How to remove GHOSTPULSE malware

What kind of malware is GHOSTPULSE?

GHOSTPULSE (also known as IDATLOADER, HIJACKLOADER) is a piece of malicious software classed as a loader. Programs of this kind are designed to load additional malware onto compromised systems (i.e., cause chain infections). GHOSTPULSE has been spread through ClickFix scam campaigns.

GHOSTPULSE malware overview

GHOSTPULSE is a loader that causes chain infections by infiltrating additional malicious programs or components into compromised machines. Theoretically, loaders can cause just about any kind of infection (e.g., trojan, ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, etc.). However, in practice, this software tends to work within certain limitations or specifications.

There are several versions of GHOSTPULSE. The latest variants boast improved anti-detection and anti-analysis techniques. This loader is installed onto systems through a sophisticated multistage infection chain.

At the time of writing, GHOSTPULSE is spread through ClickFix campaigns that deceive victims into executing malicious scripts onto their devices (more information on this type of scam can be read in our dedicated article). To provide a brief overview of the chain, the initial script executes additional malicious commands that download a ZIP archive containing components of the GHOSTPULSE loader. This program arrives onto systems in an encrypted file.

Afterward, the DLL side-loading technique is utilized. Essentially, the Windows DLL search order mechanism is used to leverage a genuine application, which then executes the malicious payload. GHOSTPULSE introduces an intermediate loader based on the .NET framework.

The infection culminates in the infiltration of the Sectop RAT (Remote Access Trojan). This RAT is loaded directly in-memory. GHOSTPULSE has also been used to load other RATs and various data-stealing programs (stealers) onto systems.

It is noteworthy that malware developers often improve upon their software and methodologies. What is more, this loader is currently under active development. Therefore, potential future versions of GHOSTPULSE could have additional/different capabilities and features.

In summary, the presence of software like GHOSTPULSE on devices can lead to multiple system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Loader-type malware examples

We have written about numerous malicious programs; TetraLoader, NETXLOADER, TransferLoader, and GRAPELOADER are merely some of our newest articles on loaders.

These programs may cause just about any kind of infection. Malware is a broad term that covers software with a wide variety of harmful functionalities.

Keep in mind that regardless of how malware operates – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.

How did GHOSTPULSE infiltrate my computer?

At the time of research, GHOSTPULSE was actively distributed through ClickFix scams. One of them used a Cloudflare CAPTCHA verification themed lure to trick users into executing a malicious script onto their systems – thus triggering GHOSTPULSE's infection chain.

Other distribution techniques are not unlikely. Phishing and social engineering are standard in malware proliferation. Malicious programs are commonly 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 Office, Microsoft OneNote, etc.), JavaScript, and so on. Merely opening such a file can be enough to initiate the infection chain.

The most prevalent malware distribution methods include: drive-by downloads, suspicious download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), malvertising, online scams, malicious attachments or links in spam emails/messages, 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., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).

How to avoid installation of malware?

Vigilance and caution are essential to device/user safety. Therefore, be careful when browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. Approach incoming emails and other messages cautiously; do not open attachments or links present in suspect mail, as they can be virulent.

Additionally, download only from official and verified channels. Activate and update programs using genuine functions/tools, as those acquired from third-parties can contain malware.

It is paramount to have a dependable antivirus 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.

ClickFix scam using a Cloudflare CAPTCHA lure:

Examples of ClickFix scam:

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 GHOSTPULSE?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of GHOSTPULSE 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 GHOSTPULSE 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 GHOSTPULSE malware can cause?

The dangers posed by an infection depend on the capabilities of the malicious software and the cyber criminals' goals. GHOSTPULSE is designed to infiltrate additional malware into systems. Generally, the presence of such a program on a device can lead to multiple system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of GHOSTPULSE malware?

Malware is primarily used to generate revenue for the attackers. Other potential reasons behind infections include: cyber criminals seeking amusement or to carry out personal vendettas, process disruption (e.g., websites, services, companies, etc.), hacktivism, and political/geopolitical motivations.

How did GHOSTPULSE malware infiltrate my computer?

GHOSTPULSE has been proliferated via ClickFix scams. Different distribution techniques are possible. The most widespread methods include online scams, malvertising, spam mail, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal software 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 capable of detecting and removing nearly all known malware infections. Note that running a complete system scan is paramount since high-end malicious programs tend to hide deep within systems.