How to eliminate DoppelDridex malware from the operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is DoppelDridex?
DoppelDridex is a new variant of the Dridex malware. This malicious program has been used to inject systems with additional malware, with the final payload being ransomware. It is noteworthy that DoppelDridex has been actively proliferated via virulent Microsoft Office documents distributed through email spam campaigns.
DoppelDridex malware overview
DoppelDridex is capable of causing chain infections, i.e., downloading/installing additional malicious programs. It has been observed injecting compromised systems with Cobalt Strike. This program has various harmful functionalities, including executing commands, extracting data (keylogging), infiltrating and executing files, and so on.
In the case of DoppelDridex's infection chain, the goal is to infect devices with ransomware. This malware type is designed to encrypt victims' data and/or lock their device's screen - to demand payment for the decryption/ access recovery.
To summarize, DoppelDridex infections can result in multiple system infections, permanent data loss, severe privacy issues, significant financial losses, and identity theft.
| Name | DoppelDridex virus |
| Threat Type | Trojan, password-stealing virus, banking malware, spyware. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:BankerX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.37627186), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik_AGen.M), Kaspersky (Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Cridex.nag), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Dridex.SM!MTB), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (malicious Microsoft Office document) | Avast (Other:Malware-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.37627148), ESET-NOD32 (DOC/TrojanDropper.Agent.VT), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.MSOffice.SAgent.gen), Microsoft (TrojanDownloader:O97M/EncDoc.IV!MTB), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Payload | Cobalt Strike and ransomware-type programs |
| 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. |
Malware in general
MosaicLoader, RustyBuer, Little Thief, Spectre, Nyan Worm, and HimeraLoader are some examples of malicious programs capable of causing chain infections.
In general, malware can have different abilities, which can be in varied combinations. Common features include: downloading/installing additional malware, extracting content (files and data) from systems and installed applications, spying (keylogging, recording video/audio, etc.), encrypting data and/or locking the device's screen for ransom purposes, generating cryptocurrency by abusing system resources (cryptominers), and so forth.
Regardless of how malware operates, all system infections must be immediately removed with the use of anti-virus software.
How did DoppelDridex infiltrate my computer?
DoppelDridex has been noted being spread via infectious Microsoft Office documents attached to spam mail. Files of this type infect systems by executing malicious macro commands.
This occurs when a document is opened in Microsoft Office documents released before 2010. Newer versions have "Protected View" mode that prevents macro execution; instead, users can manually enable macro commands (i.e., editing/content). It is noteworthy that cyber criminals often include deceptive messages intended to trick users into enabling macros.
Malware is commonly proliferated through spam campaigns; virulent files can be attached to and/or linked inside the scam emails. These files can be Microsoft Office and PDF documents, executables, archives, JavaScript, etc. When the files are opened - the infection process is initiated.
Malware is also distributed via dubious download channels (e.g., unofficial and freeware sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.).
Illegal activation tools ("cracks") and fraudulent updates are used as well. "Cracking" tools can infect systems instead of activating licensed products. Fake updaters cause infections by abusing outdated software flaws and/or by installing malicious programs.
How to avoid installation of malware?
Suspicious and irrelevant emails should not be opened, especially any attachments or links found in them - as they are sources of potential system infections. It is advised to only use official and verified download channels. Furthermore, all programs must be activated and updated with functions provided by genuine developers.
It is crucial to have a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated. This software has to be used to run regular system scans and to remove 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.
Malicious attachment distributing DoppelDridex 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:
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Quick menu:
- What is DoppelDridex?
- STEP 1. Manual removal of DoppelDridex 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 DoppelDridex malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?
No, DoppelDridex malware can be removed without formatting.
What are the biggest issues that DoppelDridex malware can cause?
The threats posed by a malicious program depend on its functionalities and the cyber criminals' goals. DoppelDridex infections may result in multiple system infections, data loss (due to infiltrated ransomware), serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
What is the purpose of DoppelDridex malware?
In most cases, malware has but one goal - to generate revenue. However, malicious software may be released for other purposes, such as the criminals' amusement, personal motivation against the victim(s), political or geopolitical reasons, interruption of specific processes (e.g., services, websites, companies, etc.), and so forth.
How did DoppelDridex malware infiltrate my computer?
DoppelDridex has been actively distributed through spam emails, specifically via infectious Microsoft Office documents attached to them. In general, malware is proliferated through spam campaigns, dubious download channels (e.g., Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, as well as unofficial, freeware, and scam websites), illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, fake updates, stealthy and deceptive downloads, and so on. Furthermore, some malicious programs are capable of self-spreading via local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).
Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and eliminate practically all known malware infections. However, since sophisticated malware usually hides deep within the compromised system - performing a full system scan is paramount.
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