How to remove StarshellRAT malware

What kind of malware is StarshellRAT?

StarshellRAT is a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) written in the C# programming language. Trojans within this classification are designed to enable attackers to access and control machines remotely.

StarshellRAT has been utilized in 2025 by a North Korean state-backed threat actor group dubbed "Andariel". This campaign was facilitated by targeting a South Korean ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software. It is not the first time Andariel has gone after this specific ERP software vendor.

StarshellRAT malware overview

StarshellRAT is a type of malware that allows attackers to remotely access and control devices. In the 2025 campaign targeting a South Korean ERP software, two distinct infections were observed: one delivered StarshellRAT, whilst the other – JelusRAT. In the case of the former, StarshellRAT was retrieved by a loader from a remote server and executed in-memory.

Upon successful infiltration, this RAT begins collecting relevant device data: operating system version, number of CPUs, data storage capacity, device name, account username, and IPv4 addresses of the local machine.

StarshellRAT is capable of executing shell commands. It can manage files – i.e., write and exfiltrate files. In addition to stealing victims' files, the trojan's other spyware/stealer capability is taking screenshots.

It is pertinent to mention that malware developers often improve upon their tools and methodologies. Therefore, possible future iterations of StarshellRAT could have additional or different features.

To summarize, the presence of malicious software like StarshellRAT on devices can result in severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

It is noteworthy that Andariel – the threat actor group that has used StarshellRAT – is sponsored by North Korea and has engaged in both financially-motivated and cyber-espionage attacks. Infections carried out by such groups against high-sensitivity targets can pose threats of even greater significance.

Remote access trojan examples

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Typically, RATs are multifunctional tools with a variety of malicious capabilities and uses. However, regardless of how malware operates – its presence on a system endangers device and user safety. Therefore, all threats must be removed immediately upon detection.

How did StarshellRAT infiltrate my computer?

In the 2025 campaign, undertaken by the Andariel threat actor, targeting a specific South Korean ERP software, StarshellRAT was delivered by a loader-type trojan and executed in-memory. However, this malware is likely proliferated by relying on other methods as well.

Generally, social engineering and phishing tactics are utilized in malware distribution. Malicious programs are usually presented as or bundled with ordinary software/media files. They can be executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so on.

Malware is primarily spread via trojans (loaders/backdoors), untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), drive-by (stealthy/deceptive) downloads, online scams, malicious attachments/links in spam mail (e.g., emails, PMs/DMs, etc.), malvertising, fake updates, and illegal software activation ("cracking") tools.

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

How to avoid installation of malware?

We highly recommend downloading only from official and verified sources. All programs must be activated and updated using functions/tools provided by legitimate developers, as illegal software activation tools ("cracks") and third-party updates may contain malware.

Another recommendation is to be careful when browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless. Incoming emails and other messages must be approached cautiously. Attachments or links present in suspicious mail must not be opened, as they can be malicious.

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

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

Malware removal rarely requires formatting.

What are the biggest issues that StarshellRAT malware can cause?

The dangers posed by an infection depend on the malware's functionalities and the cyber criminals' goals. StarshellRAT is a program that enables remote device access/control. This RAT has been linked to a threat actor group backed by the North Korean state. Generally, high-risk malware can cause severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

What is the purpose of StarshellRAT malware?

As mentioned in the previous answer, StarshellRAT has been used by Andariel – a group sponsored by North Korea. This threat actor has undertaken financially-driven and geopolitically-motivated attacks. Profit is the reason behind most malware attacks. Other prevalent motivations include the attackers seeking amusement or to realize personal grudges, process (e.g., website, service, company, etc.) disruption, and hacktivism.

How did StarshellRAT malware infiltrate my computer?

Malware is predominantly spread through trojans, drive-by downloads, spam emails/messages, malvertising, online scams, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates. Some malicious programs can self-proliferate via local networks and removable storage devices.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner is designed to scan systems and remove all kinds of threats. It is capable of detecting and eliminating practically all known malware infections. Remember that performing a full system scan is crucial since high-end malicious software typically hides deep within systems.