How to remove EndRAT from infected devices

What kind of malware is EndRAT?

EndRAT is malware that spreads through phishing links designed to look like legitimate advertisements. It is classified as a remote access trojan (RAT) that allows attackers to remotely control infected systems, execute commands, and carry out other malicious activities. If detected on a device, EndRAT should be removed immediately.

More about EndRAT

As a standard remote access trojan, EndRAT allows attackers to gain remote control of an infected system. This allows them to execute commands, manage files (e.g., move, delete, or modify them), and interact with the operating system without the victim's knowledge.

EndRAT can collect various information about the compromised device, including operating system version, running processes, and installed security and other applications. Like most RATs, it may also be used to steal sensitive data such as login credentials, personal information, or stored files.

Furthermore, EndRAT can be designed to capture keystrokes (steal any data the victim enters using the infected device) or take screenshots. Also, EndRAT may be able to download and run additional malicious components (drop additional payloads, like ransomware or cryptocurrency miners).

Typically, RATs like EndRAT are used to harvest information that can be used to hijack online accounts (e.g., social media or banking) and exploit them to spread scams or malware, or to make fraudulent purchases or transactions. Also, cybercriminals may deploy tools allowing them to encrypt files or mine cryptocurrency using the infected device's hardware.

Overall, RATs like EndRAT can be used for multiple malicious purposes.

Conclusion

EndRAT is a remote access trojan that enables attackers to take control of infected systems. It can be used to steal data, hijack accounts, and carry out other malicious activities. Victims should scan their devices as soon as possible and remove EndRAT to prevent potential negative outcomes.

More examples of RATs are SpecRAT, MetaRAT, and CastleRAT.

How did EndRAT infiltrate my computer?

EndRAT is distributed via spear‑phishing emails masquerading as messages from legitimate entities. These messages contain download links that appear trustworthy because they use advertising or marketing redirection services (like Google Ads or Naver marketing links). This method allows the links to pass email filters and avoid suspicion.

After clicking the link, the recipient is taken to a page hosting a compressed file. The downloaded file includes a malicious Windows shortcut (LNK) file. When this file is opened, it launches an AutoIt script designed to appear as a normal PDF document. This script is responsible for loading and running EndRAT.

Cybercriminals also use hacked WordPress websites alongside legitimate advertising infrastructure to host files and redirect users. This makes malicious links appear trustworthy to users and security tools, which increases the possibility that the malware will be successfully delivered.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Download programs exclusively from legitimate websites or trusted app stores, and avoid using illegal (pirated) software, cracks, or key generators. Ensure your operating system and applications are always up to date, and run frequent scans with reliable antivirus or security tools.

Refrain from interacting with pop-ups, advertisements, buttons, or links on suspicious websites, and reject their requests to send notifications. Exercise caution with unsolicited emails or messages, and do not click on any links or open attachments they contain. 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.

Malicious email with deceptive links distributing EndRAT (source: genians.co.kr):

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

In most cases, removing malware does not require erasing the entire device. Tools like Combo Cleaner can typically eliminate threats such as EndRAT while keeping all user's data.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malicious software can serve many dangerous purposes. It may allow attackers to take control of a device, inject additional harmful programs, or collect various information (e.g., passwords or banking details). Malware can also be used lock files by encrypting them.

What is the purpose of EndRAT?

The purpose of EndRAT is to give attackers remote control over infected systems so they can steal data, hijack accounts, drop additional payloads, steal money, and carry out other malicious activities.

How did EndRAT infiltrate my computer?

EndRAT spreads through emails that look legitimate and contain links disguised as advertising redirects. Clicking the link leads to a compressed file with a malicious shortcut that runs a fake PDF script, which then runs the malware.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove nearly all types of malware. However, advanced malware often hides deep within the system, so performing a full system scan is essential.