How to remove Starland RAT malware from the operating system

What kind of malware is Starland RAT?

Starland RAT is a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) that lets cybercriminals secretly control an infected Windows computer, run commands on it, and push additional malware onto it without the victim noticing anything unusual.

According to research published by Cisco Talos, Starland RAT is deployed by a financially motivated threat actor tracked as UAT-11795, alongside a separate, custom-built command and control (C2) implant called WLDR.

Starland RAT is distributed disguised as legitimate software installers, including fake versions of MobaXterm, WebEx, Zoom, DBeaver, and FACEIT, delivered through a weaponized HTA file that uses ClickFix-style social engineering to trick victims into running it.

Starland RAT overview

When a victim runs one of the trojanized installers, a hidden component built with Python and disguised inside the installer as a file named LICENSE.txt decrypts an embedded copy of Starland RAT and launches it directly in the computer's memory.

Because Starland RAT itself is never saved to the hard drive as a separate file, it is much harder for antivirus software to catch it before it starts running.

Once active, it collects basic information about the infected computer, sets up a scheduled task so it keeps running after a restart, and opens a connection to a C2 server operated by the cybercriminals behind the campaign, waiting for further instructions.

Starland RAT's features

Starland RAT can receive a shellexecute command from its operators that tells it to run additional shellcode directly in memory.

In observed cases, this shellcode has delivered CastleStealer, a separate information-stealing malware, or a variant of the well known Remcos RAT, depending on whether the infected computer is running 64-bit or 32-bit shellcode. This effectively turns Starland RAT into a loader for further threats once it has a foothold on the system.

Persistence and defense evasion

To survive a restart, the initial HTA file adds an entry under the HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run Windows Registry key that points back to mshta.exe, the legitimate Windows tool used to run HTA files.

This lets the infection chain restart quietly every time the user logs in. The Python component that unpacks Starland RAT is also padded with unnecessary junk functions and encrypts the RAT payload, both of which are meant to slow down analysis and reduce the chances of detection.

WLDR: a second command and control channel

Separately from the shellcode-delivered payloads, Starland RAT can also deploy WLDR, a custom PowerShell-based C2 implant built specifically for this campaign.

WLDR arrives through a chain of obfuscated PowerShell scripts and a batch file, and it gives the cybercriminals a second, independent channel for issuing commands to the infected computer.

Conclusion

Starland RAT gives cybercriminals hands-on remote access to an infected computer while running almost entirely from memory, which makes it difficult to spot with a quick look at the file system.

Left in place, it can be used to install additional malware such as information stealers or other RATs, steal saved data, and hand control of the machine over to its operators. Any computer showing signs of this infection chain should be scanned and cleaned immediately.

More examples of RATs are DenoRAT, LabubaRAT, and MODBEACON.

How did Starland RAT infiltrate my computer?

In the campaign documented by Talos, victims are lured through a weaponized HTA file that uses ClickFix-style prompts to get them to run a script. That script drops a batch file and downloads a trojanized installer disguised as a well-known application such as WebEx, Zoom, MobaXterm, DBeaver, or FACEIT.

Running the fake installer silently triggers the hidden Python loader, which decrypts and launches Starland RAT in memory without the victim noticing anything out of the ordinary.

More broadly, threats like Starland RAT commonly reach victims through phishing emails, fake or typosquatted download pages, malicious ads, pirated software and cracks, and other forms of social engineering.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Be cautious with unexpected emails, messages, and links, especially ones that push you to download software or run a command. Download applications only from official vendor websites, avoid cracked or pirated software, and keep Windows and installed programs up to date.

Pay attention to any page that asks you to copy and paste a command into the Run dialog or a PowerShell window, since this is a common ClickFix trick used to install malware like Starland RAT. 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 Starland RAT?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of Starland RAT 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 Starland RAT malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Formatting the storage device will remove Starland RAT, but it will also erase every file on the drive. A reputable security solution such as Combo Cleaner should usually be tried first.

What are the biggest issues that Starland RAT malware can cause?

Since it runs mostly in memory and gives cybercriminals hands-on remote access, Starland RAT can be used to steal saved data, monitor the user, and quietly install additional malware such as stealers or other RATs.

This can lead to identity theft, account takeover, financial fraud, and further compromise of the infected computer.

What is the purpose of Starland RAT malware?

The purpose of Starland RAT is to give cybercriminals remote control over infected computers so they can run commands, deploy additional malware such as CastleStealer or Remcos RAT, and maintain covert access while staying hidden.

How did Starland RAT malware infiltrate my computer?

Starland RAT has been observed spreading through weaponized HTA files that use ClickFix-style prompts to get victims to run trojanized installers disguised as WebEx, Zoom, MobaXterm, DBeaver, or FACEIT.

More broadly, threats of this type also reach victims through phishing emails, fake download sites, pirated software, and other social engineering tricks.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes. Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most known malware. Advanced threats can hide deep in the system, so a full system scan is recommended to make sure nothing is missed.