How to eliminate AuraStealer from compromised devices

What kind of malware is AuraStealer?

AuraStealer is a malware-as-a-service (MaaS) infostealer written in C++. It is offered through tiered subscriptions: Basic at $295/month, Advanced at $585/month, and a Team plan for collaborative use. The malware targets various applications, including web browsers and their extensions. If detected on the system, the malware should be removed immediately.

More about AuraStealer

When AuraStealer runs, it connects to attacker‑controlled servers to receive instructions on what information to gather. It then collects the specified data and sends the stolen information back to the attackers in encrypted form.

AuraStealer is designed to collect various sensitive information from infected systems. It can extract data (such as credentials and session information) from both Chromium‑based and Gecko‑based web browsers. AuraStealer has a feature that lets it steal browser data that is normally protected.

It does this by forcing the browser to run in a special mode and secretly inserting code into it. This allows the malware to reveal saved passwords and cookies and read them as plain data. The malware can also capture screenshots and clipboard data, and gather details about running processes and the system.

Furthermore, the stealer targets data from desktop cryptocurrency applications and browser extensions, as well as active session tokens from services such as Discord, Telegram, and Steam. Additionally, it can steal two-factor authentication tokens, recovery seeds, private keys, API keys, VPN and remote access configurations, and password manager databases.

It is important to mention that the stealer is adjustable and not limited to the aforementioned features. Attackers can add custom settings that instruct the malware to search for specific files, including entire folders and file name patterns. Beyond stealing data, AuraStealer can also download and run additional malicious files on the infected system.

Techniques used to avoid detection and analysis

AuraStealer uses special tricks to hide how it works and avoid being studied or detected. It scrambles its code, hides important text, and checks whether it is being run in a test environment or analyzed by security tools.

It also tries to make sure it is running on a real user's computer. For example, it may show pop‑up windows that require a person to click something, and it checks system settings to avoid running in certain countries. Additionally, it checks its own files to make sure they have not been modified, and if they have, it stops running.

Conclusion

AuraStealer is a sophisticated stealer designed to collect a wide range of sensitive data from infected systems. It uses evasion techniques, flexible configurations, and encrypted communication to avoid detection and ensure effectiveness. AuraStealer poses a serious threat to both individual users and organizations.

Here are additional examples of information stealers: SantaStealer, Eternidade, and PhantomStealer.

How did AuraStealer infiltrate my computer?

Cybercriminals behind these attacks aim to convince users to run commands themselves, which then download and execute the malware. A typical example includes TikTok videos or similar instructions that pretend to show how to activate paid software, where users are instructed to enter a PowerShell command that appears harmless but actually injects AuraStealer.

The malware is also spread through cracked games or software, where it is included in the download or runs during the installation process. It may also be delivered via P2P networks, shady sites, malicious ads, tech support scams, and similar channels.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Be careful with unsolicited or suspicious emails and messages from unknown sources, and do not click on links or open attachments included in such communications. Avoid engaging with pop-ups, advertisements, buttons, or links on untrustworthy websites, and never allow these sites to send notifications to your device.

Download software from official pages or trusted app stores, and stay away from pirated programs, cracks, and keygens. Keep your operating system and applications up to date, and perform regular scans with reputable security software. 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.

AuraStealer promoted on a hacker forum (source: gendigital.com):

AuraStealer's administration panel (source: gendigital.com):

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

In most cases, formatting is unnecessary, since malware like AuraStealer can be removed using tools such as Combo Cleaner.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware infections can result in account takeovers, financial damage, data loss, loss of personal information, system instability, and the spread of additional malicious software.

What is the purpose of AuraStealer malware?

AuraStealer can steal sensitive information from infected computers. It is designed to collect browser data, account credentials, cryptocurrency wallet data, authentication tokens, and other valuable information, which attackers can then use for fraud, account hijacking, and other malicious activities.

How did AuraStealer infiltrate my computer?

AuraStealer typically infects computers when users are tricked into running it themselves. This often happens through fake software activators, cracked games or programs, or online guides (such as videos or posts) that instruct users to run commands claiming to unlock paid features.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is able to find and remove most known malware. Since advanced threats often hide deep within the system, running a full system scan is strongly recommended.