Removal instructions for the Lumar stealer-type malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is Lumar?
Lumar is a lightweight stealer-type malware written in the C programming language. As its classification implies, this piece of software is designed to steal information. Data of interest includes Internet cookies, stored passwords, and cryptocurrency wallets.
Lumar was first noted being promoted on hacker forums in July of 2023. Due to this program being offered for sale, its distribution may vary based on the cyber criminals using it.
Lumar malware overview
After the Lumar stealer infiltrates systems, it starts gathering relevant device data (e.g., device name, CPU, RAM, keyboard layout, etc.).
Stealers primarily target information stored on browsers, and Lumar is not an exception. This malicious program aims to extract Internet cookies and log-in credentials (i.e., usernames, IDs, email addresses, passwords, passphrases, etc.). It likewise targets Telegram Messenger sessions. This stealer also collects information related to cryptowallets.
It has grabber capabilities as well, i.e., it can download files from victims' desktops. Formats of interest include (but are not limited to) DOC, TXT, XLS, RDP, and JPG.
It must be mentioned that it is common for malware developers to update their software. Hence, potential future versions of Lumar could have a broader target list or additional/different functionalities.
To summarize, the presence of software like Lumar on devices can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | Lumar malware |
| Threat Type | Trojan, stealer, password-stealing virus. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:CrypterX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Doina.61700), ESET-NOD32 (Win32/Spy.Agent.QKK), Kaspersky (Trojan-PSW.Win32.Lumar.a), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/PovertyStealer.RPX!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
BlazeStealer, qBit, DarkEye, EasyStealer, and Exela are just some examples of stealers we have analyzed recently. Information-extracting malware can seek incredibly specific details or target a broad range of data. Likewise, these programs are not limited to their classification, meaning that they could have other types of capabilities, such as file download, keylogging, recording audio/video, causing chain infections, etc.
Yet how malware operates is irrelevant – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user privacy. Therefore, we strongly advise eliminating all threats immediately upon detection.
How did Lumar infiltrate my computer?
As mentioned in the introduction, Lumar is offered for sale by its developers on hacker forums. Hence, its distribution may vary based on the preferences/methodologies of the cyber criminals using it.
Generally, malware is proliferated by utilizing phishing and social engineering techniques. Malicious programs are usually presented as or bundled with regular software/media files. They can be archives (RAR, ZIP, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so on.
Malware is predominantly distributed via drive-by (stealthy and deceptive) downloads, dubious download sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), malicious attachments or links in spam emails/messages, online scams, malvertising, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates.
What is more, some malicious programs can self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
How to avoid installation of malware?
It is paramount to be vigilant while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content typically appears genuine and innocuous. We recommend exercising caution with incoming emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, and other messages. The attachments or links present in suspicious mail must not be opened, as they can be virulent.
Another recommendation is to download only from official and trustworthy channels. Additionally, all programs must be activated and updated by using legitimate functions/tools, as those acquired from third-parties may contain malware.
We must stress that having a dependable anti-virus installed and kept updated is essential to device/user safety. This 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.
Screenshot of Lumar stealer promoted on hacker forums:
Login screen of Lumar stealer's admin panel:
Update September 18, 2024 – Lumar developers are creating workarounds to bypass the encryption utilized by new Google Chrome browser versions. Currently, Lumar stealer can successfully extract Internet cookies from Chrome if it is run with admin privileges. The developers state that this is temporary, and they have plans on how to update the malware with the capability to steal cookies without administrator rights.
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 Lumar malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, Lumar can be removed without resorting to formatting.
What are the biggest issues that Lumar malware can cause?
Lumar is an information-stealer that targets Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, cryptocurrency wallets, and other sensitive data. Since the threats posed by an infection depend on the malware's functionalities and the cyber criminals' modus operandi, the primary dangers associated with Lumar include serious privacy issues and significant financial losses.
What is the purpose of Lumar malware?
Most malicious programs are used to generate revenue. However, cyber criminals can also use malicious software to amuse themselves, carry out personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., sites, services, companies, etc.), and even launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did Lumar malware infiltrate my computer?
Malware is mainly distributed through drive-by downloads, spam mail, online scams, malvertising, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Some malicious programs can even self-proliferate via local networks and removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove practically all known malware infections. It must be mentioned that performing a full system scan is crucial since high-end malicious programs tend to hide deep within systems.
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