Removal instructions for the Voldemort backdoor-type malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is Voldemort?
Voldemort is the name of a backdoor-type malware. It is written in the C programming language. This malicious program has been around since at least the summer of 2024. It is suspected that Voldemort is used in cyber-espionage, potentially by an advanced threat actor.
This malware was proliferated in global mass-scale email spam campaigns. Large volume of the emails targeted organizations in the US, Europe, and Asia. This activity centered on a wide variety of spheres, with the largest number of targets specializing in insurance, aerospace, transportation, education, and finance.
Voldemort malware overview
Voldemort has a complex infiltration/infection chain. Notable elements of the multi-stage attack include luring victims (through emails) into visiting malicious websites that collect their data. Users are enticed into launching virulent files (likely LNKs – Windows Shortcut formats) that can be disguised as PDF documents with titles centered on the lures in spam emails. Additionally, an actual PDF is downloaded, and the decoy is opened to divert victims' attention.
Voldemort infections can also rely on the DLL side-loading technique (i.e., abusing the Windows DLL search order mechanism to leverage a legitimate application that then executes the malware). Voldemort's C&C (Command and Control) servers are of note, as aside from utilizing common techniques, this program has been observed using Google Sheets for its C&C.
At the time of writing, to what end Voldemort is used is unknown. It is speculated that these malware attacks are driven by cyber-espionage.
Voldemort gathers a variety of device-related data, including device name, operating system information (e.g., version, architecture, etc.), CPU details, username, installed programs, geolocation data, and so on. The malicious software can also manage victims' files, i.e., move, copy, and download (exfiltrate/steal).
As mentioned in the introduction, Voldemort has backdoor capabilities. Programs within this classification are designed to open a "backdoor" to devices and prep systems for or outright cause chain infections (i.e., download/install additional malware or malicious components). Voldemort can upload files onto systems and execute them.
Theoretically, backdoors can cause just about any type of infection (e.g., trojan, ransomware, cryptominer, etc.). However, in practice, these programs operate within certain specifications and limitations. It was noted that Voldemort's infrastructure hosted the Cobalt Strike malware. Hence, it is possible that attacks featuring the latter will use Cobalt Strike as a payload.
In summary, the presence of malicious software like Voldemort on devices may result in multiple system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
It must be stressed that malware leveraged against high-sensitivity targets (e.g., essential service providers, etc.) may pose threats of even greater significance.
| Name | Voldemort backdoor virus |
| Threat Type | Trojan, backdoor. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win64:MalwareX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.73875895), ESET-NOD32 (Win64/Agent.EJW), Kaspersky (Trojan.Win32.DLLhijack.eag), Microsoft (Trojan:Win64/Voldemort.DA!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. |
Backdoor-type malware examples
BugSleep, Warmcookie, NICECURL, TAMECAT, and MadMxShell are just some of our latest articles on backdoors. This malware is designed to scout systems for furthering the infection, prepare them for it, or even introduce additional payloads. Backdoors can have a broad use or an incredibly narrow purpose.
Yet regardless of how malware functions – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be removed immediately upon detection.
How did Voldemort infiltrate my computer?
Voldemort has been observed being spread via spam campaigns in the volume of twenty thousand emails. Targets from various sectors were located across the globe. Particular areas of interest included the US, Europe, and Asia. Over seventy organizations were targeted; nearly 25% operated within the insurance sphere, and other high-volume targets specialized in aerospace, transportation, education, and finance.
The emails were disguised as missives from tax authorities and were written in the language prevalent in the targeted region. These spam emails promoted malicious websites, through which victims were lured into opening infectious files. Both the malicious files and the decoys opened by Voldemort wore disguises matching the email lures.
However, other distribution methods are possible. Generally, malware is proliferated via drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, malicious attachments/links in spam (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, social media posts, etc.), online scams, malvertising, suspect download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), pirated programs/media, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates.
Furthermore, 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?
We recommend exercising caution with incoming emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, and other messages. Attachments or links in dubious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be harmful or malicious. Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since the Internet is rife with well-disguised fraudulent and dangerous content.
Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and trustworthy sources. Programs must be activated and updated using functions/tools provided by genuine developers, as illegal activation tools ("cracks") and third-party updaters can contain malware.
It is paramount for device and user safety to have a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated. This software 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.
Screenshots of spam emails spreading Voldemort malware (image source – Proofpoint):
Screenshots of decoy document opened by Voldemort malware (source – Proofpoint):
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 Voldemort?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of Voldemort 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 Voldemort malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Malware removal seldom requires such drastic measures.
What are the biggest issues that Voldemort malware can cause?
The threats posed by an infection depend on the malware's capabilities and the cyber criminals' modus operandi. Voldemort can cause chain infections and gather sensitive information.
Generally, programs of this kind can cause multiple system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft. However, it is pertinent to mention that Voldemort is suspected to have been used for cyber-espionage, and attacks leveraged against high-sensitivity targets can carry threats of greater significance.
What is the purpose of Voldemort malware?
Malware is mainly used to generate revenue. However, other motivations are possible, such as amusement, personal grudges, hacktivism, and political/geopolitical reasons. It is speculated that Voldemort campaigns were driven by cyber-espionage and not profit.
How did Voldemort malware infiltrate my computer?
Voldemort has been actively spread via email spam campaigns, but other techniques may be in use as well. Aside from spam mail, malware is commonly distributed through drive-by downloads, online scams, malvertising, dubious download sources (e.g., freeware 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 via local networks and removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to scan computers and eliminate all kinds of threats. It is capable of detecting and removing most of the known malware infections. Note that performing a full system scan is critical since sophisticated malicious programs tend to hide deep within systems.
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