Removal instructions for the Worldtracker stealer-type malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is Worldtracker?
Worldtracker is the name of a malicious program that extracts and exfiltrates sensitive information from devices. Among this stealer's capabilities are cryptocurrency wallet theft and victims' file download/exfiltration.
Worldtracker malware overview
Worldtracker is a stealer – a type of malware designed to obtain vulnerable data from compromised machines. This malicious program collects geolocation details and other relevant device information. Worldtracker can download files from victims' devices, specifically the desktop and documents folders.
Worldtracker also extracts data from browsers. Typically, malware seeks browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, account log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so on. Additionally, Worldtracker aims to steal desktop and browser extension based cryptocurrency wallets.
Other features of this malware include taking screenshots and terminating running processes. Stolen content is exfiltrated via Telegram.
It must be mentioned that malware developers and cyber criminals using it commonly improve upon their software and methodologies. Therefore, potential future versions of Worldtracker could boast a broader target list or additional/different functionalities.
To summarize, the presence of malicious software like Worldtracker on devices can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Worldtracker malware |
| Threat Type | Trojan, stealer, password-stealing virus. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:SpywareX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (IL:Trojan.MSILZilla.130044), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/Spy.Agent.EVU), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-PSW.MSIL.Stealer.genTrojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml), 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; DeerStealer, Daolpu, Noxious, PXRECVOWEIWOEI, and Fickle are just some of our latest articles on stealers.
Programs designed to steal data can target only specific details or a broad range of information. In fact, data-stealing abilities are prevalent in various types of malware, and stealers are often used in combination attacks.
Yet regardless of what (if any) data that malicious software seeks – its presence on a systems threatens device and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
How did Worldtracker infiltrate my computer?
Generally, malware is distributed by relying on phishing and social engineering techniques. Malicious programs are typically disguised as or bundled with (packed alongside) legitimate/ordinary content.
Infectious files come in various formats, e.g., archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so on. Merely opening a virulent file can be enough to trigger the malware download/installation process, but some formats may require additional actions.
Malware is primarily proliferated via backdoor/loader-type trojans, drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), malicious attachments/links in spam (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, social media posts, etc.), online scams, pirated programs/media, illegal product activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
What is more, some malicious programs can self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., USB flash drives, external hard drives, etc.).
How to avoid installation of malware?
It is essential to be vigilant while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. We recommend exercising caution with incoming emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, and other messages. Attachments or links found in suspect/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious.
Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified channels. All programs must be activated and updated using legitimate functions/tools, as illegal activation ("cracking") tools and third-party updates may contain malware.
We must emphasize the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security 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 Worldtracker?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of Worldtracker 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 Worldtracker malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Malware removal rarely requires such drastic measures.
What are the biggest issues that Worldtracker malware can cause?
The dangers posed by an infection depend on the malware's capabilities and the cyber criminals' goals. Worldtracker is a stealer – a type of malware that steals sensitive information from systems. Typically, infections of this kind can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of Worldtracker malware?
The most common motivation behind malware attacks is profit. However, cyber criminals can also use malicious software to amuse themselves, carry out personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, organizations, etc.), engage in hacktivism, and launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did Worldtracker malware infiltrate my computer?
Malware is predominantly spread via trojans, drive-by downloads, online scams, spam emails/messages, dubious download channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), pirated content, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Some malicious programs can even self-proliferate through 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 must be stressed that running a complete system scan is paramount since high-end malicious programs typically hide deep within systems.
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