyber criminals using it at the time.

RDP stealer malware overview

This stealer targets specific information – the log-in credentials of remote desktop protocols. Essentially, RDP provides an interface for the connection from one device to another over a network connection.

With the data obtained through this malware, i.e., IP address and RDP username/password – the cyber criminals can gain remote access to the victim's computer. RDP access is commonly implemented in multi-stage attacks that culminate in other high-risk infections, such as trojans, ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, and others.

The threats associated with an infection depend on the malware's functionalities and the attackers' goals; this RDP stealer could be used in all manner of attacks.

Generally, malware may cause multiple system infections, decreased system performance, data loss, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

If you suspect that your device is infected with the RDP stealer (or other malware) – we strongly recommend using an anti-virus to run a complete system scan and remove all detected threats without delay.

Threat Summary:

Name	RDP stealer malware
Threat Type	Trojan, stealer, password-stealing virus.
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:RATX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Razy.681126), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/TrojanDropper.Agent.E), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-PSW.Python.Stealer.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:MSIL/Nanocore.SDSD!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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner 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.

Malware in general

We have analyzed thousands of malware samples; Nagogy Grabber, Fewer Stealer, DarkGate, and SuperBear RAT are merely some of our newest articles.

Malicious software can have an incredibly specific purpose, much like this RDP stealer does. However, it may have a broad range of harmful capabilities. Regardless of how malware operates – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate all threats immediately upon detection.

How did RDP stealer infiltrate my computer?

As mentioned in the introduction, RDP stealer is offered for sale by its developers on Telegram. Therefore, how this stealer is spread depends on the cyber criminals using it at the time.

Malware is predominantly proliferated utilizing phishing and social engineering techniques. Malicious programs are typically disguised as or bundled with ordinary software/media files. They can be executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so forth. When a virulent file is executed, run, or otherwise opened – the system infection chain is triggered.

The most widely used distribution methods include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, online scams, malicious attachments and links in spam mail (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, etc.), malvertising, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.

Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-proliferate via local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).

How to avoid installation of malware?

We highly recommend downloading only from official and verified channels. Additionally, all programs must be activated and updated using legitimate functions/tools, as those acquired from third-parties may contain malware.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. We advise exercising caution with incoming emails and other messages. Attachments or links found in dubious mail must not be opened, as they can be malicious.

We must emphasize the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected 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 RDP stealer malware promoted on Telegram:

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 RDP stealer?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of RDP 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 RDP stealer malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

No, most malicious programs can be removed without resorting to formatting.

What are the biggest issues that RDP stealer malware can cause?

The threats associated with an infection depend on the malware's capabilities and the attackers' modus operandi. As implied by its name, RDP stealer is a program that extracts/exfiltrates remote desktop protocol log-in credentials. Generally, high-risk infections can lead to serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of RDP stealer malware?

In most cases, malware is used for profit. However, cyber criminals can also utilize malicious software to amuse themselves, carry out personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, organizations, etc.), and even launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.

How did RDP stealer malware infiltrate my computer?

Malware is mainly spread through drive-by downloads, spam emails and messages, online scams, malvertising, untrustworthy download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-proliferate via local networks and removable storage devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating nearly all known malware infections. It is noteworthy that since sophisticated malicious software typically hides deep within systems – performing a complete system scan is crucial.

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