How to remove MIMICRAT from infected devices

What kind of malware is MIMICRAT?

MIMICRAT is a remote administration Trojan (RAT) written in C++. Cybercriminals were observed distributing the RAT using a deceptive technique known as ClickFix. Once a device is infected with MIMICRAT, the attackers can perform various malicious actions remotely. If this threat is detected, it should be removed immediately.

More about MIMICRAT

MIMICRAT is a RAT that supports over 20 commands. It provides cybercriminals with full remote control of infected devices: they can explore the system, steal files, run programs, escalate privileges, and hide their activity.

The commands supported by MIMICRAT allow it to stop itself from running on the infected device and control how often it checks in with the attacker's server. Also, it can change the directories it uses to operate, download, copy, read, move, delete, and rename files on the infected device, and create (or remove) directories.

Furthermore, MIMICRAT can launch and stop processes, check the running processes, and steal tokens used by targeted processes. Also, the RAT can open a command-line session so the attackers can type and run commands on the infected computer, inject and run malicious code directly inside a running process, and create and manage a hidden proxy tunnel to route network traffic.

Basically, cybercriminals using MIMICRAT can take over an infected device. They can deploy additional malware onto the system (e.g., ransomware or crypto-mining malware). The access also allows them to collect sensitive data (e.g., financial details), manipulate files, and monitor system activity without being detected.

This may lead to data loss, financial damage, identity theft, account hijacking, and other issues.

Conclusion

Overall, MIMICRAT gives threat actors control over an infected system, allowing them to manage files, processes, and system behavior remotely. This access can be used to steal data, deploy additional malware, and use the device for other malicious campaigns while staying hidden. If found on a device, MIMICRAT should be removed immediately.

More examples of RATs are PhantomPulse, STX, and AtlasCross.

How did MIMICRAT infiltrate my computer?

Threat actors use hacked trusted websites to deliver MIMICRAT. It is known that a legitimate BIN-checking site was compromised and made to load a hidden malicious script from another hacked investment website, which then shows a fake Cloudflare verification page.

This page tricks users into running a PowerShell command by using a technique called ClickFix. Once executed, the command downloads malicious scripts that turn off security monitoring, run code in memory, and eventually inject MIMICRAT. The campaign is multilingual (17 languages) and adapts to the victim's browser language to target more users.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Always examine emails (or other messages) that contain links or files, especially if they are unexpected and from unknown senders. Do not open suspicious files or links. Also, do not use P2P networks, third-party downloaders, shady sites, or third-party app stores to download apps or files. Software should be downloaded from official pages or app stores.

Regularly update the operating system and installed apps, and run system scans using a reputable security tool. Do not interact with dubious pages - do not click ads, pop-ups, links, buttons, etc., on them. Also, do not agree to receive notifications from websites like this.

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.

Fake instructions (ClickFix) used to deliver MIMICRAT:

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

This method can fully eliminate MIMICRAT from an infected system, but it also deletes all data stored on the device. Because of this, it should only be considered a final option when trusted security tools such as Combo Cleaner are unable to detect or remove the infection.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can cause various damage, including stolen money, hacked accounts, exposed personal information, further infections on the system, and files being lost permanently.

What is the purpose of MIMICRAT?

MIMICRAT is used to give attackers remote control of an infected computer so they can steal (and manipulate) data, run commands, and deploy additional malware while staying hidden.

How did MIMICRAT infiltrate my device?

MIMICRAT is typically delivered through compromised trusted websites. In one known case, a hacked BIN-checking site loaded another malicious script from a compromised investment site, which then showed a fake Cloudflare verification page. This page used a ClickFix trick to convince users to run a PowerShell command that downloaded and executed additional malicious code, which then delivered MIMICRAT.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and removing the majority of malware infections. However, more sophisticated threats may hide deep within the system. For this reason, running a complete system scan is strongly advised to ensure all malicious components are found and eliminated.