Removal instructions for the Can Stealer malware
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is "Can"?
Can stealer is a malicious program designed to extract sensitive information from infected systems. It targets a variety of data but there's a particular focus on log-in credentials (usernames/passwords).
Can stealer malware overview
According to Can stealer's promotional material, it has anti-analysis capabilities, such as detecting when launched on virtual machines and using anti-debugging mechanisms. This malware's anti-detection features include obfuscation, and it ensures persistence by auto-starting after each system reboot.
Can stealer collects relevant device data. It is capable of taking screenshots and exfiltrating document files from the victim's desktop. Additionally, the stealer targets information (including log-in credentials) relating to gaming software, such as Steam, CraftRise, and SonOyuncu.
From various browsers, Can stealer extracts Internet cookies, auto-fills, and saved passwords. The program also targets extensive data related to the Discord messaging platform. Information can be acquired from the desktop and browser extension versions, e.g., Discord Nitro, log-in credentials, tokens, IDs, MFAs (Multi-Factor Authentications), emails, phone numbers, billing info, etc.
It is pertinent to mention that malware developers often improve upon their software and methodologies. Therefore, possible future variants of the Can stealer could have a more extensive target list or additional/different functionalities.
In summary, the presence of malicious software like Can stealer on devices can result in severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Can malware |
| Threat Type | Trojan, stealer, password-stealing virus. |
| Detection Names | ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Java/Spy.Agent.AS), Fortinet (Java/Agent.AS!tr.spy), GData (Java.Trojan-Stealer.CanStealer.A (2x)), Ikarus (Trojan.Java.Spy), Malwarebytes (Spyware.Agent.Java), 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
Flesh, BLX, Ailurophile, Emansrepo, and Angry are just some of our newest articles on stealers. Data-stealing malware can seek only specific details or a broad range of information. What is more, these capabilities are common for other types of malware as well.
However, regardless of how malicious software operates – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety. Hence, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
How did Can infiltrate my computer?
Can developers are promoting this stealer on the GitHub repository. Therefore, how this program is proliferated might depend on the cyber criminals using it (i.e., distribution methods may differ between attacks).
Generally, malware is spread using phishing and social engineering tactics. Malicious software is usually disguised as or bundled with legitimate/innocent-sounding content. Virulent 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.
The most prevalent distribution methods include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, malicious attachments/links in spam (e.g., emails, SMSes, DMs/PMs, social media posts, etc.), malvertising, online scams, pirated content, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), fake updaters, and illegal software activation tools ("cracks").
Some malicious programs can even self-proliferate through 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 sources. All programs must be activated and updated using functions/tools provided by legitimate developers, as those obtained from third-parties may contain malware.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant while browsing since the Internet is rife with well-disguised fraudulent and malicious content. Incoming emails and other messages must be approached with caution. Attachments or links present in suspicious mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious.
It is paramount for device/user safety to have a dependable 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.
Screenshot of Can stealer promoted on the GitHub 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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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 Can malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Such drastic measures are rarely necessary for malware removal.
What are the biggest issues that Can malware can cause?
The threats posed by an infection depend on the malicious program's capabilities and the cyber criminals' goals. As the naming implies, the Can stealer exfiltrates sensitive data from victims' devices. Generally, infections of this kind can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of Can malware?
Most malware attacks are motivated by profit. However, cyber criminals can also use malicious programs to amuse themselves, realize personal grudges, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, etc.), engage hacktivism, and launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did Can malware infiltrate my computer?
Malware is primarily distributed through drive-by downloads, spam mail, online scams, suspicious download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), pirated programs/media, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates. Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-spread via local networks and removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and eliminate most of the known malware infections. It must be stressed that performing a complete system scan is paramount since sophisticated malicious software usually hides deep within systems.
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