How to remove ElizaRAT from infected computers

What kind of malware is ElizaRAT?

ElizaRAT is a RAT (Remote Access Trojan) written in .NET. It is known that the malware used services like Slack, Telegram, and Google Drive for command-and-control (C2). Cybercriminals behind ElizaRAT can take control of infected computers and perform various malicious actions. Victims should eliminate this malware as soon as possible.

More about ElizaRAT

ElizaRAT is not a new malware, and it has been used in different campaigns. This malicious tool has evolved since its discovery in 2023. ElizaRAT's main function is cyber-espionage, enabling attackers to steal sensitive data by infecting systems and maintaining communication via cloud services (such as Slack, Telegram, and Google Drive).

Since the discovery, ElizaRAT has improved its evasion techniques, introducing new capabilities like ApoloStealer, a payload designed to collect and exfiltrate files. These enhancements allow the attackers to remain undetected and maintain access to their targets.

Once infiltrated, ElizaRAT gathers details about the infected system, including the username, machine name, operating system version, and installed antivirus software. The commands it can execute include downloading specific files, uploading specified files from the victim's system to the C2, running executable files stored on the system, and capturing screenshots of the infected system's desktop.

Moreover, cybercriminals use ElizaRAT to drop additional payloads, such as ApoloStealer and ConnectX. ApoloStealer collects files of interest (such as documents, presentations, PDFs, and images), and ConnectX targets files on external drives (like USBs).

Overall, ElizaRAT's capabilities enable it to carry out sophisticated, stealthy cyber-espionage activities, gathering and exfiltrating information while remaining persistent and difficult to detect.

Threat Summary:

Name	ElizaRAT remote access trojan
Threat Type	Remote Access Trojan
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:MalwareX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericFCA.Agent.129775), Emsisoft (Trojan.GenericFCA.Agent.129775 (B)), Lionic (Trojan.Win32.GenericFCA.4!c), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Malgent!MSR), Full List (VirusTotal)
Payload	ApoloStealer, ConnectX, and possibly other malware
Symptoms	Remote Administration 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, additional infections, monetary loss, 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner 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.

Possible damage and examples of similar malware

Victims of ElizaRAT can suffer severe privacy breaches and financial losses due to the theft of sensitive files, credentials, and system information. Additionally, ElizaRAT's persistence and stealth capabilities make it difficult to detect and remove, prolonging exposure to potential harm.

More examples of malware that has capabilities of a RAT are PowerRAT, BlotchyQuasar, and SharpRhino.

How did ElizaRAT infiltrate my computer?

ElizaRAT is distributed through phishing emails, particularly those with links or attachments that lead to infected websites or files. Once a user clicks on these malicious links or downloads the attachments, the malware is activated, enabling it to begin its malicious activities on the victim's device.

Cybercriminals can also deliver malware through technical support scams, malicious advertisements, pirated software (or cracking tools, key generators), P2P networks, third-party downloaders, unofficial or compromised websites, and software vulnerabilities.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Download files and programs from official web pages (or app stores). Avoid using other sources and downloading pirated software or cracking tools. Examine emails containing links or attachments before interacting with them. Be careful with unexpected or irrelevant emails from unknown addresses containing files or links.

Avoid clicking advertisements, pop-ups, and links on questionable websites and never permit such pages to send notifications. Regularly update the operating system and all installed programs, and use a reliable security solution (antivirus or anti-malware tool).

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:
▼ 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:

• What is ElizaRAT?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of ElizaRAT 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 ElizaRAT malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Yes, formatting your storage device can effectively remove ElizaRAT, but it is a drastic measure. Try using reputable security software like Combo Cleaner to detect and remove it first.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can lead to serious issues like identity theft, financial loss, and encrypted files, making your data inaccessible. It can also cause system crashes, add more malicious programs, and lead to various other problems.

What is the purpose of ElizaRAT?

The purpose of ElizaRAT is to steal sensitive information from victims. It allows attackers to gain control over infected systems and can be used to download additional malware.

How did ElizaRAT infiltrate my computer?

ElizaRAT likely infiltrated your computer through phishing emails containing malicious attachments or links, which, when opened or clicked, executed the malware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most known malware infections. However, advanced malware often hides deep within the system, so it is highly advisable to run a full system scan.

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