How to remove Noodlophile stealer from the operating system

What kind of malware is Noodlophile?

Noodlophile is the name of a stealer-type malware. It operates by extracting and exfiltrating sensitive information from infected devices and installed applications.

Evidence suggests that the developer of this stealer is a Vietnamese-speaker. Noodlophile has been observed being offered for sale online (Malware-as-a-Service [MaaS]). This program has been spread through novel generative AI themed campaigns.

Noodlophile malware overview

Noodlophile infiltrates systems through a multi-stage delivery chain. The stealer's infection chain is layered and well-obfuscated. After infiltrating the device, this malware begins establishing persistence.

Noodlophile can extract stored passwords and Internet cookies from browsers. It might seek to obtain other data from these applications, such as browsing histories, auto-fills (e.g., personally identifiable details, usernames, etc.), and saved debit/credit card numbers. Noodlophile aims to steal various cryptocurrency wallets.

This malicious program may also extract data associated with other software, such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol) clients, VPN (Virtual Private Network) clients, messengers, email clients, gaming-related apps, etc. Collected information is exfiltrated through Telegram.

As mentioned in the introduction, Noodlophile has been proliferated through generative AI centered social engineering campaigns (more on which can be found below). In some instances of this campaign, the stealer was spread together with the XWorm RAT (Remote Access Trojan).

It is pertinent to mention that malware developers often improve upon their software and methodologies. Therefore, potential future iterations of Noodlophile could have additional or different capabilities/features.

In summary, the presence of software like the Noodlophile stealer on devices can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Stealer-type malware examples

We have written about countless malicious programs; Chihuahua, TerraStealerV2, Gremlin, GIFTEDCROOK, Stealc_v2, and TROX are merely some of our latest articles on stealers.

This software may target specific details only or a broad range of data. It is also common for stealers to be used in combination with other malicious programs. Keep in mind that regardless of how malware operates – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety.

How did Noodlophile infiltrate my computer?

Noodlophile has been observed being distributed through fake generative AI platforms that offer to transform images into videos or generate other visual/audio content. These scam websites were noted being promoted via Facebook groups and social media campaigns.

Some of the group posts had even racked up over sixty thousand views. These posts included links to sites of the fake platforms; there, users could upload their images to create the advertised content. When the supposedly generated video was downloaded, users actually obtained a malicious file intended to infect their devices with Noodlophile.

The downloaded file was a ZIP archive containing an executable. The files had appropriate-sounding filenames (e.g., "VideoDreamAI.zip", "Video Dream MachineAI.mp4.     exe", etc.), and the executable was a genuine but trojanized video editing software with a legitimate certificate.

Noodlophile's developer is offering it as MaaS (Malware-as-a-Service). Hence, how it is distributed may vary depending on the cyber criminals using it (i.e., methods can vary between attacks).

Generally, malware is proliferated using phishing and social engineering techniques. Malicious software is usually disguised as or bundled with ordinary content. Virulent files come in various formats, e.g., archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), documents (PDF, Microsoft OneNote, Microsoft Office, etc.), JavaScript, and so on.

The most widely used distributed methods include: trojans (backdoors/loaders), drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, malicious attachments or links in spam emails/messages, online scams, malvertising, untrustworthy download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), pirated content, and fake updates.

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

How to avoid installation of malware?

We strongly advise vigilance when browsing since the Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content. Incoming emails and other messages must be approached with caution. Attachments or links found in dubious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious.

Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified sources. All programs must be activated and updated using legitimate functions/tools, as those obtained from third-parties can contain malware.

It is paramount to have a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats. 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.

Fake AI platforms used to distribute Noodlophile (image source – Morphisec):

Facebook post used to promote a fake AI platform (image source – Morphisec):

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

Malware removal rarely requires formatting.

What are the biggest issues that Noodlophile malware can cause?

The threats posed by an infection depend on the malware's abilities and the attackers' goals. Noodlophile is classed as a stealer – it extracts data from compromised systems. Infections of this kind can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of Noodlophile malware?

The most common motivation behind infections is profit. However, cyber criminals can also use malware to amuse themselves or realize personal grudges, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, etc.), engage in hacktivism, and launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.

How did Noodlophile malware infiltrate my computer?

Noodlophile has been spread via fake generative AI platforms, which were promoted through social media campaigns. Other distribution techniques are possible.

Generally, malware is proliferated via trojans, drive-by downloads, suspicious download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), spam mail, online scams, malvertising, pirated software/media, illegal program activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Some malicious programs can self-spread through local networks and removable storage devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner is designed to scan computers and remove all manner of threats. It can detect and eliminate most of the known malware infections. Remember that performing a full system scan is paramount since high-end malicious software usually hides deep within systems.