How to eliminate MrAnon stealer-type malware from the operating system

What kind of malware is MrAnon?

MrAnon is the name of an information-stealing malware written in the Python programming language. This stealer has a variety of data-extracting capabilities and targets information from browsers, cryptocurrency wallets, messengers, and other applications.

At the time of writing, MrAnon's developers are offering it for sale online; hence, there are several variants with different functionalities based on the payment plan. It is pertinent to mention that this malware has been observed being proliferated via email spam campaigns.

MrAnon malware overview

Following successful infiltration, MrAnon can display a pop-up window stating "File Not Supported", succeeded by another one claiming "Not Run: python.exe". These messages are used to mislead victims into thinking that the potential malware installation on their devices failed. Thus, a false sense of security is created, diminishing the chances of users taking additional actions to secure their systems.

MrAnon malware begins its operations by searching and terminating processes of interest, such as those associated with targeted apps like browsers, messengers, cryptowallets, etc.

This stealer gathers relevant device data. One of the methods utilized is stealthily visiting legitimate websites to acquire the victim's IP address (geolocation), as well as their country name and code. MrAnon may arrive onto systems heavily compressed, and its small file size can aid in evading detection.

The malicious program is capable of downloading files from infected devices. It checks the following locations – Desktop, Documents, Pictures, and Downloads – for these formats: 7z, BMP, CONF, CSV, DAT, DB, DOC, JPEG, JPG, KDBX, KEY, ODT, OVPN, PDF, PNG, RAR, RDP, RTF, SQL, TAR, TXT, WALLET, XLS, XLSX, XLM, ZIP, etc.

Taking screenshots is also among the stealer's capabilities. MrAnon can extract information from over twenty browsers (full list). Data of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc.

It also targets both desktop and browser extension cryptocurrency wallets (full list). Additionally, the stealer seeks data from messengers, authentication software, password managers, VPN (Virtual Private Network) clients, gaming-related software, and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) clients (full list).

The information obtained by MrAnon is compressed into a file(s) and uploaded to a file-hosting site; a message notifying of the creation and including the download link is then sent to the attackers' Telegram.

It is noteworthy that malware developers often improve upon their software; therefore, potential future iterations of MrAnon could have additional/different functionalities and features.

To summarize, the presence of malware like the MrAnon stealer on devices can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Stealer-type malware examples

Vare, Ansiety, Epsilon, Laze, Serpent, and TrapStealer are merely some examples of stealers we have written about recently. Information-stealing malware can target incredibly specific details or a broad range of data. These programs could have other capabilities, as malware is not limited by its classification.

It must be emphasized that regardless of how malicious software operates – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be removed immediately upon detection.

How did MrAnon infiltrate my computer?

As mentioned in the introduction, MrAnon has been noted being proliferated via spam emails. One of the known campaigns involved missives regarding a hotel reservation supposedly booked by the recipients. The emails with the subject "December Room Availability Query" (may vary) included malicious PDF document attachments titled "Booking.pdf".

Upon opening, the document's background depicted what appeared to be scans of an ID and a credit/debit card; a pop-up was displayed in the foreground. The text in this window stated that "Adobe Flash Player" was outdated, and the user was urged to update it.

Interacting with this pop-up triggered the malware download/installation process. The PDF downloaded a .NET executable, which retrieved and executed several PowerShell scripts. The chain culminated in the installation of the MrAnon stealer.

It must be mentioned that other lures or files could be used to spread MrAnon. Aside from emails, malware can be distributed through DMs/PMs, SMSes, and other messages.

Infectious files can be attached to or linked inside spam mail. These files come in various formats, e.g., executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so on.

Other common malware proliferation methods include: drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, online scams, malvertising, untrustworthy download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.

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

How to avoid installation of malware?

We recommend treating incoming emails and other messages with care. Attachments or links present in dubious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be malicious. Another recommendation is to be cautious while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous.

Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. We advise activating and updating programs by using genuine functions/tools, as illegal activation ("cracking") tools and third-party updaters may contain malware.

We must stress the importance of having a dependable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security 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.

Targeted browsers:

Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera, 7Star, Amigo, Brave, Cent Browser, Chrome Canary, Epic Privacy Browser, Iridium, Kometa, Opera GX, Orbitum, Pale Moon, SeaMonkey, Sputnik, Torch, Uran, Vivaldi, Waterfox, and Yandex.

