How to eliminate the PXA stealer-type malware from your device

What kind of malware is PXA?

PXA stealer is a type of malware designed to steal vulnerable information. This malicious program is written in the Python programming language. PXA stealer targets various log-in credentials, credit card numbers, cryptowallets, and other sensitive data.

It is known that the cyber criminals behind this malware are Vietnamese speakers, and it has been used in attacks targeting the Indian education sphere and European governmental organizations (such as ones located in Sweden and Denmark). Data extracted utilizing PXA has been observed being sold on Telegram.

PXA malware overview

PXA is a stealer – a program that extracts information from infected systems and installed applications. To provide a brief overview of PXA stealer's infection chain, it begins with a spam email that has a ZIP archive attachment. The attached file is intended to drop batch scripts and a loader-type malware written in Rust.

The batch scripts establish a connection to the payload-hosting website. PXA and an anti-virus evader script are downloaded from the site. The loader runs a portable Python executable, which executes the evader script and the stealer.

During this process, the batch scripts execute PowerShell commands, including ones to open a decoy – a PDF document containing a Glassdoor job application form (other decoys are possible). Sophisticated obfuscation techniques are implemented in this infection.

Following successful installation, PXA stealer terminates various processes in accordance with a hardcoded list. It kills processes related to detection and analysis, as well as browsers, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and VPN (Virtual Private Network) clients, cryptocurrency wallets, and messengers.

This malware attempts to extract sensitive data from browsers, cryptowallets (both desktop and browser extension types), password managers, FTP and VPN clients, messengers, and gaming-related software (extensive targeted app list can be found below).

From Chromium and Gecko based browsers (including Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox), the stealer seeks browsing histories, Internet cookies, profiles, auto-fills (e.g., usernames, personally identifiable details, etc.), passwords (acquired by decrypting browser master password), credit/debit card numbers, and so forth.

PXA stealer targets extensive Facebook data, specifically – Facebook Ads Manager. Sought information includes associated cookies, session data, ad account details (e.g., status, balance, currency, spending cap, etc.), Business Manager IDs and imposed limits, registered Facebook pages (e.g., verification statuses, names, links, followers, etc.), groups wherein admin positions are held, and so on.

As mentioned in the introduction, information gathered using PXA has been offered for sale on a Telegram channel. This channel is associated with a known Vietnamese threat actor, but it is unclear whether the attackers behind this stealer belong to the same group. Sold data included information for money laundering operations, Facebook and Zalo accounts, SIM cards, and log-in credentials of various accounts.

It must be mentioned that malware developers often improve upon their software and methodologies. Hence, potential future iterations of the PXA stealer could have a broader target list or additional/different functionalities.

To summarize, the presence of software like PXA on devices may result in severe privacy issues, significant financial losses, and identity theft.

Stealer-type malware examples

Glove, Muck, XAVIER ERA, PureStealer, Kral, and Seidr are merely some of our latest articles on stealers. These programs can target a wide variety of information or specific details only. What is more, data-stealing capabilities are common for other types of malware, and stealers can be used in combination with other programs.

Yet regardless of how malicious software operates – its presence on a system threatens device and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.

How did PXA infiltrate my computer?

PXA has been noted being spread through email spam campaigns. The messages had a malicious ZIP archive attached to them. However, other formats and distribution methods are not unlikely. In some cases, the Telegram channels associated with PXA share malicious tools for free, and in others – the programs are likely sold or given to otherwise vetted parties.

It is noteworthy that there is a YouTube channel hosting videos with instructions on using these tools. Hence, there is a possibility that PXA too could be used by multiple cyber criminals. In which case, different lures, proliferation methods, targets, etc. – are even likelier.

Generally, malware is spread using phishing and social engineering techniques. Malicious programs are usually disguised as or bundled with ordinary content. Infectious files can be archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), documents (PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, etc.), JavaScript, and so on.

Widespread distribution methods include: malicious attachments/links in spam mail (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, etc.), backdoor/loader-type trojans, drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, suspicious download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), online scams, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates.

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

How to avoid installation of malware?

It is essential to approach incoming emails and other messages with caution. Attachments or links present in dubious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be harmful or infectious. Additionally, we recommend being vigilant while browsing since the Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content.

Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified channels. Software must be activated and updated using genuine functions/tools, as those acquired from third-parties can contain malware.

We must emphasize the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated. Security programs must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove threats/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.

Appearance of the decoy PDF document displayed by the PXA stealer (GIF):

List of targeted desktop cryptowallets:

• Armory
• Atomic
• Binance
• Bitcoin
• Bytecoin
• Coinami
• Coinomi
• Electrum
• Electrum-LTC
• Exodus
• Guarda
• Ledger
• Wasabi
• Zcash

List of targeted cryptowallet browser extensions:

Atomic, Auro, Binance, Bitkeep, BlockWallet, BoltX, Braavos, Cirus, CLV, Coin98, Coinbase, Cyano, Enkrypt, EternI, Ethos, EVER Wallet, Exodus, Fewcha Move, Finnie, GeroWallet, Goby, Guarda, HashPak, HAVAH, ICONex, Jaxx Liberty, KardiaChain, Keeper, KHC, Leap Terra, Liquality, MadWallet, Martian, Math, Meta, MetaMask, MEW CX, MultiversX DeFi, Nami, NeoLine, Nifty Wallet, OKX, OsmWallet, Pali, Petra Aptos, Phantom, Polygon, Polymesh, Pontem, Rabby, Ronin, SafePal, Solflare, Station, Sui, Suiet, Taho (Tally Ho), Temple, TezBox, Tronium, TronLink, Trust, UniSat, Venom, Virgo, Wombat, XDEFI, Xverse, Yoroi.

List of targeted password managers:

1Password, Avira Password Manager, Authenticator, Authy, Bitwarden, BrowserPass, CommonKey, Dashlane, EOS Authenticator, GAuth Authenticator, KeePassHelper, KeePass Tusk, KeePassXC, Keeper, LastPass, MYKI, NordPass, Norton Password Manager, RoboForm, Splikity, Trezor Password Manager, WinAuth, Zoho Vault.

List of targeted FTP clients:

• FileZilla
• FileZilla Server

List of targeted VPN clients:

• AzireVPN
• ExpressVPN
• CyberGhost
• Hotspot Shield
• OpenVPN
• Proton

List of targeted messaging software:

• Discord
• Discord Canary
• Element
• Signal
• Skype
• Telegram

List of targeted gaming-related software:

• Epic Games
• Growtopia
• Minecraft
• Riot Games
• Roblox
• Steam
• uPay

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

Malware removal rarely necessitates such drastic measures.

What are the biggest issues that PXA malware can cause?

The threats linked to an infection depend on the malware's capabilities and the cyber criminals' goals. PXA stealer targets a variety of vulnerable information, including log-in credentials, credit card details, cryptowallets, etc. Infections of this kind can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

What is the purpose of PXA malware?

Profit is the most common motivation behind malware attacks. However, cyber criminals can also use malicious software to amuse themselves, carry out personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., sites, services, companies, etc.), and launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.

How did PXA malware infiltrate my computer?

PXA stealer has been spread through email spam campaigns. Other distribution techniques are not unlikely. Generally, malware is distributed via spam mail, online scams, trojans, drive-by downloads, suspect download channels (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), fake updates, and illegal software activation ("cracking") tools. Some malicious programs can even self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and removing practically all known malware infections. Remember that high-end malicious software tends to hide deep within systems – therefore, performing a complete system scan is essential.