Removal instructions for the Coyote banking trojan
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is Coyote?
Coyote is a banking trojan. This malware is designed to extract sensitive information from devices, and it predominantly seeks data related to online banking. Coyote targets over sixty Brazilian banks. This malicious software is sophisticated and boats a complex infection chain.
Coyote malware overview
The infection process of Coyote is quite novel, especially compared to other banking malware. It utilizes Squirrel – a legitimate installer for installing and updating Windows desktop apps. Once the installer is launched, it executes a Node.js application that runs obfuscated JavaScript. This code's end goal is to launch a genuine piece of software necessary to carry out the further infection stage through DLL side-loading.
This technique entails using the Windows DLL search order mechanism to leverage a legitimate application in order to execute the malicious payload. Several executables have been noted in use to facilitate the DLL side-loading, including ones related to Google Chrome and OBS Studio.
Instead of the genuine executable, a malicious DLL is run that leads to the introduction of a loader written in the Nim programming language. This loader unpacks and launches Coyote's executable.
After the trojan finishes establishing its persistence and connecting to its C&C (Command and Control) server, it begins scourging the system for relevant data and monitoring opened applications.
At the time of writing, Coyote's target list included 61 Brazilian banks. Once a banking app or website of interest is opened – the trojan can utilize multiple capabilities to obtain the sought-after information.
The malware can take screenshots, record keystrokes (keylogging), show window and full-screen overlays, and manipulate the cursor. The phishing overlays mimic banking application/site interfaces and record entered data (e.g., log-in credentials, transaction details, credit card numbers, etc.).
Additionally, Coyote can display overlays claiming that the bank page is undergoing updates, which block users from interacting with their devices. Other abilities of this malware include process termination and shutting down the operating system.
It must be mentioned that it is not uncommon for malware developers to update their software and methodologies – hence, potential future iterations of Coyote could have additional/different functionalities or features.
To summarize, the presence of software like Coyote on devices can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Coyote banking malware |
| Threat Type | Trojan, banking malware. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win64:Evo-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Tedy.482127), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/Spy.Banker_AGen.D), Kaspersky (Trojan-Banker.MSIL.Coyote.c), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Casdet!rfn), 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. |
Banking trojan examples
We have investigated thousands of malware samples; BBTok, Ares, and Javali are just a couple of our articles on banking trojans.
Malicious software can have a variety of purposes and capabilities. However, regardless of how malware operates – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
How did Coyote infiltrate my computer?
The exact distribution methods used to proliferate Coyote are unknown. Generally, cyber criminals primarily utilize phishing and social engineering techniques for this purpose.
Malicious programs are typically disguised as or bundled with ordinary software/media files. They come in various formats, e.g., executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so on. Once such a file is executed, run, or otherwise opened – the infection chain is triggered.
Most commonly used distribution methods include: untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, malicious attachments/links in spam (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, social media posts, etc.), online scams, malvertising, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
What is more, 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 strongly recommend being vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. Another recommendation is to be careful with incoming emails and other messages. Attachments or links found in suspect mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious.
Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. We advise activating and updating software by using legitimate functions/tools, as those obtained from third-parties may contain malware.
It is paramount to have a dependable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security programs 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.
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 Coyote malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Malware removal rarely necessitates such drastic measures.
What are the biggest issues that Coyote malware can cause?
The threats associated with an infection depend on the malware's functionalities and the attackers' goals. Coyote primarily targets banking information. Hence, the most likely dangers include severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of Coyote malware?
Malware is typically used to generate revenue, and based on Coyote's capabilities – that is also this trojan's purpose. However, cyber criminals may also use malicious software to amuse themselves, carry out personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, etc.), and even launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did Coyote malware infiltrate my computer?
Malware is primarily spread via drive-by downloads, online scams, spam mail, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), malvertising, illegal program activation ("cracking") tools, 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 scan devices and eliminate all manner of threats. It is capable of detecting and removing most of the known malware infections. Note that running a full system scan is essential since high-end malware usually hides deep within systems.
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