How to eliminate CatLogs stealer-type malware from the operating system

What kind of malware is CatLogs?

CatLogs is the name of a stealer-type malware. This information-stealing malicious program can also function as a keylogger, clipper, RAT (Remote Access Trojan), and ransomware.

CatLogs malware overview

CatLogs is a multi-functional malicious program. It has anti-analysis capabilities, specifically – detecting when launched on virtual machines or in sandbox environments.

This stealer begins its malicious activities by collecting relevant device data. It can also extract and exfiltrate information from Chromium-based browsers.

Targeted data includes Internet cookies and saved passwords. However, stealers often seek browsing histories, auto-fills (e.g., personally identifiable details, usernames, etc.), saved credit/debit card numbers, and other sensitive information. Hence, CatLogs might target this data as well.

The stealer can steal information associated with FTP (File Transfer Protocol) clients, VPN (Virtual Private Network) clients, messengers like VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) clients, and gaming-related software.

While this program is classed as a stealer, it also has other functionalities. This malware can function as a clipper. To elaborate, it can replace Bitcoin and Ethereum wallet addresses copied into the clipboard (copy-paste buffer). The goal is to reroute outgoing transactions to transfer the digital assets into cryptowallets belonging to the attackers. CatLogs has RAT-like (Remote Access Trojan) abilities, i.e., executing Shell commands on infected systems.

Additionally, the program operates as a keylogger – recording keystrokes. Another significant capability of CatLogs is its ability to function as ransomware. It can encrypt victims' files in order to demand ransoms for their decryption.

It has to be mentioned that malware developers commonly improve upon their creations and methodologies. Therefore, potential future iterations of CatLogs could be more streamlined, have a broader target list, or have additional/different functionalities.

In summary, the presence of software like CatLogs on devices can lead to permanent data loss, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:

Name	CatLogs malware
Threat Type	Trojan, password-stealing virus, stealer, clipper, keylogger, ransomware.
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:SpywareX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (IL:Trojan.MSILZilla.25356), ESET-NOD32 (Multiple Detections), Kaspersky (Trojan-PSW.Win64.Coins.aha), Tencent (Malware.Win32.Gencirc.13bfb076), 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner 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.

Stealer-type malware examples

ScarletStealer, Acrid, CoinLurker, and JarkaStealer are just some of our latest articles on stealers. These programs can target different information; exclusively seek particular data or cast a very broad net.

It is pertinent to mention that stealers are often used in combination with other malicious programs, and data-stealing abilities are prevalent in various types of malware.

Yet regardless of how malicious software operates – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be removed immediately upon detection.

How did CatLogs infiltrate my computer?

CatLogs has been promoted on hacker forums. This suggests that the methods used to distribute this program could vary, as it may be used by different individuals/groups who have their own methodologies.

Generally, malware is proliferated using phishing and social engineering tactics. Malicious software is often disguised as or bundled with (packed alongside) ordinary content.

Virulent files come in various formats, e.g., archives (RAR, ZIP, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so on. Merely opening a malicious file can be enough to initiate the infection chain.

The most prevalent malware distribution techniques include: backdoor/loader-type trojans, drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, online scams, malicious attachments/links in spam (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, social media posts, etc.), malvertising, dubious download channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.

Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., USB flash drives, external hard drives, etc.).

How to avoid installation of malware?

We highly recommend downloading only from official and trustworthy sources. All programs must be activated and updated using functions/tools provided by legitimate developers, as those acquired from third-parties can contain malware.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and harmless. Additionally, incoming emails and other messages must be approached with caution. Attachments or links found in suspect/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious.

It is paramount for device/user safety to have a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated. This software must be used to perform 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 CatLogs stealer promoted on a hacker forum (image source – ThreatMon):

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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner 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 CatLogs?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of CatLogs 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 CatLogs malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

No, malware removal rarely requires such drastic measures.

What are the biggest issues that CatLogs malware can cause?

The dangers posed by an infection depend on the malicious program's capabilities and the attackers' goals. CatLogs is a stealer that can also operate as a RAT, ransomware, keylogger, and clipper.

Meaning that this program can steal data, enable remote control over devices, encrypt files for ransom purposes, record keystrokes, and reroute outgoing cryptocurrency transactions by changing wallet addresses copied into the clipboard. Hence, the presence of this software can lead to data loss, privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of CatLogs malware?

Malware is primarily used for financial gain. However, cyber criminals can also use malicious software to amuse themselves, carry out personal vendettas, engage in hacktivism, disrupt processes (e.g., sites, services, companies, etc.), and launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.

How did CatLogs malware infiltrate my computer?

Malware is mainly distributed via drive-by downloads, trojans, spam mail, online scams, malvertising, untrustworthy download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates. Some malicious programs can self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and eliminate most of the known malware infections. Keep in mind that running a full system scan is crucial since high-end malicious programs typically hide deep within systems.

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