How to eliminate the SteelFox from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is SteelFox?
SteelFox is a trojan – specifically, a malware bundle with its primary components including a data stealer and cryptocurrency miner. SteelFox infiltrates systems through a sophisticated infection chain.
This trojan has been around since at least 2023, and it was noted being proliferated under the guise of illegal software activation tools ("cracks"). The SteelFox campaign is active worldwide, with the most infections registered in Brazil, China, Russia, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Algeria, Vietnam, India, and Sri Lanka.
SteelFox malware overview
SteelFox refers to a malicious bundle comprising dropper, loader, miner, and stealer. Typically, the malware infiltrates devices disguised as "cracked" software. Hence, users themselves install SteelFox onto the system by attempting to obtain a pirated program.
The "cracking" process is functional and initially progresses as intended until files are unpacked – then malicious code is injected into the system. SteelFox's infection chain is sophisticated, as the malware can escalate its privileges by exploiting a vulnerable driver. It avoids detection by checking running processes, including those associated with anti-viruses and debugging software.
SteelFox ensures persistence using two mechanisms. The first is by auto-starting following each system reboot. The second is by launching AppInfo (Microsoft service for running interactive apps with additional admin privileges) and then loading itself into said service. This prevents any user interaction against SteelFox, as that requires NT Authority/SYSTEM – a built-in Windows account with the highest local system privileges.
SteelFox's dropper facilitates the introduction of the loader into the device. The latter is intended to load the cryptominer and stealer into the compromised machine. More information on SteelFox's infection chain can be read in our dedicated article.
The miner used by this infection has been identified as a component of the XMRIG malware. Cryptominers operate by abusing system resources to generate cryptocurrency. While operating, miners can produce a lot of heat, thereby causing system crashes and possibly even hardware damage.
SteelFox's stealer targets a variety of sensitive data, such as system details (version, installation date, time zone, local time, etc.), drives (names, types [external/removable], free space), user accounts (local and remote, usernames, startup info, passwords, etc.), network data (wireless interfaces, passwords, etc.), SIM-card details (if applicable), processes (running services, memory usage, etc.), desktop (present icons), and RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) session details.
Additionally, the stealer seeks to extract information from installed browsers (full list below) like browsing histories, Internet cookies, and saved credit card numbers.
It must be mentioned that malware developers often improve upon their software and methodologies. Currently, there have been several improvements to SteelFox's anti-detection capabilities, but more developments are not unlikely.
To summarize, the presence of software like SteelFox on devices can result in decreased system performance, data loss, severe privacy issues, hardware damage, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | SteelFox malware |
| Threat Type | Trojan, stealer, cryptocurrency miner, cryptominer. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win64:MalwareX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Agent.GNHE), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win64/Agent.EHG.gen), Kaspersky (Trojan.Win64.SteelFox.d), Microsoft (Trojan:Win64/Vigorf.A), 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. |
Similar malware examples
We have investigated and written about countless malicious programs. Amnesia is an example of a malware with mining and data-stealing functions; Grand Explorer, Altruistics, Minas – are a couple of our articles on miners, and Muck, XAVIER ERA, PureStealer – on stealers.
It must be emphasized that regardless of how malicious software operates – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Hence, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
How did SteelFox infiltrate my computer?
As previously mentioned, SteelFox is distributed under the guise of "cracks" for legitimate software like AutoCAD, Foxit PDF Editor, and JetBrains. The "cracking" tools were promoted via Torrenting websites, forum posts, and blogs. High activity of the SteelFox endorsement campaigns was noted on Russian Torrent trackers and Baidu services.
It is pertinent to mention that SteelFox could be spread using other methods aside from illegal program activation ("cracking") tools. Phishing and social engineering are standard in malware distribution. Malicious software is typically disguised as or bundled with legitimate/innocent-sounding 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 forth.
Widespread distribution techniques include: dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), software "cracks", drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, malicious attachments/links in spam (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, social media posts, etc.), malvertising, online scams, and fake updates.
Furthermore, some malicious programs can 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 strongly recommend downloading only from official and verified channels. Programs must be activated and updated using legitimate functions/tools, as those obtained from third-parties can contain malware.
Vigilance is key to online safety since the Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content. Additionally, approach incoming emails and other messages with caution. Attachments or links present in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be virulent.
It is paramount for device and user safety to have a dependable anti-virus installed and kept updated. Security 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.
Screenshot of SteelFox's software "crack" interface:
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 SteelFox?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of SteelFox 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 SteelFox malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Malware removal rarely requires formatting.
What are the biggest issues that SteelFox malware can cause?
The dangers posed by an infection depend on the malware's capabilities and cyber criminals' goals. SteelFox can collect vulnerable information (such as credit card details) and abuse system resources to mine cryptocurrency. Generally, infections of this kind can lead to decreased system performance, data loss, severe privacy issues, hardware damage, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of SteelFox malware?
Most infections are motivated by profit. However, malware can also be used to amuse the attackers, realize personal grudges, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, etc.), engage in hacktivism, and launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did SteelFox malware infiltrate my computer?
SteelFox has been distributed disguised as illegal software activation tools ("cracks") for popular software. The pirated programs were endorsed through Torrent sites, forum posts, and blogs. Other proliferation methods are not unlikely.
Generally, malware is spread via suspicious download sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), program "cracking" tools, fake updates, drive-by downloads, spam mail, online scams, and malvertising. Some malicious programs can even self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Combo Cleaner is designed to scan systems and remove all kinds of threats. It can detect and eliminate nearly all known malware infections. Note that high-end malicious programs usually hide deep within systems – hence, performing a complete system scan is essential.
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