How to remove GRAPELOADER malware from the operating system

What kind of malware is GRAPELOADER?

GRAPELOADER is a malware used in the initial stages of an infection to collect system data, prep the device for further infiltration, and carry it out (i.e., download/install additional payloads).

This malicious program has been used in a campaign that began in January 2025. This activity has been linked to a threat actor tracked as "APT29" (also known as "Cozy Bear" and "Midnight Blizzard"). The group in question is associated with Russia. This phishing campaign spreading GRAPELOADER primarily targeted European diplomatic entities and embassies in Europe.

GRAPELOADER malware overview

GRAPELOADER is classed as a loader – a type of malware designed to cause chain infections. It utilizes sophisticated anti-detection and anti-analysis mechanisms. This malicious program is heavily obfuscated.

It infiltrates systems by employing the DLL side-loading technique, i.e., using the Windows DLL search order mechanism to leverage a legitimate application to execute a malicious payload. The malware uses several persistence-ensuring techniques, including modifying the Windows Registry key to run after each system reboot automatically.

As mentioned in the introduction, GRAPELOADER is employed in the initial stages of an infection chain. It gathers basic machine data (i.e., device name, username, etc.), sends it to the C&C (Command and Control) server, and waits to be sent a shellcode for the next stage from the C&C.

GRAPELOADER's goal is to infiltrate additional payloads onto compromised systems. Theoretically, programs of this kind can cause just about any infection (e.g., trojan, ransomware, cryptocurrency miner, etc.) – however, in practice, they tend to operate within certain limitations or specifications.

GRAPELOADER was used in campaigns that began in January of 2025 undertaken by the APT29 group. These cyber criminals have previously used a modular backdoor called WINELOADER. It is suspected that this threat actor intends to use GRAPELOADER to deliver WINELOADER.

It is pertinent to mention that malware developers commonly improve upon their software and methodologies. For example, APT29 has used several variants of WINELOADER. Therefore, it is possible that potential future iterations of GRAPELOADER will have additional/different capabilities or features.

To summarize, the presence of software like GRAPELOADER on devices can lead to multiple system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft. Malware leveraged against high-sensitivity targets can pose threats of even greater significance.

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Malware is often used in combination with other software and it can have a wide variety of capabilities (ranging from infiltrating additional malicious content to stealing sensitive data). Regardless of how malware operates – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety. Hence, all threats must be removed immediately upon detection.

How did GRAPELOADER infiltrate my computer?

The latest 2025 campaign distributing GRAPELOADER was undertaken by APT29 – a group linked to Russia. This activity consisted of phishing email campaigns mainly targeting European diplomats and other countries' embassies located in Europe. There have also been some instances of diplomatic targets based in the Middle East.

The bulk of the emails impersonated a chief European Ministry of Foreign Affairs inviting recipients to a wine-tasting event. Where the malicious link provided in these messages redirected to was determined by factors like the user's geolocation. If the intended recipient opened the link, they were directed to download a virulent ZIP archive, and if it was not – the user was redirected to the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated in the email.

It must be mentioned that GRAPELOADER could be proliferated using different lures or techniques. In general, malware is spread by relying on phishing and social engineering tactics. Malicious software is usually disguised as or bundled with regular content.

Infectious files can be archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so forth. Merely opening a malicious file can be enough to trigger the infection chain.

The most widespread malware distribution methods include: malicious attachments or links in spam emails/messages, drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, online scams, malvertising, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), pirated programs/media, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.

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

How to avoid installation of malware?

We highly recommend approaching incoming emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, and other messages with caution. Attachments or links present in dubious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious. It is essential to be vigilant when browsing since the Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content.

Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified sources. Software must be activated and updated using legitimate functions/tools, as illegal activation tools ("cracks") and third-party updates can contain malware.

We must stress the importance of having a reputable antivirus installed and kept up-to-date. Security programs must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove detected 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.

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:

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.

Quick menu:

• What is GRAPELOADER?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of GRAPELOADER 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 GRAPELOADER malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Malware removal seldom requires such drastic measures.

What are the biggest issues that GRAPELOADER malware can cause?

The dangers posed by an infection depend on the malware's abilities and the cyber criminals' modus operandi. GRAPELOADER is used in the beginning infection stage to collect base device data, ensure persistence, and install additional payloads. Generally, programs of this kind cause multiple system infections that can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of GRAPELOADER malware?

While most malware infections are motivated by financial gain, GRAPELOADER has been noted being used by a Russian-associated threat actor to target European diplomats and embassies located in Europe. Hence, these attacks were driven by geopolitical motivations. It is noteworthy that cyber criminals can also use malicious software to amuse themselves, realize personal vendettas, disrupt processes (e.g., sites, services, companies, organizations, etc.), and engage in hacktivism.

How did GRAPELOADER malware infiltrate my computer?

The GRAPELOADER attacks mentioned in the previous answer were facilitated through targeted spam emails presented as messages from a major European Ministry of Foreign Affairs using wine-tasting events as lures. Other proliferation techniques as possible.

Aside from spam, malware is commonly spread via drive-by downloads, suspect download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), online scams, malvertising, pirated content, fake updaters, and illegal software activation ("cracking") tools. Some malicious programs can self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most of the known malware infections. It must be emphasized that running a complete system scan is essential since high-end malicious programs tend to hide deep within systems.