How to remove GachiLoader malware from the operating system

What kind of malware is GachiLoader?

GachiLoader is a malicious program written in Node.js. This malware is classed as a loader – it is designed to download/install additional malicious programs onto compromised systems. GachiLoader has been distributed through a campaign leveraging compromised YouTube accounts. In this campaign, the final payload was the Rhadamanthys stealer.

GachiLoader malware overview

GachiLoader is a loader – a type of malware that causes chain infections (i.e., downloads/installs additional malicious software or components).

This program is highly obfuscated. GachiLoader utilizes multiple anti-analysis and anti-detection mechanisms, such as examining hardware details (RAM size, CPU core number), inspecting running processes for those associated with virtual machines and analysis tools, checking usernames and hostnames against a hardcoded exclusion list, and disabling the Microsoft Defender Antivirus.

The loader collects details concerning the infected machine, including the operating system version and installed antivirus software. GachiLoader also verifies if it is running with admin privileges. If it is not, the malware executes a PowerShell command that presents the victim with a prompt requesting to run the software with administrative privileges.

In one of the known GachiLoader campaigns, it aimed to infect devices with the Rhadamanthys stealer. However, how this final payload was delivered differed. In some cases, GachiLoader obtained the stealer from a remote URL. In others, it relied on Kidkadi – a second-stage loader using a novel PE (Portable Executable) injection technique, which introduced Rhadamanthys into systems.

Remember that GachiLoader could also be used to proliferate other malicious programs. Theoretically, a loader could cause just about any type of infection – trojans, ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, and other malware. In practice, loaders typically operate within certain limitations or specifications.

It must be mentioned that malware developers often improve upon their software and methodologies. Therefore, potential future iterations of GachiLoader could have additional or different functionalities.

To summarize, the presence of programs like GachiLoader 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; CastleLoader, Olymp, and BaoLoader are merely a few of our newest articles on loaders. This malware can cause various types of infections – ranging from stealers to ransomware.

It must be emphasized that regardless of how malware operates – its presence on a system threatens device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.

How did GachiLoader infiltrate my computer?

GachiLoader has been spread through a large-scale campaign utilizing hacked YouTube accounts. This campaign comprised 39 compromised accounts and over 100 videos, which had aggregated over 200 thousand views. The videos centered on "cracked" software, video game cheats/hacks, and similar.

This deceptive content lured users into downloading the malware from external file-hosting sites. The video descriptions provided further instructions, such as a password for the password-protected archives containing GachiLoader or steps for disabling the Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Many of the known videos have since been reported and removed.

GachiLoader could be spread using other techniques. Phishing and social engineering tactics are standard in malware proliferation. Usually, malicious programs are disguised as or bundled with ordinary software/media files. They can be archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (EXE, RUN, etc.), documents (PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, etc.), JavaScript, and so on.

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

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

How to avoid installation of malware?

Caution is essential to ensuring device and user safety. Therefore, download only from official and verified channels. Activate and update programs using functions/tools provided by genuine developers, as those obtained from third-parties can contain malware.

Additionally, be vigilant when browsing, as the Internet is rife with deceptive and dangerous content. Be cautious with incoming emails and other messages; do not open attachments or links present in dubious/irrelevant mail, as they can be virulent.

It is paramount to have a reputable antivirus installed and kept updated. Security software must be used to run regular system scans and 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.

Screenshot of deceptive YouTube videos used to promote GachiLoader (image source – Check Point Research):

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

Malware removal seldom requires formatting.

What are the biggest issues that GachiLoader malware can cause?

The threats linked to an infection depend on the malware's abilities and the cyber criminals' modus operandi. GachiLoader is designed to cause chain infections and has been used to infiltrate data stealers into devices. Hence, its presence can result in multiple system infections that can lead to serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of GachiLoader malware?

Financial gain is the predominant reason behind malware attacks. Other prevalent ones include: attackers seeking amusement or personal revenge, process disruption (e.g., websites, services, companies, organizations, etc.), hacktivism, and political/geopolitical motivations.

How did GachiLoader malware infiltrate my computer?

GachiLoader has been proliferated through a campaign using hacked YouTube accounts. Other distribution methods are possible. Generally, malware is spread via trojans, drive-by downloads, spam emails/messages, malvertising, online scams, dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), pirated software/media, illegal 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 kinds of threats. It is capable of detecting and eliminating most of the known malware infections. Remember that performing a full system scan is essential since high-end malicious programs tend to hide deep within systems.