Removal instructions for the StripedFly malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is StripedFly?
StripedFly is a sophisticated cross-platform malware framework. It targets Windows and Linux operating systems. This software is modular, i.e., it downloads modules for additional functionality.
StripedFly utilizes extensive anti-detection capabilities that have contributed to its initial misidentification as a cryptocurrency miner. While this malware does have cryptominer abilities, its functionalities are far broader.
StripedFly first came into prominence in 2022; however, its use of an exploit known since 2017 suggests that this program might have been around for quite a lot longer.
It is noteworthy that StripedFly uses legitimate code repositories to host and retrieve content, e.g., Bitbucket, GitHub, and GitLab. Download tracking provided by Bitbucket indicated that certain files associated with this malware were downloaded in the 50-150 thousand range. The numbers from this repository alone show that StripedFly has had a wide outreach.
StripedFly malware overview
As mentioned in the introduction, StripedFly is considered to be a high-end malware due to the multitude of implemented anti-detection capabilities. This malware framework infiltrates systems in a multi-stage chain, which includes a custom-built lightweight TOR client.
StripedFly is a modular software, and as such – its infections could vary based on the combination of modules downloaded.
To elaborate on some of the noteworthy components, this framework uses a module for reconnaissance. It gathers system data and sends it back to the C&C (Command and Control) server, e.g., device name, OS version, MAC address, RAM, NetBIOS name, IP addresses (geolocations), user account name and privileges, system language and keyboard layout, installed anti-viruses, etc.
StripedFly also uses several modules to receive and execute commands successfully. Other modules give this malware the ability to find and download specific format files, such as those relating to source code, certificates, databases, archives, documents, images, audio, video, etc. StripedFly forgoes system folders but scans for files of interest in all local drives and network shares.
Additionally, the malware can gather information about active windows, and it can take screenshots. StripedFly likewise records audio via integrated/attached microphones.
Another module is used to steal credentials. It collects usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details (e.g., names, addresses, occupations, job titles, employing companies, etc.), and other credentials.
Targeted browsers include (but are not limited to) Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Brave, Epic Privacy Browser, Nichrome, RockMelt, SeaMonkey, and Vivaldi. This module also gathers Wi-Fi network names and FTP, SSH, and WebDAV data for Cyberduck, FileZilla, WinSCP, and similar software.
StripedFly's cryptocurrency mining module had first led researchers to misidentify this malware as a cryptominer. This malware mines (i.e., generates) Monero cryptocurrency.
It is unclear whether this module's inclusion or retention is limited to direct financial motivations, as cryptomining is not an incredibly lucrative avenue – especially not for developers of sophisticated malware.
It is pertinent to mention that modular malware infections can differ depending on their configuration (i.e., installed modules), and malicious software developers often improve upon their creations. Furthermore, StripedFly is capable of retrieving updates; hence, potential future iterations of this malware could boast additional/different capabilities or features.
To summarize, the presence of software like StripedFly on devices can lead to decreased system performance, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
| Name | StripedFly malware framework |
| Threat Type | Malware framework, trojan, password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware. |
| Detection Names | Arcabit (Trojan.Mikey.D1C03F), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Mikey.114751), Kaspersky (Trojan.Win32.Miner.bdr), NANO-Antivirus (NANO-Antivirus), VIPRE (Gen:Variant.Mikey.114751), 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. |
Malware framework examples
We have investigated countless malicious program samples; MgBot, Soul, and NetDooka are just a couple examples of malware frameworks.
It must be stressed that regardless of whether a malicious program has limited abilities and incredibly specific uses or a wide variety of functionalities with a broad application – the presence of this software on a system threatens device integrity and user safety. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate all threats immediately upon detection.
How did StripedFly infiltrate my computer?
How StripedFly is proliferated is currently unknown. However, this malware is capable of self-spreading through local networks.
Generally, phishing and social engineering tactics are prevalent in malware distribution. Malicious software is typically disguised as or bundled with ordinary program/media files. They can be archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so forth.
The most widely used distribution methods include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware 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.
Aside from self-proliferating via local networks, some malicious programs can spread through removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
How to avoid installation of malware?
It is crucial to exercise caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online contact usually appears genuine and innocuous. Attachments or links found in suspicious/irrelevant mail (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, etc.) must not be opened, as they can be infectious.
Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. Another recommendation is to activate and update software by using legitimate functions/tools, as those obtained from third-parties may contain malware.
We must emphasize the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated. Security programs must be used to run regular system scans and to remove 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 StripedFly's binary files hosted on the Bitbucket repository:
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 StripedFly?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of StripedFly 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 StripedFly malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Malware removal rarely necessitates formatting.
What are the biggest issues that StripedFly malware can cause?
The threats posed by an infection depend on the malicious program's capabilities and the cyber criminals' modus operandi. StripedFly is a malware framework that relies on multiple modules for its functionalities. This software is capable of extracting/exfiltrating a wide variety of sensitive data and mining cryptocurrency. Note that due to StripedFly's modular nature – its abilities may differ. Generally, high-risk infections can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
What is the purpose of StripedFly malware?
Most malware infections are motivated by financial gain. 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 StripedFly malware infiltrate my computer?
The techniques used to distribute StripedFly are currently unknown, but this malware can self-spread through local networks. The most commonly used proliferation methods include: drive-by downloads, spam mail, online scams, malvertising, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Another self-proliferation technique used by malware is spreading via 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 must be stressed that since sophisticated malicious programs typically hide deep within systems – running a complete system scan is essential.
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