How to eliminate Realst malware from your operating system
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is Realst?
Realst is a malicious program designed to steal sensitive data, such as log-in credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, and credit card details. There is also a version of Realst that targets Mac operating systems. Recently, this malware was observed being proliferated using sophisticated social engineering tactics.
Realst malware overview
Realst is a malware with various data-stealing abilities. At the time of research, this program was observed being spread through a complex and elaborate scam (more information below). Realst can arrive onto systems through a genuine-looking installation setup with a (likely stolen) legitimate signature.
The malware collects relevant device data, such as device name, operating system details, hardware data, disk space, screen resolution, IP address/ geolocation, running processes, etc. Additionally, it establishes persistence by auto-starting following each system reboot.
Most of Realst's information-stealing functionalities are facilitated through a payload that it infiltrates into the system. This payload – "UpdateMC.exe" (filename may vary) – is a Rust-based binary. "UpdateMC.exe" facilitates data theft from various installed applications.
Realst targets Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Arc, Brave, CocCoc, and Vivaldi browsers. From them, the malware can extract browsing histories, Internet cookies, auto-fills (e.g., personally identifiable details, usernames, etc.), stored passwords, and saved credit/debit card numbers.
This program also seeks Telegram messenger log-in credentials and information related to cryptowallets (e.g., Binance, Ledger, Phantom, Trezor, etc.).
It is pertinent to mention that malware developers commonly improve upon their creations and methodologies. Hence, potential future iterations of Realst could have a broader target list and additional/different functionalities.
In summary, the presence of malicious software like Realst on devices can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | Realst virus |
| Threat Type | Trojan, password-stealing virus, stealer. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win64:MalwareX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (QD:Trojan.GenericKDQ.9C31ACFD0E), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win64/PSW.Agent.FC), Kaspersky (Trojan-PSW.Win32.Stealerc.nfa), Symantec (Trojan.Gen.MBT), 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. |
Data-targeting malware examples
We have written numerous articles on malware; PXA, Glove, Muck, XAVIER ERA, and PureStealer are just some examples of information-stealing programs. This software may target a broad range of data or only specific details. What is more, data stealers are often used in tandem with other types of malware.
Yet regardless of how a malicious program operates – its presence endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
How did Realst infiltrate my computer?
At the time of writing, Realst was noted being spread through a sophisticated scam that has been active for months. The scheme typically began via targeted spam messages; these PMs/DMs were sent through Telegram, but other platforms are not unlikely. Some of the senders were elaborate fabrications or impersonated individuals plucked from victims' contacts.
In the known instances, the messages concerned business offers or work in the Web3 sphere. This scam heavily implements AI (Artificial Intelligence); it was used to fashion fake companies – including websites, social media accounts (e.g., X [Twitter], Medium, etc.), blogs, investment presentations, and so on.
The goal of the spam mail is to lure users into participating in a video call through a piece of fraudulent software. Victims are tricked into downloading/installing Realst under the guise of the communication program. The observed disguises for the fake software were intricate; known names include "Meeten", "Meetio", "Meetone", and "Cuesee".
Another noteworthy element of the scheme is that the sites for the alleged conferencing program also hosted JavaScript designed to steal cryptocurrency from browser-based wallets, and this activity occurred prior to the download/installation of Realst.
However, Realst could be proliferated by relying on other methods. Phishing and social engineering are standard in malware distribution. Widespread techniques include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, malicious attachments/links in spam (e.g., PMs/DMs, emails, SMSes, social media/ forum posts, etc.), online scams, malvertising, dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), pirated content, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.
Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-spread via local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
How to avoid installation of malware?
We highly recommend approaching incoming emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, and other messages with caution. Attachments or links present in suspect mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious. Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since the Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content.
Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and verified channels. We advise activating and updating software using legitimate functions/tools, as those acquired from third-parties can contain malware.
It is paramount to have a dependable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security programs must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected 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 a scam site distributing Realst as the fake "Meeten" conferencing software:
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 Realst malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Malware removal rarely necessitates formatting.
What are the biggest issues that Realst malware can cause?
The dangers associated with an infection depend on the malware's abilities and the cyber criminals' mods operandi. Realst steals sensitive information from devices, such as log-in credentials, cryptowallets, credit card numbers, etc. Software of this kind may cause serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of Realst malware?
Profit is the most common motivation behind malware attacks. However, malicious software can also be used to amuse the attackers, carry out personal grudges, disrupt processes (e.g., sites, services, companies, organizations, etc.), engage in hacktivism, and launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.
How did Realst malware infiltrate my computer?
Realst has been noted proliferating via a complex scam initiated through messages offering job opportunities or business ventures. Other distribution techniques are not unlikely.
Malware is widely spread via spam (e.g., PMs/DMs, emails, social media/ forum posts, etc.), drive-by downloads, online scams, suspect download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Some malicious programs can self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating nearly all known malware infections. Keep in mind that high-end malicious software typically hides deep within systems – therefore, performing a full system scan is critical.
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