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How to remove SeroXen RAT from the operating system

Also Known As: SeroXen Remote Access Trojan
Type: Trojan
Damage level: Severe

What kind of malware is SeroXen?

SeroXen is a fileless Remote Access Trojan (RAT) that excels in evading detection through both static and dynamic analysis methods. The malware incorporates various open-source projects, including Quasar RAT, r77-rootkit, and the command line tool NirCmd, to enhance its functionalities and capabilities.

SeroXen is marketed as a legitimate tool that offers undetectable access to computers. It is available for purchase at an affordable price, with a monthly license priced at $30 or a lifetime bundle priced at $60, making it easily accessible to potential buyers.

SeroXen RAT

More about SeroXen

SeroXen RAT is a sophisticated Remote Access Trojan that boasts several powerful features. It is designed to remain undetected by antivirus software, providing fully undetectable functionality both during scanning and while running.

It includes features like HVNC (Hidden Virtual Network Computing), primarily used for penetration testing, LOTL (Living Off the Land) techniques to operate in a fileless manner, and a rootkit to conceal its presence.

The RAT also incorporates various capabilities such as UAC (User Account Control) bypass, WatchDog for persistence, a plugin system for extensibility, and comprehensive remote control functionalities including remote desktop, shell access, remote execution, file management, system information retrieval, registry editing, keylogging, and password recovery for common browsers and FTP clients.

Cybercriminals leveraging SeroXen can inflict significant damage and pose serious threats to targeted systems. With its advanced capabilities, they can remotely access and control infected devices, potentially leading to unauthorized activities such as data theft, financial fraud, injection of additional malware, or identity theft.

The RAT's keylogging functionality enables the capture of sensitive information, including passwords and personal data. Additionally, the inclusion of features like UAC bypass, rootkit, and WatchDog ensures the persistence and evasion of security measures, allowing cybercriminals to maintain control over compromised systems for extended periods.

Threat Summary:
Name SeroXen Remote Access Trojan
Threat Type Remote Access Trojan (RAT).
Detection Names Kaspersky (Trojan.BAT.Obfus.p), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Casdet!rfn), ZoneAlarm by Check Point (Trojan.BAT.Obfus.p), Full List (VirusTotal)
Symptoms Most Remote Administration 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', pirated games.
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.
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Malicious RATs in general

A Remote Access Trojan is a type of malware designed to provide unauthorized access and control over infected devices. RATs enable cybercriminals to remotely manipulate compromised systems, allowing them to execute various malicious activities, such as stealing sensitive information, monitoring user activity, distributing additional malware, or conducting unauthorized operations.

RATs often remain hidden and can be challenging to detect, making them a significant threat to cybersecurity. A couple examples of different RATs are TurkoRat, DarkVision, and Atharvan.

How did SeroXen infiltrate my computer?

SeroXen RAT has been promoted on social media platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube, as well as on cracking forums such as hack forums. Reports from gaming forums indicate that some users were infected after downloading video games like Fortnite, Valorant, Roblox, or Call of Duty: Warzone 2.

Threat actors behind the RAT have used Discord to distribute certain samples. In typical scenarios, the victim receives a ZIP file that appears harmless. However, concealed within the archive is a heavily obfuscated batch file that executes when launched.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Be cautious of downloading files or software from untrusted sources, especially if they are promoted on social media or cracking forums. Keep your operating system and installed software up to date with the latest security patches to address any known vulnerabilities.

Exercise cautiousness when opening email attachments or clicking on suspicious links, and consider using reputable antivirus software to provide an additional layer of protection. Regularly backing up your important data can also help mitigate the impact of potential malware infections.

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 a website promoting SeroXen:

SeroXen RAT for sale on a website

Update 13 October 2023 - Cybercriminals are now exploiting malicious NuGet packages featuring inflated download statistics. These packages disguise themselves as crypto wallets, exchanges, and Discord libraries to facilitate the distribution of SeroXen. The deceptive packages imitate well-known cryptocurrency services, leveraging official logos to mislead unsuspecting users.

They manipulate download numbers to enhance their perceived legitimacy, possibly through automated scripts or botnets. The core objective of these malicious packages is to carry out harmful activities on compromised systems, ultimately deploying the SeroXen RAT.

A visual representation of Disti's repository on NuGet (source: bleepingcomputer[.]com):

SeroXen RAT Disti's repository on NuGet

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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner 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 read more.

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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:

Malware process running in the Task Manager

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:

manual malware removal step 1Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:

Autoruns application appearance

manual malware removal step 2Restart 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.

Run Windows 7 or Windows XP in Safe Mode with Networking

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.

Run Windows 8 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.

Run Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking

Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

manual malware removal step 3Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.

Extract Autoruns.zip archive and run Autoruns.exe application

manual malware removal step 4In 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.

Refresh Autoruns application results

manual malware removal step 5Check 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".

Delete malware in Autoruns

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.

Search for malware and delete 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 SeroXen malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

While formatting your storage device can be an effective way to remove malware, it is a drastic measure that should be considered as a last resort. Before opting for formatting, try another method to remove the SeroXen malware - run a thorough scan using reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to detect and remove the malware.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can cause significant issues such as data theft and privacy breaches, financial losses through ransomware or unauthorized transactions, and system disruption and damage. It can also lead to the spread of infections, unauthorized access and control of devices, and reputation damage for individuals and organizations.

What is the purpose of SeroXen malware?

The purpose of SeroXen malware is to provide cybercriminals with unauthorized access and control over infected computers. It is designed to perform various malicious activities, including stealing sensitive information, executing remote commands, and carrying out further attacks or data breaches.

How did SeroXen infiltrate my computer?

Users have reported being infected after downloading pirated (cracked) versions of popular games like Fortnite, Valorant, Roblox, or Warzone 2. The threat actors have also used Discord to distribute certain samples.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner is an effective tool that can identify and remove nearly all known malware infections. However, it is important to note that sophisticated malware often conceals itself in the deeper layers of the system. Therefore, conducting a comprehensive system scan is essential to detect and eradicate such high-end malware.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

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