Removal instructions for the Waltuhium stealer malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is Waltuhium?
Waltuhium is the name of an information stealer. This malware is designed to extract and exfiltrate a variety of vulnerable data from compromised devices. Waltuhium targets passwords, cryptocurrency wallets, and other sensitive information. This stealer has been observed being freely distributed through forums on the dark web.
Waltuhium malware overview
According to Waltuhium's promotional material, it has anti-analysis capabilities, such as virtual machine detection and anti-debugging. It can extract data from browsers, including saved log-in credentials (usernames/passwords).
The malicious program also collects information relating to Wi-Fi networks. It is capable of token theft and injection to the Discord messenger. Waltuhium can steal cryptowallets as well. Other information-stealing functionalities of this malware include taking screenshots and keylogging (recording keystrokes).
It is pertinent to mention that malware developers often improve upon their software and methodologies. Therefore, potential future versions of Waltuhium might have a broader target list or additional/different features.
To summarize, the presence of software like Waltuhium on devices can result in severe privacy issues, significant financial losses, and identity theft.
Name | Waltuhium malware |
Threat Type | Trojan, stealer, password-stealing virus, spyware. |
Detection Names | Avast (Win64:Malware-gen), ESET-NOD32 (Python/Spy.Agent.AJH), Fortinet (W32/Agent.AJH!tr.spy), Kaspersky (UDS:DangerousObject.Multi.Generic), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml), 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 countless malware samples; Stink, Braodo, zEus, Ledger wallet stealer, WaveStealer, and Ghostly are just some of our latest articles on stealers.
Data-targeting programs can seek incredibly specific details or a broad range of information. What is more, information-stealing functions are common for various malware types.
However, regardless of how a malicious program operates – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Hence, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
How did Waltuhium infiltrate my computer?
As mentioned in the introduction, Waltuhium is an open-source stealer promoted on dark web forums. Therefore, how this stealer is proliferated depends on the cyber criminals using it, i.e., distribution techniques may vary between attacks.
Phishing and social engineering tactics are standard in malware proliferation. Malicious programs are typically disguised as or bundled with legitimate/ordinary software or media files. They come in various formats, e.g., archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), documents (PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, etc.), JavaScript, and so on.
The most prevalent distribution methods include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, untrustworthy download sources (unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), online scams, malicious attachments or links in spam emails/messages, pirated content, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates.
Furthermore, some malicious programs can 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 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. We advise vigilance while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears genuine and harmless.
Another recommendation is to treat incoming emails and other messages with care. Attachments or links found in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be virulent.
It is paramount for device/user safety to have a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated. This software must be used to perform 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.
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 Waltuhium?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of Waltuhium 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 Waltuhium malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, malware removal rarely necessitates such drastic measures.
What are the biggest issues that Waltuhium malware can cause?
Threats associated with an infection depend on the malicious program's capabilities and the cyber criminals' aims. Waltuhium is a stealer – it is designed to steal information (e.g., passwords, cryptocurrency wallets, etc.). This type of infection can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of Waltuhium malware?
Malware is predominantly used to generate revenue. However, cyber criminals may also use malicious software to amuse themselves, carry out personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, organizations, etc.), engage in hacktivism, and launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did Waltuhium malware infiltrate my computer?
Malware is primarily spread via drive-by downloads, online scams, spam emails/messages, dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), pirated programs/media, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Some malicious programs can self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate all types of threats. It is capable of detecting and removing most of the known malware infections. Note that since sophisticated malicious programs typically hide deep within systems – running a complete system scan is crucial.
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