How to remove Neptune RAT (Remote Access Trojan)

What kind of malware is Neptune?

Neptune is a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) written in the Visual Basic (.NET) programming language. Trojans of this kind enable remote access and control over compromised machines. Neptune is a highly multi-functional piece of malicious software. There have been several variants of this RAT.

At the time of writing, its developers are heavily promoting Neptune and offering a free version with a hinted advanced one for sale. This trojan has some customizability.

Neptune malware overview

Neptune is an advanced threat with a wide variety of capabilities. It is a RAT (Remote Access Trojan) that allows attackers to establish remote access and control over infected devices.

This malware uses anti-analysis and anti-detection techniques, including highly obfuscated code, detection when executed on a VM (Virtual Machine), anti-virus software disablement, and deletion of infection/activity artifacts. Neptune employs persistence-ensuring mechanisms, such as setting itself as a scheduled task and modifying the Windows Registry to auto-start upon each reboot. The trojan aims to ensure its longevity on systems.

This malicious program begins its operations by collecting extensive device/system data, e.g., device name, operating system info, hardware details (CPU, GPU, RAM, etc.), battery status, drivers, network data, MAC address, last system reboot, system language, connected external storage devices (USB flash drives, etc.), installed applications, default browser, anti-virus and firewall statuses, running processes, and so on.

Neptune can bypass the UAC (User Account Control) to alter system settings and grant itself admin privileges. It is noteworthy that this malware can carry out multiple malicious activities simultaneously.

The RAT can execute various PowerShell commands, including ones for downloading content from a specified URL and executing it as a script. This means that Neptune can cause chain infections. Theoretically, this type of malware can cause just about any kind of infection, but in practice – these programs tend to operate within certain specifications or limitations.

This trojan can search directories and files, and it can exfiltrate those of interest. It has stealer capabilities and can extract information – passwords specifically – from over 270 applications, including browsers, email clients, and password managers.

Neptune seeks to obtain Internet cookies and saved log-in credentials (usernames/passwords) from Chromium-based browsers, e.g., Google Chrome, 360 Secure Browser, Brave, Comodo Dragon, CoolNovo, Opera, Torch, Yandex, etc. It also has keylogging abilities (i.e., it can record keystrokes – keyboard input).

The RAT has spyware functionalities, such as recording audio and video via microphones and cameras, as well as live-streaming desktops. Neptune can function as a clipper – i.e., detect when a cryptowallet address is copied into the clipboard (copy-paste buffer) and replace it with one belonging to a wallet in the attackers' possession, thus rerouting any outgoing cryptocurrency transactions.

Operating as ransomware is among the RAT's functionalities. Ransomware encrypts victims' data in order to demand payment for its decryption. Names of the files encrypted by Neptune are appended with a ".ENC" extension (e.g., "1.jpg" – "1.jpg.ENC", "2.png" – "2.png.ENC", etc.).

After encryption, the program changes the desktop wallpaper and drops ransom notes in HTML files titled "How to Decrypt My Files.html". Attackers can customize the information within these messages, i.e., the ransom amount in Bitcoin cryptocurrency, Bitcoin wallet address, and contact email(s).

Additionally, Neptune can destroy the operating systems of infected machines. It creates an infinite loop of seizure-inducing flashing colors by changing the desktop screen to random RGB values and switching them rapidly. Meanwhile, the malware corrupts the MBR (Master Boot Record) – thus eventually rendering the system inoperable.

To summarize, the presence of software like Neptune on devices can lead to multiple system infections, data loss, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Remote access trojan examples

Lilith, Triton, Bee, I2PRAT, StilachiRAT, NonEuclid, and SwaetRAT are merely some of our latest articles on remote access trojans. RATs tend to be incredibly multi-functional – however, even if a piece of malicious software has a limited range of capabilities, it poses serious dangers to device/user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.

How did Neptune infiltrate my computer?

At the time of research, Neptune RAT developers were heavily promoting it through GitHub, Telegram, and YouTube. The developers are offering this trojan for free, but they appear to be implying that there is a more sophisticated version that can be purchased. Hence, how this malware is distributed may depend on the cyber criminals using it at the time (i.e., methods can vary between attacks).

Malware is primarily spread using phishing and social engineering tactics. This software is typically disguised as or bundled with regular content. Virulent files come in various formats, e.g., executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), documents (PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, etc.), JavaScript, and so on.

The most prevalent proliferation techniques include: backdoor/loader-type trojans, drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, malvertising, malicious attachments/links in spam (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, social media posts, etc.), online scams, suspicious download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.

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

How to avoid installation of malware?

We strongly advise downloading only from official and trustworthy channels. All programs must be activated and updated using functions/tools provided by legitimate developers, as illegal activation tools ("cracks") and third-party updates can contain malware.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. Incoming emails and other messages must be approached with care. Attachments or links present in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be malicious.

We must emphasize the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security software must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove 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.

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:

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.

Quick menu:

• What is Neptune?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of Neptune 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 Neptune malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Malware removal rarely requires formatting.

What are the biggest issues that Neptune malware can cause?

The dangers associated with an infection depend on the program's abilities and cyber criminals' modus operandi. Neptune is a remote access trojans with various capabilities – enabling remote control over devices, stealing passwords and other sensitive data, operating as ransomware, spying, destroying systems, etc. This malware can cause multiple system infections, data loss, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of Neptune malware?

Malware is mainly used for profit. Cyber criminals can also use malicious software to amuse themselves, realize personal grudges, disrupt processes (e.g., sites, services, companies, etc.), engage in hacktivism, and launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.

How did Neptune malware infiltrate my computer?

Malware is primarily distributed via drive-by downloads, trojans, online scams, spam emails/messages, malvertising, untrustworthy download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer 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.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner can scan computers and eliminate all kinds of threats. It is capable of detecting and removing most of the known malware infections. Remember that performing a full system scan is essential since high-end malicious programs tend to hide deep within systems.