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How to remove Brook malware from the operating system

Also Known As: Brook RAT
Type: Trojan
Damage level: Severe

What kind of malware is Brook?

Brook is a Remote Administration Trojan (RAT) built using the versatile Go programming language. It is a sophisticated tool with the added capability of extracting sensitive information. This combination of stealth and power makes Brook a formidable threat in the realm of cybersecurity, capable of infiltrating systems and discreetly siphoning off valuable data.

Brook malware

More about Brook

Brook possesses a formidable array of capabilities. Among its arsenal lies the insidious ability to monitor and meticulously log keystrokes. This functionality enables Brook to covertly record user inputs, providing cybercriminals with a comprehensive insight into sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, and other confidential data.

Also, Brook can capture desktop screenshots. With this insidious functionality, Brook surreptitiously seizes snapshots of the victim's desktop, granting cybercriminals a visual window into the user's activities. This invasive capability further enhances Brook's ability to gather sensitive information.

Furthermore, this malware can collect and manipulate clipboard data. This nefarious ability allows Brook to intercept any information copied to the clipboard by the user, including passwords, sensitive documents, and other confidential data. Moreover, Brook can replace the clipboard's contents.

In the hands of cybercriminals, its ability to replace clipboard contents becomes a powerful tool for executing cryptocurrency theft. By intercepting clipboard data, Brook can identify instances where users copy cryptocurrency wallet addresses for transactions. Subsequently, it stealthily replaces these legitimate wallet addresses with those controlled by the attackers, redirecting cryptocurrency payments to their wallets.

Also, the malware employs API hooking to intercept system functions, enabling manipulation of applications and the operating system. Additionally, Brook employs advanced techniques to detect debugging tools and virtual machine environments, ensuring its evasion of analysis and detection efforts.

Furthermore, Brook demonstrates its stealthy nature by employing tactics such as introducing delays in execution using the Windows API Sleep function. This delay enhances its ability to evade detection by security tools and analysts. Moreover, it conducts a systematic enumeration of files, directories, and running processes, gathering vital system information for surveillance and exploitation.

Brook's prowess extends to querying system details, terminating processes, and extracting sensitive data like usernames and passwords from URLs. Additionally, Brook manipulates security tokens using the AdjustTokenPrivileges function, bypassing restrictions to execute malicious actions with elevated privileges.

To facilitate efficient data exfiltration, it sends collected information, including system details and harvested data, to a designated Telegram bot.

Threat Summary:
Name Brook RAT
Threat Type Remote Administration Trojan (RAT), Stealer
Detection Names Avast (Win32:Malware-gen), Combo Cleaner (Generic.GoDiscorder.!s!.C.3FD41F96), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of WinGo/PSW.Agent.EW), Kaspersky (Trojan-PSW.Win32.Disco.wgg), Microsoft (Trojan:Win64/BrookStealer.DA!MTB), Full List (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', infected USB drives, software vulnerabilities.
Damage Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, the victim's computer added to a botnet, additional infections, monetary loss, compromised online accounts, and more.
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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Conclusion

In essence, Brook's capabilities underscore its status as a formidable threat in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, posing significant challenges to defenders and users alike. Brook requires a multi-faceted approach, including proactive defense strategies, continuous monitoring, and awareness of emerging attack vectors to mitigate impact and safeguard against potential breaches.

Examples of other RATs are DarkMe, AllaKore, and Xeno.

How did Brook infiltrate my computer?

Threat actors often devise deceitful emails to deceive recipients into opening malicious attachments or links. Upon opening those attachments or links, malware can swiftly infiltrate the victim's system. Another common method of dissemination is malvertising, where attackers embed malicious code within online advertisements.

Merely visiting a compromised webpage can also initiate the download of malware. Additionally, threat actors may exploit vulnerabilities within outdated software or operating systems. Alternatively, computers may fall prey to infection through pirated software, downloads sourced from peer-to-peer networks, and other unreliable channels.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Make sure to keep your operating system and software applications up to date. Install reliable antivirus or anti-malware software and regularly scan the system. Be cautious when handling suspicious emails from unknown addresses, especially those containing attachments or links. Avoid visiting untrustworthy websites and interacting with pop-ups or advertisements displayed on them.

When downloading software and files, use reputable sources such as official app stores or the developer's website. Avoid downloading pirated or cracked software to reduce the likelihood of 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.

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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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 Brook malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Eliminating the malware by formatting your storage device can be a viable solution. Nonetheless, it is imperative to recognize that this action will obliterate all data stored on the device. Therefore, before initiating the formatting process, it is essential to attempt to remove the malware by utilizing a trusted security tool.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can cause significant issues, including the theft of sensitive data, disruption of system functionality, financial losses, privacy breaches, or data loss.

What is the purpose of Brook malware?

The purpose of Brook malware is to infiltrate and compromise computer systems for various malicious activities, including remote administration, data theft, and surveillance, ultimately enabling cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access, gather sensitive information, and potentially execute further attacks.

How did a malware infiltrate my computer?

Malware likely infiltrated your computer through malicious email attachments, infected websites, or software downloads from untrusted sources. It could also have exploited vulnerabilities in outdated software or operating systems or through the use of infected removable storage devices like USB drives. Pirated software, cracking tools, and key generators are other common vectors.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner has the ability to detect and eliminate nearly all known malware infections. It is crucial to recognize that sophisticated malware frequently hides deeply within the system. Thus, performing a thorough system scan is imperative to ensure effective detection and removal.

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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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