Targeted cryptowallets and cryptocurrency-related browser extensions:

Aergo Connect, Armory, Atomic, Auro, Binance, BitKeep, BoltX, BlockWallet, Braavos, Bytecoin Wallet, CLV Wallet, Coin98, Coinbase, Cyano, Coinomi, Enkrypt, Eternl, EVER, Exodus, Fewcha Move, Finnie, GeroWallet, Goby, Guarda, HashPack, HAVAH, ICONex, iWallet, Jaxx Liberty, KardiaChain, Keeper, Keplr, KHC Wallet, Leap Terra, Liquality, MadWallet, Math, MetaMask, Meta Wallet, MEW CX, MultiversX DeFi Wallet, Nami, NeoLine, Nifty, OKX Wallet, OsmWallet, Pali, Petra Aptos, Phantom, Polygon, Polymesh, Pontem Aptos, Rabby, Ronin, SafePal, Sender Wallet, Solflare, Station, Sui, Tally Ho, Temple, TexBox, Tronium, Tron Link, Trust, Virgo, WAGMIswap.io, Wombat, XDEFI, and Yoroi.

Other targeted browser extensions:

Authenticator, Authy, EOS Authenticator, GAuth Authenticator, Bitwarden, KeePassHelper, KeePass Tusk, KeePassXC, Trezor Password Manager, Microsoft Autofill, NordVPN, and Proton VPN.

Targeted messaging software:

Discord, Discord Canary, Element, Signal, and Telegram.

Targeted miscellaneous software:

FileZilla, FileZilla Server, NordVPN, OpenVPN Connect, ProtonVPN, and Steam.

Screenshot of the Telegram account used by MrAnon stealer's developers:

Screenshot of MrAnon stealer being sold online:

Screenshot of a spam email used to proliferate MrAnon stealer:

Text presented in this email letter:

Subject: December Room Availability Query - Jame Mandez

Dear Esteemed Hotel ,
Greetings. I write on behalf of Lurstanco LLC to inquire about a reservation at your esteemed hotel from December 20th to 30th, 2023.
Enclosed, please find our preliminary booking details. We seek to reserve a Double Room with a spacious bed for two guests. Your confirmation of the room's availability for these dates would be highly appreciated.
Additionally, information regarding your rates and any special offerings available during our stay would be most welcome.
We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to experience the distinguished hospitality of your hotel.
Thank you for your attention to this request. We look forward to your prompt and favorable reply.
Yours sincerely,
Daniel Mendez
Lurstanco LLC

Screenshot of the malicious PDF attached to this spam email ("Booking.pdf"):

How to remove malware manually?

Most trojan infections can be removed by running a full system scan with Combo Cleaner. The full manual procedure below is for cases where automatic removal failed, where you want to verify a scan caught everything, or where the threat has multiple persistence points.

Tools you'll need

Combo Cleaner Antivirus 7-days free trial

Recommended primary scanner. VB100 certified. The 7-day free trial is available.

Microsoft Defender Offline Free · built-in

Built into Windows. Boots to a clean environment to catch rootkits.

Process Explorer Free

From Microsoft Sysinternals. Better than Task Manager - shows full paths and signatures.

Autoruns Free

From Microsoft Sysinternals. Lists every place malware can persist on your system.

Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT) Free

Official Microsoft on-demand scanner. Always-current signatures - expires every 10 days.

Phase 1~ 5 min

Contain - limit the damage

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1

Disconnect from the network

30 secNo tool needed

Unplug your Ethernet cable and turn off Wi-Fi. If you're on a laptop, the airplane-mode key works fastest.

Why this matters

Many trojans exfiltrate data - saved browser passwords, banking sessions, screenshots - and accept remote commands. Cutting the network stops both immediately. Keep it disconnected until Phase 4.

2

Boot into Safe Mode with Networking

3 min

Safe Mode loads a minimal set of drivers and stops most malware from auto-running. "With Networking" lets you download tools - re-enable Wi-Fi only after you've booted in.

Windows 11

Open Settings → System → Recovery. Click Restart now next to Advanced startup.

Your computer will restart into the "Choose an option" menu. Click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart. After the second reboot, press 5 or F5.

Windows 10

Click the Windows logo, hold Shift, click the Power icon and choose Restart. In the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart. Press F5.

Windows 8

Go to the Start Screen, type Advanced, select Settings → Advanced startup options → Restart now → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup settings → Restart → F5.

Note: Windows 8 reached end-of-life in January 2023 - running on it puts you at much higher risk of reinfection.

Windows 7

Click Start → Shut Down → Restart → OK. As the system boots, press F8 repeatedly until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, then choose Safe Mode with Networking.

