How to remove PNGPlug from infected systems
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of malware is PNGPlug?
PNGPlug is a malware loader used in attacks targeting Chinese-speaking regions (such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China). These campaigns often start with phishing websites designed to deceive users into running a malicious Microsoft Installer (MSI) package camouflaged as legitimate software.
More about PNGPlug
When the installer with PNGPlug is run, it installs a harmless-looking app to avoid suspicion while also extracting an encrypted file that hides the malware. A key part of this malware is a file called "libcef.dll", which acts as the loader and prepares the system for the malware to run.
PNGPlug changes system files to inject malicious code into memory, deciding its actions based on specific instructions. To hide its malicious code, PNGPlug uses fake .png files, like aut.png and view.png. These files look harmless but contain malware that the loader injects into memory, helping it run unnoticed.
PNGPlug's primary purpose is to deliver ValleyRAT, a Remote Access Trojan (RAT). This RAT uses shellcode execution, obfuscation, and privilege escalation to stay active and maintain control over compromised systems.
ValleyRAT can drop and execute files, including additional malware like ransomware or cryptocurrency miners, ensuring its persistence by setting itself to run at system startup. Also, the malware gathers system information, such as running processes, and can adapt its behavior by stopping or restarting itself.
These capabilities allow it to infiltrate, persist, and manipulate infected systems, making it a significant threat to victims.
| Name | PNGPlug malware loader |
| Threat Type | Malware Loader |
| Detection Names | Antiy-AVL (GrayWare/Win32.Wacapew), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.74346373), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Rising (Malware.SwollenFile!1.E38A (CLASSIC)), Symantec (Trojan Horse), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| Payload | ValleyRAT |
| Symptoms | Loaders are often 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 | Phishing websites, malicious installers, infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software 'cracks'. |
| Potential Damage | Additional infections, stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, 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
Malware like PNGPlug shows how cyber threats are becoming more advanced, using clever tactics to stay hidden while delivering harmful payloads like ValleyRAT. These threats can take control of systems and carry out various malicious actions, emphasizing the need for strong security to protect against them.
Other examples of malware categorized as loaders include Venom, GodLoader, and JinxLoader.
How did PNGPlug infiltrate my computer?
Computers get infected with PNGPlug when users fall for phishing websites that trick them into downloading a malicious MSI package disguised as legitimate software. Once the package is run, it installs a seemingly harmless app to avoid suspicion while secretly extracting an encrypted file containing the malware.
Other methods often used to deliver malware include sending phishing emails containing malicious links or attachments, exploiting software vulnerabilities, crafting malicious advertisements, spreading technical support scams, hiding malware in pirated software, and using P2P networks, third-party downloaders, and similar channels.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Be cautious when downloading files and get software from trusted sources, such as official websites or app stores. Avoid clicking links or opening attachments in unsolicited emails or messages from unknown senders. Keep your operating system and security software up to date, and use a reliable security tool.
Additionally, do not trust advertisements, pop-ups, and other content on dubious web pages, and regularly scan your system for malware. 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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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 PNGPlug?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of PNGPlug 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 PNGPlug malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
It is advisable to use a trusted malware removal tool to scan and clean the system. Formatting a storage device removes all data (including malware).
What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?
Malware can lead to various serious consequences, including unauthorized data access, damage to systems, financial losses, disruptions to the operating system, and the spread of additional infections.
What is the purpose of PNGPlug?
PNGPlug is primarily designed as a malware loader, delivering and executing additional malicious payloads, such as ValleyRAT.
How did PNGPlug infiltrate my computer?
PNGPlug likely infiltrated your computer through a phishing website that tricked you into downloading a malicious MSI package. Once executed, the package installs a harmless-looking app while extracting the malware.
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Combo Cleaner will scan your system and remove detected threats. This tool is capable of identifying most known malware. However, advanced malware often hides deeply within the system, so it is crucial to perform a full system scan to ensure detection and removal.
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