How to remove CrystalX RAT from infected devices

What kind of malware is CrystalX?

CrystalX is a remote access Trojan (RAT) offered as MaaS (malware‑as‑a‑service) and promoted through Telegram. It is mainly used to steal information from infected devices and to control devices remotely, and it also has a prankware capability. If detected on a device, CrystalX should be removed as soon as possible.

More about CrystalX

CrystalX is a rebranded version of earlier malware (originally promoted as Webcrystal RAT). Its design and control panel appear to be copied or heavily based on an older RAT (WebRAT/Salat Stealer). Basically, CrystalX is a commercial and actively promoted remote access tool.

CrystalX has a built-in tool that lets cybercriminals create customized versions of it. They can choose settings like blocking certain countries, hiding from analysis tools, changing the file icon, and more. It also includes anti-analysis features designed to prevent detection or examination.

When the RAT runs, it connects to a remote server and sends basic information about the infected device. Then it tries to steal sensitive data, such as login details from apps like Steam, Discord, and Telegram, as well as information stored in Chromium‑based web browsers. After collecting the information, it sends everything back to the attacker's server.

Furthermore, CrystalX is capable of logging keystrokes. The keylogger feature records what the victim types, including passwords and credit card details. Also, the malware can secretly inject a fake browser extension in Chrome or Edge. This extension monitors copied text for cryptocurrency wallet addresses.

If it finds one, it replaces it with the attacker's wallet address. This can be used to redirect crypto transfers to cybercriminals instead of the intended recipient. Clipboard hijacking can also be used for other malicious purposes, such as stealing login credentials or other personal information.

Moreover, CrystalX allows threat actors to run commands, upload files, and explore all folders and drives on infected devices. It also includes a built-in tool that lets them see and control the victim's screen like a remote desktop (VNC). In addition, it can secretly access the microphone and camera.

The malware also includes "pranking" features that cybercriminals can use to change the desktop background, rotate the screen, swap mouse buttons, or make the cursor move randomly. It can also disable system tools, hide icons, or display fake pop-up messages. Additionally, CrystalX can enable a chat between the victim and the attacker.

Conclusion

CrystalX is a RAT that provides attackers with a wide range of capabilities, including data theft, keylogging, clipboard hijacking, and remote control of infected systems. It also includes anti-analysis and evasion features. Overall, CrystalX is a dangerous tool that can lead to financial loss, identity theft, account hijacking, and other problems.

More examples of RATs are GHOSTFORM, KarstoRAT, and Moonrise.

How did CrystalX infiltrate my computer?

Malware like CrystalX is often distributed through infected files such as executables (.exe), archives (e.g., ZIP or RAR), scripts, or documents (e.g., MS Office or PDF). Interacting with these files can cause a system infection.

Attackers spread malware through email attachments or links, software vulnerabilities, fake support scams, unsafe (or compromised) websites, pirated software, cracked tools, malicious ads, infected USB drives, peer-to-peer networks, third-party downloaders, and similar channels.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Keep your operating system and applications up to date. Download software from trusted sources such as official websites or verified app stores, and avoid cracked programs, pirated software, or key generators. Do not click on ads, links, or buttons from untrustworthy websites, and refuse to get notifications from suspicious pages.

Be careful with unexpected emails or messages, especially from unknown senders, and avoid opening any links or attachments that look suspicious or unnecessary. 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.

CrystalX's administration panel (source: securelist.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 CrystalX?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of CrystalX 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 CrystalX malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

A full device format will remove CrystalX, but it also erases all data on the system. Before doing this, it is generally better to first attempt malware removal using a trusted security tool like Combo Cleaner.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can steal or damage files, execute more malicious software, collect private data, and more. This may result in serious consequences such as data loss, compromised accounts, financial loss, identity theft, and other issues.

What is the purpose of CrystalX RAT?

The purpose of CrystalX RAT is to give attackers remote control over infected computers in order to steal data, monitor activity, and perform malicious actions such as spying, system manipulation, and financial theft.

How did a malware infiltrate my computer?

Malware is often spread through infected files such as executables, archives, scripts, or documents, which can infect a system when interacted with. It is distributed via email attachments, malicious links, software vulnerabilities, fake support scams, unsafe websites, pirated or cracked software, malicious ads, infected USB drives, peer-to-peer networks, third-party downloaders, etc.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most known malware infections. However, advanced threats may hide deeply within the system, so performing a full system scan is essential.