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How to eliminate MiyaRAT from infected systems

Also Known As: MiyaRAT Remote Administration Trojan
Type: Trojan
Damage level: Severe

What kind of malware is MiyaRAT?

MiyaRAT is a Remote Access Trojan written in the C++ programming language. It is capable of taking screenshots, enumerating files, executing commands, and more. MiyaRAT is known to be used by a specific group of cybercriminals to target the government, energy, telecommunications, defense, and engineering sectors across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific regions.

MiyaRAT Remote Access Trojan

More about MiyaRAT

MiyaRAT is a type of malware used by cybercriminals to remotely control infected computers. Once planted on the infected system, it connects to a command and control (C2) server, which allows the attackers to send various commands to the infected machine and perform malicious activities.

MiyaRAT allows the attackers to view the structure of directories and files on the infected system and delete files or directories from the infected system. Also, the malware can list all files in a specific directory on the infected computer.

Furthermore, MiyaRAT can open a reverse shell, giving attackers full access to the system. The shell can use CMD or PowerShell to execute further malicious commands. Once the reverse shell is active, the attackers can interact with the system as though they were physically sitting at the computer.

Moreover, the malware enables the attackers to upload or download files to/from the infected system and take screenshots of it. Additionally, MiyaRAT can close the infection and remove traces of the malware from the compromised system.

Victims can experience various damages, including the theft of sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card details, and other data. They may also have their computers infected with more malware and experience data loss. Additionally, the attackers may use the infected system to launch further attacks on other networks or organizations.

Threat Summary:
Name MiyaRAT Remote Administration Trojan
Threat Type Remote Access Trojan
Detection Names CrowdStrike Falcon (Win/malicious_confidence_90% (D)), DeepInstinct (MALICIOUS), Rising (Backdoor.[Bitter]MiyaRat!1.11739 (CLOUD)), Symantec (ML.Attribute.HighConfidence), Full List (VirusTotal)
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, social engineering.
Damage Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, data loss, additional infections, monetary loss.
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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Conclusion

In conclusion, MiyaRAT can be used to access and control a victim’s computer, steal information, inject additional malware, and more. The attack can expose individuals and organizations to various risks, including data breaches and financial losses. Thus, it is important to implement strong security measures to avoid the infection.

More examples of RATs are BurnsRAT, WezRat, and RunningRAT.

How did MiyaRAT infiltrate my computer?

MiyaRAT is distributed through spearphishing emails (often targeting organizations in the public sector). The attack typically involves a RAR archive containing various files, such as a decoy PDF, a shortcut (LNK) file disguised as a PDF, and NTFS alternate data streams (ADS) containing malicious PowerShell code.

Upon opening the RAR file, users are deceived into thinking they are opening a harmless document, while the hidden ADS streams execute a PowerShell script that sets up a scheduled task on the victim's machine. This task then communicates with an attacker-controlled domain to download and execute additional malware, including WmRAT and ultimately MiyaRAT.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Always obtain apps and files from trusted sources, such as official websites or reputable app stores. Avoid downloading from dubious sources or using pirated software and cracking tools. Be attentive with unsolicited emails, particularly those with attachments or links. Keep your operating system and software up to date.

Do not interact with pop-ups, ads, and links on suspicious websites, and do not allow sites of this kind to send you notifications. Use reliable security software to detect and eliminate threats, and perform regular system scans to ensure your computer stays safe.

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.

Decoy PDF document distributing MiyaRAT (source: proofpoint.com):

MiyaRAT Malware decoy PDF (source: proofpoint.com)

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:

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 MiyaRAT malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

No, formatting your computer is not necessary. Malware like MiyaRAT can typically be removed using reliable security software like Combo Cleaner.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can cause data theft, system damage, financial loss, identity theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. It can also disrupt operations, compromise privacy, and serve as a gateway for additional threats like ransomware.

What is the purpose of MiyaRAT malware?

MiyaRAT is capable of performing malicious activities like taking screenshots, accessing files, and executing commands. Threat actors can use it to steal information, manipulate the infected system, and possibly inject additional payloads.

How did MiyaRAT infiltrate my computer?

MiyaRAT typically infiltrates computers through phishing attacks and malicious files. The attackers send an email containing a compressed RAR file with seemingly legitimate content, like PDFs or shortcuts disguised as documents. When opened, these files execute hidden PowerShell commands or other scripts and deploy MiyaRAT.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove the majority of known malware infections. However, advanced malware often conceals itself deep within the system, making a full system scan essential for effective 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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