How to remove ResolverRAT malware

What kind of malware is ResolverRAT?

ResolverRAT is a malicious program classed as a Remote Access Trojan (RAT). Trojans of this kind are designed to enable remote access and control over infected machines. ResolverRAT has been used in campaigns targeting organizations worldwide.

As of the time of writing, the latest campaign in March 2025 sought to infect entities in the healthcare and pharmaceutics spheres. More information on this campaign can be read in our dedicated news article.

ResolverRAT malware overview

ResolverRAT is a RAT – a trojan that allows attackers to connect and assume control over victims' devices remotely. It has anti-analysis capabilities, such as detecting when the malware is launched on a VM (Virtual Machine) or in a sandbox environment. It also utilizes several anti-detection mechanisms, including heavy code obfuscation and encryption, as well as executing in-memory.

ResolverRAT employs the DLL side-loading method to infiltrate systems – i.e., it uses the Windows DLL search order mechanism to leverage a legitimate application that executes the malicious payload. This RAT has persistence-ensuring mechanisms implemented, such as installation in multiple locations.

ResolverRAT can exfiltrate sensitive information, and it downloads the data by breaking up anything exceeding 1 MB into 16 KB chunks (chunking mechanism). Generally, information-stealing malware seeks to extract personal files and data associated with accounts/platforms/services (e.g., browsers, VPNs, FTPs, gaming, emails, social networking/media, messengers, online banking, cryptocurrency wallets, etc.), corporate content, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, and so on.

RATs tend to be incredibly multifunctional programs. They may possess abilities related to injectors (i.e., injecting malicious code into processes/services), spyware (e.g., taking screenshots, recording video/audio, streaming desktops, etc.), stealers (e.g., extracting data from systems and apps), keyloggers (i.e., recording keystrokes), clippers (i.e., stealing/replacing clipboard content), cryptominers (i.e., abusing system resources to generate cryptocurrency), and so forth.

These trojans are often capable of operating as backdoors/loaders/droppers (i.e., causing chain infections by downloading/installing trojans, ransomware, or other malicious software/content).

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

Remote access trojan examples

We have written about numerous RATs; Neptune, Lilith, Triton, StilachiRAT, and I2PRAT are just some of our latest articles. Typically, remote access trojans are highly versatile programs. Yet regardless of what abilities malware has – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be removed immediately upon detection.

How did ResolverRAT infiltrate my computer?

ResolverRAT has been observed being distributed through phishing spam campaigns seeking to infect victims worldwide via malicious links. These emails were highly targeted; written in the native languages of the recipients (e.g., Czech, Indonesian, Italian, Hindi, Portuguese, Turkish, etc.) – who were employees of organizations operating in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. This spam mail used lures centered on legal processes and copyright infringement. Different lures and distribution methods are not unlikely.

Phishing and social engineering tactics are standard in malware proliferation. Malicious software is often disguised as or bundled with ordinary content. Infectious files can be documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), archives (RAR, ZIP, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), JavaScript, and so forth. Merely opening a malicious file can be enough to initiate the infection chain.

The most prevalent distribution techniques include: malicious attachments/links in spam (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, social media posts, etc.), trojans, online scams, malvertising, drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), pirated content, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.

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

How to avoid installation of malware?

We strongly advise exercising caution with incoming communications; attachments or links present in suspicious emails and other messages must not be opened since they can be malicious. It is important to always be vigilant when browsing, as the Internet is rife with deceptive and dangerous content.

Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. Another recommendation is to activate and update programs using functions/tools provided by legitimate developers, as those acquired from third-parties can contain malware.

We must stress the importance of having a reputable antivirus installed and kept updated. This software must be used to run 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 ResolverRAT?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of ResolverRAT 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 ResolverRAT malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Most likely, no – since malware removal rarely requires such drastic measures.

What are the biggest issues that ResolverRAT malware can cause?

The threats posed by an infection depend on the malware's capabilities and the attackers' modus operandi. ResolverRAT can enable remote access/control over devices and exfiltrate vulnerable data. Generally, the presence of high-risk malware can lead to multiple system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of ResolverRAT malware?

Most malware infections are driven by financial gain. Other potential motivations include the attackers seeking to amuse themselves or realize personal grudges, process disruption (e.g., sites, services, companies, etc.), hacktivism, and political/geopolitical reasons.

How did ResolverRAT malware infiltrate my computer?

ResolverRAT has been spread through targeted email spam campaigns. In general, malware is commonly distributed via spam emails/messages, trojans, drive-by downloads, online scams, malvertising, suspect download channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), pirated programs/media, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Some malicious programs can even self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most of known malware infections. Keep in mind that performing a full system scan is essential since sophisticated malicious programs typically hide deep within systems.