How to remove Pulsar remote access trojan

What kind of malware is Pulsar?

Pulsar is a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) based on the Quasar RAT. It is designed to allow attackers to access and assume control of infected machines. This trojan is modular and can be customized depending on the attackers' needs – making it a highly versatile tool. Pulsar has been around since 2025 and has been used in campaigns targeting corporate entities.

Pulsar malware overview

Pulsar is a multifunctional RAT that enables cyber criminals to access/control devices remotely. In comparison to the Quasar RAT, Pulsar has a stronger emphasis on stealth. It boasts extensive obfuscation, as well as possesses anti-analysis and anti-detection mechanisms – including checking for indicators of virtual machines, sandboxes, and debuggers. This trojan also executes in-memory.

Pulsar utilizes persistence-ensurance techniques, such as setting itself as a scheduled task. The malware has injector trojan capabilities – i.e., it can inject malicious code into processes/services. It is capable of remote shell execution.

Pulsar is modular – i.e., the attackers can download/install modules to expand the program's functionalities. It can manage files, e.g., moving, copying, reading, editing, deleting, etc. It has spyware-type abilities, including recording audio and video via microphones and cameras. It can also record keystrokes (keylogging).

The RAT can steal credentials and has been leveraging Kematian stealer for this purpose. The Kematian data-stealing software can extract information (such as log-in credentials, 2FA codes, etc.) from browsers, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), FTP (File Transfer Protocol) clients, messengers, email clients, gaming-related apps, password managers, and cryptocurrency wallets.

Pulsar can utilize a plug-in to function as a clipper – a type of malware that can steal and replace content copied into the clipboard (copy-paste buffer). Clippers are typically used to seek copied cryptowallet addresses and replace them with those of attacker-owned wallets in order to reroute outgoing cryptocurrency transactions.

This program has a module capable of hiding the taskbar, faking Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) errors, and performing other device manipulation.

As Pulsar is customizable, how it is used and what threats it poses can differ between attacks. What is more, malware developers often improve upon their software and methodologies. Hence, potential future versions of Pulsar could have additional/different features.

In summary, the presence of malware like Pulsar on devices can result in severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft. As this RAT has been used to infect large entities, it is worth noting that malware leveraged against high-sensitivity targets can pose threats of even greater significance.

Remote access trojan examples

We have written about thousands of malicious programs; EndRAT, SpecRAT, MetaRAT, CastleRAT, and Syntrix are merely some of our newest articles on RATs. In many cases, software of this kind is incredibly multifunctional, and this is true of malware infections in general – as malicious programs are commonly used in combination.

However, regardless of how versatile or specialized malware is – its presence on a system endangers device integrity and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be eliminated immediately upon detection.

How did Pulsar infiltrate my computer?

One Pulsar campaign was distributed using malicious npm libraries. It is likely that this activity was intended to infect software developers or users with proficiency in technologies. This RAT is likely spread by relying on other methods as well.

Generally, malware is proliferated through phishing and social engineering campaigns. Malicious programs are commonly presented as or bundled with regular content.

Virulent files can be archives (RAR, ZIP, etc.), executables (EXE, RUN, etc.), documents (PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, etc.), JavaScript, and so on. When such a file is executed, run, or otherwise opened – the infection chain is triggered.

Prevalent malware proliferation techniques include: backdoor/loader-type trojans, drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, malicious attachments or links in spam mail (e.g., emails, DMs/PMs, etc.), malvertising, online scams, dubious download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.

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?

We strongly recommend downloading only from official and verified channels. All programs must be activated and updated using functions/tools provided by legitimate developers, as those obtained from third-parties may contain malware.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing, as fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears genuine and innocuous. Incoming emails and other messages must be approached with caution. Attachments or links found in suspicious communications must not be opened, as they can be infectious.

We strongly advise having a reputable antivirus installed and kept up-to-date. Security software must be used to perform regular system scans and to 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.

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

Malware removal rarely requires formatting.

What are the biggest issues that Pulsar malware can cause?

The dangers linked to an infection depend on the malware's functionalities and the cyber criminals' goals. Pulsar is a RAT that can be customized using modules to expand its capabilities. Generally, high-risk malware can cause severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of Pulsar malware?

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

How did Pulsar malware infiltrate my computer?

Malware is most commonly spread via trojans, drive-by downloads, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), online scams, spam mail, malvertising, illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updates. Some malicious programs can self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and removing almost all known malware infections. It must be emphasized that running a full system scan is paramount since sophisticated malicious programs usually hide deep within systems.