Note: Windows 7 reached end-of-life in January 2020 - running on it puts you at much higher risk of reinfection.

Phase 2~ 15 min

Identify - find what's hiding

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3

Inspect running processes with Process Explorer

Tool: Process Explorer5 min

Download Process Explorer from Microsoft Sysinternals. Run it as Administrator. Click Options → Verify Image Signatures and View → Lower Pane View → DLLs.

Sort by "Verified Signer." Anything unsigned running from %AppData%, %LocalAppData%, %Temp%, or %ProgramData% is suspicious. Right-click → Properties to see the full image path. Right-click → "Search Online" to look up unfamiliar process names.

Why not just Task Manager

Task Manager hides full file paths, doesn't show digital signatures, and groups processes in ways that make malware easy to miss. Process Explorer is the same tool Microsoft engineers use.

4

Map every persistence point with Autoruns

Tool: Autoruns 14.x10 min

Download Autoruns. Right-click Autoruns.exe and choose Run as administrator - without elevation, Autoruns can't inspect protected registry hives.

In the menu, open Options → Hide Microsoft Entries and Options → Hide Empty Locations, then click Refresh.

Modern trojans don't just live in startup. Walk through these tabs and look for unsigned or unfamiliar entries:

• Logon - classic Run/RunOnce keys
• Scheduled Tasks - frequent hiding spot, especially tasks with PowerShell, MSHTA, or rundll32 actions
• Services - unsigned services in non-Microsoft folders
• WMI - Event Subscriptions are a stealthy persistence mechanism (MITRE T1546.003)
• Image Hijacks - Image File Execution Options "Debugger" abuse
• AppInit - DLLs loaded into every GUI process
• Browser plug-ins - unsigned add-ons across all installed browsers

Pro tip

Right-click any suspicious entry → "Jump to Image" to see the actual file. Right-click → "Search Online" opens VirusTotal for the file hash. Don't delete yet - just write down the file paths and entry names. We'll remove them after the scans.

5

Check the hosts file and DNS settings

3 minBuilt into Windows

Trojans often redirect bank, antivirus, and update domains to attacker-controlled servers by editing the hosts file or DNS settings.

Hosts file: Open Notepad as Administrator and open C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. Legitimate entries are commented with #. Any uncommented IP-to-domain mapping is suspicious - especially redirects for microsoft.com, windowsupdate, or your bank.

DNS settings: Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run ipconfig /all. Confirm your DNS servers point to your ISP, your router, or a known public resolver (Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, Google 8.8.8.8). Then open Settings → Network & internet → [your adapter] → DNS server assignment and verify both DNS and DNS over HTTPS (DoH) settings haven't been hijacked.

Why this matters

A clean PC with hijacked DNS is still a compromised PC. You'll think you're at chase.com and you'll be at the attacker's clone.

Phase 3~ 60-90 min

Remove - three scans, one cleanup

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No single antivirus catches everything. The order below is intentional: offline scan first (catches rootkits before Windows fully loads), then on-demand scanners on the running system, then manual cleanup of anything they missed.

6

Run Microsoft Defender Offline

Tool: Built into Windows15 min

Reboot to normal Windows. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. Your computer will restart into a stripped-down environment and scan before the full operating system loads.

Why this comes first

Rootkits and bootkits hide from any scanner running on the same Windows session that's already infected. A pre-boot offline scan sees the disk before the malware can hide itself.

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

VB100 certified. Includes anti-trojan, registry/persistence scanning, anti-spyware in one pass. The 7-day free trial is available.

Download Combo Cleaner

7

Run Combo Cleaner full system scan

Tool: Combo Cleaner20-40 min

Install Combo Cleaner and run a full system scan (not the quick scan). Let it complete fully, review the detected threats, and apply the recommended actions. Combo Cleaner will quarantine known trojans and registry persistence.

8

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner as a second-opinion scan

Tool: Microsoft Safety Scanner15 min

Download Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT.exe), Microsoft's free on-demand tool. The binary expires every 10 days, which means every download has the latest signatures. Run a full scan after Combo Cleaner to catch anything one engine alone might miss.

Why a second scan

Different scanning engines catch different threats. Running an additional Microsoft scan after Combo Cleaner is the single most underused verification step in malware removal.

9

Manually remove anything still listed in Autoruns

Tool: Autoruns10 min

Reopen Autoruns. Anything you flagged in Step 4 that's still present hasn't been caught by the automated scans. For each remaining suspicious entry: right-click → Delete in Autoruns (this removes the persistence registration), then navigate to the file path and delete the actual file. Empty the Recycle Bin.

