How to remove DarkIRC malware from your operating system

What is DarkIRC?

DarkIRC is malicious software that primarily operates as a stealer, keylogger, and botnet. In simple terms, this program can extract sensitive information from compromised devices and use it to disrupt/disable an online service (e.g., network, website, etc.).

DarkIRC also has anti-detection and anti-sandbox capabilities, which aid in obfuscating its presence on systems and complicates research. This malware is highly dangerous and, as such, must be removed immediately upon detection.

DarkIRC malware depends on a serious vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server. This weakness was addressed, and a patch fixing it was released. Despite the update's release, many servers remain unpatched. DarkIRC can detect whether it is running on VBox, VirtualBox, VMware, QEMU, or Xen virtual machines.

If it detects a virtual environment, it ceases its malicious operations. This malicious program has stealer functionalities. In other words, it can extract sensitive information from browsers and/or other applications.

This malware explicitly targets the following browsers: Google Chrome, Opera, Chromium, 360Browser, Amigo, Atom, Brave-Browser, Chromodo, CocCoc Browser, Comodo Dragon, Epic Privacy Browser, K-Melon, Kometa, Maxthon3, Nichrome, Orbitum, Slimjet, Sputnik, Torch, Uran, Vivaldi, and (older versions of) Yandex.

Information of interest includes: browsing activity (e.g., URLs visited, search queries typed, etc.), browser cookies, stored account/service log-in credentials (i.e., IDs, usernames, and passwords), saved credit card details, and other sensitive/ personally identifiable data.

Keylogging is another functionality aiding DarkIRC in information theft. This capability allows the malware to record keystrokes (i.e., typed data). Cyber criminals mainly use keylogging to obtain log-in credentials and similarly sensitive information.

The malicious program can also create a botnet from infected machines, which may then be used to deploy DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks. The attacks are intended to disrupt or make an online service inaccessible/unresponsive for users by overloading a system with countless requests.

This piece of malicious software can upload files. If used in combination with file execution, it could potentially be used to cause chain infections (i.e., to infect the system with Trojans, ransomware, and other malware). To summarize, DarkIRC infections can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

If it is suspected/known that DarkIRC (or other malware) has already infected the system, use anti-virus software to eliminate it without delay.

BitCoin Clipper, Sn0wsLogger, Xenon, and Snake are some examples of malicious programs with capabilities similar to DarkIRC. Malware can have a broad range of dangerous functions, and these features can be in different combinations.

Common features include (but are not limited to): data extraction from devices and installed applications, keylogging, audio/video recording via microphones and webcams, download/installation of additional malicious programs, remote access and controls over infected machines, data encryption and/or screen locking for ransom purposes (ransomware), botnet creation, use of system resources to mine cryptocurrency (cryptominers), and so on.

Regardless of how malware operates, it is must be immediately removed to ensure device and user safety.

How did DarkIRC infiltrate my computer?

Ransomware and other malware infections are commonly spread through malspam campaigns, untrusted file/software download sources, fake (third party) software updating tools, Trojans and unofficial software activation tools.

Using malspam, criminals send emails that have a malicious file attached, or include a website link designed to download a malicious file. Their main goal is to trick recipients into executing the file, which then infects the computer with malware. Cyber criminals usually attach a Microsoft Office document, archive file (ZIP, RAR), PDF document, executable file (.exe) or JavaScript file, and wait until recipients open it.

Note that malicious MS Office documents can install malware only when users enable editing/content (macros commands). If the documents are opened with MS Office versions prior to 2010, however, the documents install malicious software automatically, since these older versions do not include "Protected View" mode.

Examples of untrusted file and software download sources are Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients), free file hosting websites, freeware download sites, and unofficial web pages. These are used to distribute malicious files by disguising them as legitimate and regular. When users download and open (execute) the files, however, they inadvertently install malware.

Fake software updating tools cause damage by installing malware rather than updates/fixes for installed software, or by exploiting bugs/flaws of outdated software. Trojans are malicious programs that can cause chain infections by installing other software of this kind. Note that malware can only be distributed in this way if Trojans are already installed on computers.

Unofficial activation ('cracking') tools are illegal programs that supposedly activate licensed software free of charge and bypass activation, however, they often install other malicious programs instead.

How to avoid installation of malware

To avoid malware spread via spam mail, you are strongly advised against opening suspicious or irrelevant emails, especially those with any attachments or links present within them.

Additionally, use Microsoft Office versions released after 2010. Malicious programs also proliferate through untrusted download channels (e.g. unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders), illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updaters.

Therefore, only download from official/verified sources and activate and update software with tools/functions provided by legitimate developers.

To ensure device integrity and user privacy, have a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and kept updated. Furthermore, use these programs 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 Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Screenshot of DarkIRC malware process in Windows Task Manager ("DarkIRC" process name):

Screenshot of DarkIRC malware being promoted (sold) online:

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 DarkIRC?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of DarkIRC 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.