How to remove NWHStealer from infected devices

What kind of malware is NWHStealer?

NWHStealer is a piece of malware, an information stealer, targeting Windows users. It can collect sensitive personal data from web browsers (including passwords) and from cryptocurrency wallets. Cybercriminals distribute NWHStealer using fake websites, file hosting services, social media platforms, and similar channels.

More about NWHStealer

Once launched, NWHStealer operates in memory or embeds itself into legitimate system processes to avoid detection. It then scans over 25 different directories and registry entries linked to cryptocurrency wallets, checking for sensitive data. In addition, it extracts sensitive information from a range of web browsers.

The targeted browsers include 360 Browser, Brave, Chrome, Chromium, Chromodo, Edge, K-Melon, and Opera. The stealer plants a malicious DLL file into web browsers that collects sensitive information, such as saved passwords or wallet data. That DLL file also runs a hidden PowerShell command that helps the malware stay active and avoid detection.

It creates hidden folders and makes Windows Defender ignore them, then updates system settings. After that, it downloads additional malicious files disguised as legitimate system processes and sets them to run automatically whenever the user logs in, often with elevated privileges.

The stealer gets higher system privileges by creating a temporary file and using a built-in Windows tool to bypass the User Account Control (UAC) prompt. It even automatically “clicks” through the prompt using Windows functions, so its PowerShell commands can run with elevated access.

Conclusion

Overall, NWHStealer is designed to collect sensitive data, especially from browsers and cryptocurrency wallets. It uses multiple stealth techniques to avoid detection, maintain persistence, and gain elevated privileges on the system. Victims may encounter issues like financial loss and identity theft. The threat should be removed immediately if it is present on the system.

More examples of information stealers are OmniStealer, Storm, and Remus.

How did NWHStealer infiltrate my computer?

NWHStealer is mainly spread by camouflaging itself as useful or popular software, such as VPN installers, hardware tools, game mods, or cheat programs. Users are tricked into downloading ZIP files or installers from fake websites, GitHub or GitLab repositories, file-sharing sites, or even links shared in YouTube videos.

In most attacks, the goal is the same: trick users into running a file that seems safe but actually injects the stealer in the background. Examples of ZIP files containing the stealer are "OhmGraphite-0.36.1.zip", "Sidebar Diagnostics-3.6.5.zip", "Pachtop_1.2.2.zip", and "HardwareVisualizer_1.3.1.zip".

How to avoid installation of malware?

Download software from official, trusted websites or verified app stores. Never use cracked programs, pirated tools, or key generators. Examine unexpected emails, especially those from unknown senders, and avoid opening attachments or links that seem suspicious.

Keep your operating system and all installed applications up to date. When browsing questionable websites, do not click on pop-ups, ads, or other suspicious elements, and refuse any requests for those pages to send notifications.

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.

A fake page distributing NWHStealer (source: malwarebytes.com):

Another deceptive site used to distribute the stealer (source: malwarebytes.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 NWHStealer?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of NWHStealer 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 NWHStealer malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Although this method ensures that NWHStealer is completely eliminated, it also results in the loss of all data on the device. It is usually better to try removing the infection first using a trusted security tool such as Combo Cleaner before resorting to this option.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can cause data theft, financial loss, system damage, privacy breaches, and full device compromise.

What is the purpose of NWHStealer?

NWHStealer is mainly designed to collect browser data like saved passwords and session cookies, as well as cryptocurrency wallet data and other personal information that can be misused to steal money and identities, hijack accounts, and perform other malicious actions.

How did NWHStealer infiltrate my device?

This usually happens through downloads like fake VPN installers, game mods, hardware tools, or software cracks. It is also commonly spread through fake websites, GitHub or file-sharing links, and even links in YouTube videos that redirect users to infected downloads.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most threats, but certain advanced malware may hide within the system and avoid detection. For this reason, performing a full system scan is important.