How to remove TamperedChef stealer from your operating system

What kind of malware is TamperedChef?

TamperedChef is the name of a malicious program classified as a stealer. As the classification implies, this software exfiltrates vulnerable information from infected systems. This malware has been around since at least May 2025.

In recent campaigns that took place during the summer of the same year, the stealer was infiltrated into systems by Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs). These apps acted as sleeper agents that were activated on the 21st of August 2025 and then downloaded/installed the TamperedChef stealer.

TamperedChef malware overview

In the campaigns spreading TamperedChef that were observed in the summer of 2025, the infection began with PUAs masquerading as genuine software like PDF editors, browsers, or manual finders (potentially other disguises). Only one app could be the originator of TamperedChef's infection, but in some instances, they infiltrated systems in a bundle or installed one another before the stealer was introduced.

The application(s) remained harmless software, yet constantly checked for available updates. On the 21st of August, an update was received, and an executable file was downloaded/installed, which caused the TamperedChef stealer infection. These unwanted apps may also turn infected machines into residential proxies.

TamperedChef malware is designed to steal sensitive data from devices. It begins by collecting relevant device data, including lists of installed security products and browsers. From browsers, TamperedChef can extract Internet cookies and saved log-in credentials (usernames/passwords). This program can terminate browsers that are running, likely for the purpose of accessing information that would otherwise be inaccessible.

It must be mentioned that malware developers often improve upon their software and methodologies. It is likewise noteworthy that stealers can often extract data (e.g., log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc.) from various apps, such as browsers, email clients, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) clients, messengers, VPN (Virtual Private Network) clients, gaming-related software, password managers, cryptocurrency wallets, and so on. Therefore, potential future versions of TamperedChef could have a broader target list or additional/different capabilities.

To summarize, the presence of malicious software like the TamperedChef stealer on devices can lead to severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Stealer-type malware examples

We have written about numerous malicious programs; Raven, DarkCloud, RMC stealer, and Leet are merely a few of our latest articles on stealers.

Data-stealing malware can target a wide variety of information or specific details only. Yet regardless of what (if any) data that a piece of malicious software targets – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.

How did TamperedChef infiltrate my computer?

TamperedChef has been distributed through multiple useful-sounding applications in campaigns that began in the summer of 2025. The stealer itself has been around since at least the 15th of May, and one of the first identified operations started on the 16th of June. The apps remained dormant for weeks or months until being activated to download an update, resulting in the TamperedChef infection on the 21st of August.

As of the time of writing, five campaigns have been identified, and all relied on abusing Google Ads to push deceptive promotional pages (malvertising). There is an interesting correlation between the length of an advertising campaign purchased on Google and the time the sleeper apps' malicious abilities were activated. Over 50 websites were linked to these operations.

Some of the applications may be flagged by security vendors as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications), yet upon activation – cause high-risk malware (TamperedChef) infections. App disguises include a tool for finding manuals – "ManualFinder", browsers – "OneStart" and "EpiStart" ("EpiBrowser"), and PDF document editing software – "PDF Editor By AppSuite" ("AppSuite PDF Editor", "AppSuite-PDF"), "PDF Editor", and "Fast PDF Pro".

The applications had certificates issued by four different companies; while the source might have been legitimate, there is evidence suggesting that at least some of the issuing entities are fraudulent.

As previously mentioned, TamperedChef infection may originate from a single app, a bundle, or following an installation chain. To expand upon this: "PDF Editor By AppSuite" usually downloads "PDF Editor", "OneStart" may download "PDF Editor By AppSuiter", and "OneStart" and "PDF Editor" both may download "Manual Finder".

It must be mentioned that TamperedChef could be introduced into systems by other applications or a different method altogether. Generally, malware proliferation relies on phishing and social engineering.

Aside from malvertising, malware is commonly distributed via trojans (backdoors/loaders), drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, online scams, malicious attachments or links in spam emails/messages, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), fake updates, pirated programs/media, and illegal software activation tools ("cracks").

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

Malware is typically disguised as or bundled with ordinary software/media files. Infectious files come in various formats, e.g., executables (EXE, RUN, etc.), archives (RAR, ZIP, etc.), documents (PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, etc.), JavaScript, and so on. Merely opening a malicious file can be enough to trigger the infection process.

How to avoid installation of malware?

We highly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. All programs must be activated and updated using functions/tools provided by genuine developers, as those acquired from third-parties can contain malware.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since the Internet is full of deceptive and dangerous content. Incoming communications (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, etc.) must be approached with caution. Attachments or links found in suspect/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be virulent.

It is paramount for device/user safety to have a dependable antivirus installed and kept updated. Security software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove potential and active 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.

TamperedChef stealer spreading PUA (PDF Editor By AppSuite):

TamperedChef stealer spreading PUA (OneStart):

TamperedChef stealer spreading PUA (EpiStart [EpiBrowser]):

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

Malware removal rarely requires such drastic measures.

What are the biggest issues that TamperedChef malware can cause?

The dangers posed by an infection depend on the malware's capabilities and the cyber criminals' modus operandi. TamperedChef is designed to steal sensitive information from devices (like browser cookies and log-in credentials). Generally, infections of this kind can result in serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of TamperedChef malware?

Malware is predominantly used for profit. However, attackers may also use malicious programs to amuse themselves, realize personal grudges, disrupt processes (e.g., websites, services, companies, etc.), engage in hacktivism, and launch politically/geopolitically motivated attacks.

How did TamperedChef malware infiltrate my computer?

TamperedChef has been distributed through several PUAs, which masqueraded as genuine tools before being updated to operate in a malicious capacity. These applications were promoted through malignant Google Ads (malvertising). Other distribution techniques are not unlikely.

Malware is most commonly proliferated via trojans, drive-by downloads, spam mail, online scams, suspicious download sources (e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Some malicious programs can even self-spread 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. Remember that performing a complete system scan is essential since sophisticated malicious programs tend to hide deep within systems.