How to remove Moonrise RAT from compromised systems

What kind of malware is Moonrise?

Moonrise is a remote access Trojan (RAT) written in Go programming language. It provides attackers with remote system access, allowing them to gather sensitive information (e.g., login credentials) and execute additional attacks while avoiding detection. The RAT should be eliminated from infected systems as soon as possible to avoid potential harm.

More about Moonrise

Moonrise can attempt to gain higher-level access to the infected system. If successful, it may bypass certain restrictions and interact with protected parts of the system. It also uses persistence mechanisms that enable it to run automatically after a system restart. These methods help maintain long-term access while lowering the chance of removal.

Moonrise can extract stored credentials from various web browsers, applications, and system memory. This may include usernames, passwords, authentication tokens, and other sensitive login data. In addition to credentials, it can collect documents and other valuable information from the system.

Furthermore, the RAT can start, stop, or manipulate running processes on the infected device. This allows cybercriminals to disable security tools or launch additional malicious components. It also supports remote command execution, allowing threat actors to run various commands on the infected device.

Moreover, attackers can upload additional files to the compromised device. These files may include malicious payloads. Once uploaded, the malware can execute them remotely. This capability is often used to infect computers with other malware (e.g., ransomware or cryptocurrency miners).

Additionally, Moonrise can monitor user activity using screen capture and screen streaming tools. It may also access the webcam and microphone to record audio and video. It also has a keystroke-logging feature that allows cybercriminals to capture all typed data, including passwords and messages.

Lastly, the RAT has a clipboard monitoring tool that allows attackers to capture copied information, including credentials and cryptocurrency wallet addresses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Moonrise is a dangerous RAT capable of system control and persistence. Its features allow threat actors to steal sensitive data, monitor user activity, and deploy additional malware, posing serious privacy and security risks. It cause issues like financial loss, identity theft, account hijacking, and additional infections.

More examples of RATs are DesckVB, GopherRAT, and JelusRAT.

How did Moonrise infiltrate my computer?

In most cases, systems become compromised after users execute malware on their devices. Usually, cybercriminals trick users into launching malware through malicious documents (e.g., PDF, Word, or Excel files), executables, archives, scripts, or ISO files. The infection can occur through various channels.

Threat actors often use pirated software (or cracking tools and key generators), technical support scams, malicious advertisements, and emails containing malicious files or links to distribute malware. They also use software vulnerabilities, unofficial (or compromised) sites, P2P networks, third-party downloaders, and similar channels.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Always install updates for your operating system, browsers, and applications to patch security vulnerabilities. Download software from official websites (or app stores) and avoid clicking links or opening files in emails or other messages that are irrelevant or unexpected. Avoid pirated software and cracks.

Do not interact with ads, links, buttons, or other elements on dubious websites. Also, use a reliable security tool and regularly scan your device for potential 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 Moonrise?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of Moonrise 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 device is infected with Moonrise RAT, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Completely wiping your storage device can remove Moonrise RAT, but this is extreme and should only be done as a last resort. It is better to first run a full system scan using a trusted tool such as Combo Cleaner.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can steal personal information, allow attackers to control the infected device remotely, and drop other malware. It can also delete or damage files, slow down the system, and cause a range of additional problems.

What is the purpose of Moonrise RAT?

The purpose of Moonrise RAT is to give attackers remote control over an infected device. It is designed to steal sensitive information such as passwords, authentication tokens, and personal files, monitor user activity through screen capture, keystroke logging, and webcam/microphone access, and deploy additional malware.

How did malware infiltrate my device?

Most systems are infected when users unknowingly run malware on their devices. Attackers often trick users through malicious documents, executables, scripts, or ISO files. Common distribution methods include pirated software, scam messages, malicious ads, tech support scams, software vulnerabilities, unofficial websites, and peer-to-peer networks.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most known malware. Because some advanced threats can hide deep within the system, it is recommended to run a full system scan to ensure all malware is found and removed.