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How to remove VipKeyLogger from the operating system

Also Known As: VipKeyLogger keystroke logger
Type: Trojan
Damage level: Severe

What kind of malware is VipKeyLogger?

During our analysis of VipKeyLogger, we found that it is malware operating as a keylogger (keystroke logger). Threat actors use malware of this type to steal sensitive information from victims. We discovered that VipKeyLogger is delivered using fraudulent emails containing a malicious attachment.

VipKeyLogger malware

More about VipKeyLogger

VipKeyLogger is malware that records every keystroke a user makes on their device. In other words, this malware captures keyboard input (anything that the victim types with a keyboard). Once infiltrated, VipKeyLogger operates in the background. Typically, cybercriminals behind such malware target sensitive information.

This information includes login credentials (e.g., usernames and passwords), credit card numbers, personal messages, ID card information, etc. Harvested data is then sent to the attackers, who can misuse it to steal identities, access personal accounts, make unauthorized transactions (or purchases), and more.

Since keyloggers operate quietly, users often do not know their information is being tracked until it is too late. This makes keyloggers especially dangerous, as they can gather extensive amounts of sensitive data over time without raising suspicion. By the time a keylogger is detected, an attacker may already have access to a variety of sensitive data.

Therefore, it is important to be careful when downloading software, opening files, links, etc., and take other precautions to avoid VipKeyLogger and other malware.

Threat Summary:
Name VipKeyLogger keystroke logger
Threat Type Keylogger, Keystroke Logger
Detection Names Avast (OLE:CVE-2018-0798 [Expl]), Combo Cleaner (Exploit.RTF-ObfsObjDat.Gen), ESET-NOD32 (Win32/Exploit.CVE-2017-11882.BOR), Kaspersky (HEUR:Exploit.MSOffice.CVE-2018-0802.gen), Symantec (Exp.CVE-2017-11882!g5), Full List (VirusTotal)
Symptoms Keyloggers 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 documents, social engineering
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.
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To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Conclusion

Keyloggers are stealthy, harmful tools that capture sensitive information, often without the victim's knowledge. They can cause serious harm, including identity theft, financial loss, and reputational damage. If a computer is infected with malware of this type, immediate action should be taken to avoid potential consequences.

More examples of keyloggers are Kraken, Viotto, and Snake.

How did VipKeyLogger infiltrate my computer?

VipKeyLogger is spread by disguising it as a fake purchase order. Cybercriminals send it via email seeking to trick recipients into thinking it is a legitimate document. They use steganography, a technique for hiding malicious code within images. Once the infected document is opened, it then exploits a known vulnerability, CVE-2017-11882.

This vulnerability affects certain versions of Microsoft Office, allowing the malware to execute its code silently when the document is opened. Through this process, VipKeyLogger gains access to the system to capture keystrokes and other sensitive data.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Be cautious with unexpected or irrelevant emails from unknown senders, and avoid clicking on any links or opening attachments they contain. Download files and applications from official sources, such as reputable app stores. Avoid using pirated software, "cracks", and downloading from untrusted sources like peer-to-peer networks and dubious sites.

Be wary of ads and pop-ups on questionable websites. Additionally, regularly update your security software, apps, and operating system to stay protected. 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 the email distributing VipKeyLogger:

VipKeyLogger malware distributing email

Text in this email:

Subject: Ordine R04-T4077 TBA-2024

Caro fornitore,

Abbiamo ricevuto il tuo contatto dal sito web della tua azienda, siamo interessati all'acquisto del tuo prodotto.
Fare riferimento al campione/catalogo allegato e promettere la stessa qualità.
Abbiamo bisogno urgentemente di articoli 1-4.
Facci sapere il tuo miglior prezzo comprese le spese di spedizione al nostro indirizzo qui sotto.

INFORMAZIONI SUI CONTATTI:

Telefono: +39 011 9983460
Indirizzo: Corso Re Umberto, 12 - 10121 Torino - Italia.

Attendo una tua immediata risposta.

Cordiali saluti,

Isabella Rossi
Responsabile acquisti

FILTER TECHNICS S.r.l.

logo and flags here

Telefono: +39 011 9983460
Fax: +39 011 9966905
Email: info@filtertechnics.it
Sito web: hxxps://filtertechnics.it
Indirizzo: C.so Re Umberto, 12 - 10121 Torino - Italy.

Malicious attachment distributing VipKeyLogger:

VipKeyLogger malware distributing malicious attachment

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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

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:

Malware process running in the Task Manager

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:

manual malware removal step 1Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:

Autoruns application appearance

manual malware removal step 2Restart 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.

Run Windows 7 or Windows XP in Safe Mode with Networking

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.

Run Windows 8 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.

Run Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking

Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

manual malware removal step 3Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.

Extract Autoruns.zip archive and run Autoruns.exe application

manual malware removal step 4In 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.

Refresh Autoruns application results

manual malware removal step 5Check 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".

Delete malware in Autoruns

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.

Search for malware and delete 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 VipKeyLogger malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Formatting your storage device is one way to completely remove VipKeyLogger malware. However, it is a drastic measure that will delete all your data. Before formatting, try using reputable security software like Combo Cleaner to remove VipKeyLogger.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can cause identity theft, financial loss, and data encryption, among other serious issues. It can also cause system crashes, inject additional payloads, and cause other problems.

What is the purpose of VipKeyLogger?

VipKeyLogger is designed to record every keystroke made on an infected device (capture sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and personal messages). The main purpose of this malware is to gather valuable data without the victim’s knowledge.

How did VipKeyLogger infiltrate my computer?

VipKeyLogger likely infiltrated your computer by posing as a legitimate purchase order sent via email. This email attachment used a technique called steganography to hide malicious code within an image. The attachment exploited a known vulnerability when opened, allowing the malware to infiltrate your system.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove nearly all known malware. It is important to know that advanced malware often hides deep within the system, so it is essential to run a full system scan to ensure complete detection and removal.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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