How to remove SwaetRAT from compromised computers
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is SwaetRAT?
SwaetRAT is a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) developed as a 32-bit application using the .NET framework. This type of malware allows attackers to gain unauthorized control over a victim’s system, enabling them to monitor activities, steal sensitive information, and execute other malicious actions remotely.
More about SwaetRAT
One of the key features of SwaetRAT is its ability to log keystrokes, a technique commonly known as keylogging. This allows the malware to record every key pressed by the victim, capturing sensitive information such as login credentials, credit card details, personal messages, and other confidential data.
Furthermore, SwaetRAT checks the "Log.tmp" file for mentions of "Paypal" or "Binance" (popular online financial platforms). If it finds either of these, it sends the information to the attacker's server (C2). This helps the attacker track financial activity related to these platforms.
Also, the RAT collects various system details, such as the unique system ID, username, operating system information, antivirus data, and whether the user has admin privileges. Additionally, SwaetRAT is capable of handling several commands to perform different actions.
It can write and execute PowerShell files, download files from specified addresses and run them, take screenshots, capture screen data in real-time, write files to the desktop, eliminate itself from the infected system, and more. Overall, SwaetRAT can cause issues like identity theft, monetary loss, additional infections, and other problems.
| Name | SwaetRAT remote access trojan |
| Threat Type | Remote Access Trojan |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:MalwareX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Heur.Variadic.A.162.1), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/Agent.DWN), Kaspersky (HEUR:Backdoor.MSIL.Agent.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:MSIL/AsyncRAT!atmn), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Remote Access 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 and possibly other channels. |
| Damage | Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, the victim's computer added to a botnet, 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. |
Conclusion
SwaetRAT is a dangerous piece of malware that provides attackers with control over infected systems, enabling them to steal sensitive data, monitor activities, and spread further infections. Its abilities make it a significant threat. Victims of SwaetRAT face risks ranging from identity theft to long-term system compromise.
More examples of RATs are WmRAT, WezRat, and ElizaRAT.
How did SwaetRAT infiltrate my computer?
The initial infection vector for SwaetRAT appears to be phishing emails, which redirect the victim to a malicious website serving a compromised ScreenConnect client. Once the ScreenConnect client is run, the infected machine connects to a threat actor's controlled server.
Afterward, a VBS script is dropped on the system, which retrieves additional malicious code from the internet. This code is decoded and executed, eventually leading to the deployment of the Ande Loader, which in turn delivers SwaetRAT as the final payload.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Make sure to download programs and files only from reputable sources, such as official websites or trusted app stores. Do not obtain software from dubious sources, like unofficial sites or third-party downloaders, and avoid using pirated software or tools meant to bypass activation. Do not click pop-ups, ads, or links on suspicious websites.
Be cautious with emails you were not expecting, especially from unfamiliar senders, and avoid opening attachments or links within them. Use reliable security tools and regularly perform scans to detect and remove 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.
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 SwaetRAT?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of SwaetRAT 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 SwaetRAT malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
Formatting your storage device can remove the malware, but it is a drastic step. Before doing that, you should run a full scan with reliable security software like Combo Cleaner to see if it can detect and eliminate the malware.
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
Malware can cause data loss, theft of personal information, system crashes, slow performance, unauthorized access to sensitive files, financial losses, identity theft, additional infections, and more.
What is the purpose of SwaetRAT?
The purpose of SwaetRAT is to give attackers remote control over infected systems. It can perform various malicious actions like stealing data, taking screenshots, capturing keystrokes, and executing commands on the compromised computer.
How did SwaetRAT infiltrate my computer?
SwaetRAT likely infiltrated your computer through a phishing email, which led you to a malicious website. From there, a compromised ScreenConnect (or other) client was downloaded, and once executed, it allowed the attacker to drop additional malicious files, ultimately delivering SwaetRAT.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Combo Cleaner can detect and remove nearly all known malware infections. However, advanced malware often hides deep within the system, so performing a complete system scan is recommended.
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