How to remove the ViperSoftX remote access trojan?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
ViperSoftX virus removal guide
What is the ViperSoftX RAT?
ViperSoftX is the name of a JavaScript-based RAT (Remote Access Trojan). Malware of this type is designed to allow stealthy remote access and control over an infected machine. These trojans can have a wide variety of heinous functionalities, which enable likewise varied abuse of the compromised device. The primary purpose of ViperSoftX is stealing cryptocurrency transactions. However, it has other features as well. ViperSoftX RAT infections pose a significant threat to computer and user safety.
The ViperSoftX RAT uses strong obfuscation methods, which complicate its detection and analysis. Amongst these techniques is disguising its malicious code under seemingly legitimate names and parts of encrypted code (AES cryptographic algorithm). As this malware is in the process of ensuring persistence, it gathers the following machine information: device serial number and name, username, operating system architecture and installed anti-virus programs.
The purpose of ViperSoftX is redirecting Bitcoin and/or Ethereum cryptocurrency transactions to the cryptowallets owned by cyber criminals behind the infection. This trojan does so by replacing cryptocurrency wallet addresses with its own in clipboard data (i.e. short-term storage buffer for copied content). It is noteworthy that this malware is capable of infiltrating and executing files. Therefore, this RAT may be used to download/install ransomware, cryptominers and other malicious programs. To summarize, ViperSoftX infections can lead to data loss, device damage, severe privacy issues, financial losses and identity theft. If it is suspected/known that the ViperSoftX RAT (or other malware) has already infected the system - an anti-virus must be used to remove it immediately.
| Name | ViperSoftX remote access trojan |
| Threat Type | Trojan, password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware. |
| Detection Names | Avast (SNH:Script [Dropper]), BitDefender (Trojan.GenericKDS.41997672), DrWeb (Trojan.DownLoader30.34386), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Downloader.Script.SLoad.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:Script/Wacatac.B!ml), 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 Malwarebytes. |
JSSLOADER, VoidRAT, CRAT, PyXie and Quaverse are some examples of other remote access trojans. Malicious programs can have a wide variety of heinous functionalities and these functions can be in different combinations. Common malicious abilities include: data extraction and exfiltration from compromised devices and installed applications (e.g. browsers), keylogging (key stroke recording), data encryption and/or screen locking for ransom purposes, download/installation of additional malware, audio and video recording/live-streaming via microphones and webcams, use of system resource for cryptocurrency mining, and so on. Regardless of how malicious programs operate - their end-goal is to generate revenue for the cyber criminals using them. To protect device and user safety, all malware infections must be eliminated immediately upon detection.
How did ViperSoftX infiltrate my computer?
Malware is distributed using various tactics. Spam campaigns are commonly employed to spread malicious software. The term "spam campaign" defines a mass-scale operation, during which thousands of deceptive/scam emails are sent. These letters contain download links of infectious files and/or the files are simply attached to the emails. Virulent files can be in a variety of formats (e.g. archives, executables, Microsoft Office and PDF documents, JavaScript, etc.) and when they are executed, run or otherwise opened - the infection process is triggered.
Another source of system infections is content obtained from untrustworthy download channels, such as: unofficial and free file-hosting (freeware) websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (Torrent clients, eMule, Gnutella, etc.) and other third party downloaders. Illegal activation tools ("cracks") and fake updaters are a prime example of such malware-proliferating content. "Cracking" tools can download/install malicious programs instead of activating licensed product. Illegitimate updaters cause infections by abusing flaws of outdated programs and/or by installing malware, rather than the promised updates.
How to avoid installation of malware?
To avoid malware spread via spam mail, it is expressly advised against opening suspicious/irrelevant emails - especially, any attachments or links present in them. It is recommended to always download from official and verified sources. All programs must be activated and updated with tools/functions provided by legitimate developers. To ensure device integrity and user privacy, it is paramount to have a dependable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and kept updated. This software is to be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected/potential threats. If you believe that your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Malwarebytes is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Malwarebytes
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Quick menu:
- What is ViperSoftX?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of ViperSoftX 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 Malwarebytes 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 Malwarebytes for Windows.
Outstanding!
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