Important

Some malware files reappear after deletion because something else on the system recreates them. If you delete a file and it returns within minutes, you have a remaining persistence point that Autoruns didn't show - usually a service or scheduled task running under SYSTEM. Re-run the scans from Steps 6-8 or proceed to a clean install (see end of guide).

Phase 4~ 15 min

Recover - restore browsers and security

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10

Reset browsers and clear notification permissions

5 min

Trojans and adware frequently hijack browsers - change the default search engine, install rogue extensions, or grant themselves notification permissions to keep displaying scam pop-ups even after the malware is gone.

• Chrome: visit chrome://settings/reset and click "Restore settings to their original defaults." Then visit chrome://settings/content/notifications and remove any unfamiliar sites.
• Edge: visit edge://settings/reset. Then check edge://settings/content/notifications.
• Firefox: open about:support and click Refresh Firefox (Firefox uses "Refresh," not "Reset"). Then check Settings → Privacy & Security → Permissions → Notifications.

Review installed extensions in each browser and remove anything you don't recognize, especially extensions you didn't install yourself.

11

Re-enable Defender, Tamper Protection, and update everything

10 min

Many trojans disable security software. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings and confirm Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are all turned on. Tamper Protection prevents malware from disabling Defender silently.

Then run Windows Update (Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates) and update your browsers and applications. The infection vector that let the trojan in originally usually involves outdated software.

Phase 5~ 15 min + 7 days

Verify & secure

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12

Change passwords from a clean device

20 min⚠ Critical

If the trojan was an info-stealer (Lumma, RedLine, Vidar, and similar are extremely common), assume every password saved in your browser is compromised. Change them from a different, known-clean device - your phone is fine if it's not infected.

Recommended order:

1. Primary email first - it's the recovery hub for everything else
2. Banking and financial accounts
3. Password manager master password (if you use one)
4. Social media, shopping, and remaining accounts

Where available, enable phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (passkeys / FIDO2 hardware keys / authenticator apps) - SMS-based MFA is bypassable by sophisticated attackers.

13

Verify the clean and monitor for 7 days

5 min + 1 week monitoring

Reconnect to the network and run one final full scan with Combo Cleaner. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and switch to the Startup apps tab - confirm nothing suspicious has reappeared.

Over the next 7 days, watch for symptom recurrence: unexpected high CPU usage, unknown processes returning, browser redirects, or pop-ups. If anything returns, you missed a persistence point and the procedure needs to be repeated - or you may have a deeper compromise that requires a clean install.

When to clean install Windows instead

Manual removal isn't always the right answer. Reinstalling Windows from scratch is the only way to be 100% certain when:

• The malware reappears after every removal attempt
• A bootkit or UEFI rootkit was detected (this class of threat sits below the operating system and survives a normal Windows reinstall)
• A confirmed credential-theft trojan ran with administrator privileges (Lumma, RedLine, Vidar) - the system likely has multiple unknown payloads
• The PC is used for online banking, business email, or anything where partial doubt isn't acceptable

A clean install is a 30-60 minute process: Windows 11 reinstall via Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC → Remove everything → Cloud download. Back up documents to external storage first, scan the backup with Combo Cleaner before restoring it, and reinstall applications fresh - never restore them from a backup of the infected system.

Important: Manual removal requires advanced computer skills. If you're not confident identifying system files from malicious files, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there - that path catches the vast majority of consumer trojans without the risk of breaking Windows by deleting the wrong file.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My computer is infected with MrAnon malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

No, malware removal seldom requires formatting.

What are the biggest issues that MrAnon malware can cause?

The dangers associated with an infection depend on the malware's functionalities and the cyber criminals' interference. MrAnon is a stealer – a type of malware that extracts and exfiltrates data (e.g., log-in credentials, cryptowallets, etc.). Generally, infections of this kind can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of MrAnon malware?

Malware is usually used to generate revenue. However, cyber criminals can also utilize malicious software to amuse themselves, carry out personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, etc.), and even launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.

How did MrAnon malware infiltrate my computer?

MrAnon has been observed being spread via malicious attachments in hotel booking themed spam emails. However, other distribution methods are not unlikely.

Aside from spam mail, malware is widely distributed through drive-by downloads, online scams, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), fake updaters, and malvertising. Some malicious programs can even self-proliferate via local networks and removable storage devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating nearly all known malware infections. Note that running a complete system scan is crucial since high-end malicious programs typically hide deep within systems.