NexusRAT Malware

What kind of malware is NexusRAT?

NexusRAT is a remote access trojan (RAT) that uses overlay attacks and keylogging to steal banking credentials. Its behavior is commonly associated with banking Trojans. Typically, cybercriminals use malicious tools like NexusRAT to harvest data that can be misused for account hijacking and financial fraud. If detected on a device, NexusRAT should be removed immediately.

NexusRAT malware

More about NexusRAT

One of the components from the NexusRAT distribution involves a ZIP file containing banking UI images for different banks (at least 36 banks). These images are used to imitate the bank's website visually. The malware monitors the active browser window and compares window titles or page identifiers against targeted banks.

When the victim opens a supported banking site (e.g., Bancolombia), the RAT displays a fake overlay that imitates the bank login page. As soon as the victim begins typing credentials, the malware places another overlay over the credential input fields and captures the keystrokes through keylogging.

The stolen usernames, passwords, and other banking credentials are then transmitted back to the attacker-controlled C2. Cybercriminals can use the stolen banking credentials to log into victims' accounts and transfer money (or perform other malicious actions) without permission.

Captured usernames and passwords may also be reused on other services (e.g., social media or email accounts) if the victim uses the same credentials elsewhere. Stolen personal and financial information can also be sold on the dark web or used for identity theft. If one-time passwords or similar details are captured, threat actors may bypass additional security checks.

Threat Summary:
Name	NexusRAT banking malware
Threat Type	Remote Access Trojan
Detection Names	Avast (Script:SNH-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Generic.INF.Cmst.A.74E811C5), ESET-NOD32 (VBS/Obfuscated.DZ Trojan), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.VBS.SAgent.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:VBS/Obfuse.PX!MTB), Full List (VirusTotal)
Symptoms	Trojans are designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim's computer and remain silent, and thus no particular symptoms are clearly visible on an infected machine.
Possible distribution methods	Infected email attachments, malicious pages, infected script files.
Damage	Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, and other issues.
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. Download Combo Cleaner 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.

Conclusion

NexusRAT is malware that uses overlay attacks, browser monitoring, and keylogging to steal credentials from victims. By imitating legitimate banking interfaces, the RAT allows threat actors to steal sensitive accounts and perform financial fraud. Victims may experience issues like financial loss and identity theft.

How did NexusRAT infiltrate my computer?

NexusRAT is distributed via deceptive emails containing an SVG file. This file contains an image that, if clicked, opens a malicious page using a blob URL. That website downloads an archive (a ZIP file) containing a VBS script. This VBS file, if executed, triggers the infiltration of the NexusRAT.

In other cases, malware can be distributed using tech support scams, pirated software, cracking tools, malicious key generators, deceptive advertisements, software vulnerabilities, third-party downloaders, fake or hijacked pages, or similar channels.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Download apps and files from trusted sources such as official websites or verified app stores. Avoid pirated software, cracks, or key generators, and do not click on pop-ups, ads, or suspicious links on untrustworthy websites. Also, never allow notifications from suspicious sites.

Be cautious with unexpected emails or messages from unknown senders, especially if they are irrelevant or seem unusual, and do not open attachments or links that look suspicious. Keep your system and applications up to date, and run regular scans using a reputable security solution to detect and remove 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.

Appearance of the infection chain (GIF):

NexusRAT Malware infection chain

Malicious email distributing NexusRAT:

NexusRAT Malware spam email used for distribution

Blob site opened via the attachment:

NexusRAT Malware blob URL opened via attachment

File downloaded from the site that contains a malicious script:

NexusRAT Malware svg attachment that contains the 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:

DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner

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 NexusRAT?
STEP 1. Manual removal of NexusRAT 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:

Malware process running in the Task Manager

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:

manual malware removal step 1 Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:

Autoruns application appearance

manual malware removal step 2 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.

Run Windows 7 or Windows XP in Safe Mode with Networking

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.

Run Windows 8 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.

Run Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking

Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

manual malware removal step 3 Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.

Extract Autoruns.zip archive and run Autoruns.exe application

manual malware removal step 4 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.

Refresh Autoruns application results

manual malware removal step 5 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".

Delete malware in Autoruns

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.

Search for malware and delete 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 NexusRAT malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Formatting a device is not always required. Malware like NexusRAT can iften be detected and removed with trusted security software, for example tools such as Combo Cleaner.

What are the biggest issues that malware can cause?

Malware can be designed to steal login details and other personal data, deploy additional payloads, encrypt files, mine cryptocurrency, or perform other malicious actions. It may lead to financial loss, identity theft, account hijacking, additional infections, file loss, or other issues.

What is the purpose of NexusRAT?

The purpose of NexusRAT is to steal sensitive banking and personal information from infected devices. It does this by monitoring the user's activity, displaying fake banking overlays, and capturing keystrokes when victims enter their login details.

How did NexusRAT malware infiltrate my computer?

NexusRAT is spread through misleading emails that include an SVG file. The SVG contains a clickable image that redirects the user to a malicious page created with a blob URL. From there, a ZIP archive is downloaded, which includes a VBS script. If the script is run, it starts the execution of NexusRAT on the system.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and removing malware from an infected system, though certain advanced threats may be well concealed within the device. For this reason, running a complete system scan is advised to help identify and eliminate all malicious elements.