How to Remove RDStealer Trojan

To remove RDStealer, you should run a full system scan with a reputable antivirus program and remove any detected threats. Additionally, you should ensure that your operating system and all software are up-to-date, avoid opening suspicious emails or downloading files from unknown sources, and regularly back up important files to protect against data loss.

Simple Steps To Eliminate Malicious Application

RDStealer is a malicious software written in the Go programming language that aims to steal sensitive data. It is a part of a larger campaign that involves infecting systems with the Logutil backdoor, which serves as a means to further spread the infection. Logutil, also written in Go, is a cross-platform malware capable of infecting Windows, Linux, and Vmware ESXi.

What sets this campaign apart is its ability to monitor Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) clients and infect them. This feature allows the threat actors to gain unauthorized access to RDP sessions and potentially compromise the systems involved.

RDStealer-associated campaigns have been active since early 2022, if not earlier, suggesting the involvement of a sophisticated threat actor, possibly with state-sponsored support. While it is challenging to attribute the exact source, the targets of this campaign align with Chinese interests.

The internet criminal responsible for this malware has been active since 2020. Previous attacks were observed to utilize other malware such as AsyncRAT and Cobalt Strike. However, they have now transitioned to using custom-built malware like RDStealer and Logutil, indicating an evolving and sophisticated approach.

More Facts About RDStealer:

RDStealer campaigns demonstrate a high degree of sophistication by utilizing various tactics to avoid detection on compromised devices. These techniques involve placing the malware in specific folders that are typically overlooked by security solutions. As an illustration, during analysis, Bitdefender found instances of RDStealer infecting Dell devices and depositing malware in the following directories:

•    %WinDir%\System32\
•     %WinDir%\System32\wbem\
•     %WinDir%\security\database\
•     %PROGRAM_FILES%\f-secure\psb\diagnostics
•     %PROGRAM_FILES_x86%\dell\commandupdate\
•     %PROGRAM_FILES%\dell\md storage software\md configuration utility\

It is difficult to determine the level of randomness, if any, in the folder selection process. The folders chosen by RDStealer are likely to vary between infections. However, the primary objective remains consistent: to evade detection by security tools and remain undetected on compromised machines.

Hence, it is crucial to highlight the significance of conducting comprehensive system scans. While “quick scan” options may overlook less common locations where malware can hide, performing “complete” system scans ensures thorough inspection of the entire device.

As previously mentioned, RDStealer operates as a data-stealing malware, specifically designed to extract and transfer information from compromised machines. This malicious software has the capability to sweep through systems, identifying and extracting data of interest from designated folders and applications.

The targets of RDStealer encompass a range of data, including but not restricted to browsing history and stored login credentials on Google Chrome, remote connections managed by mRemoteNG, remote desktop client MobaXterm, and password manager KeePass. Additionally, RDStealer possesses keylogging capabilities, enabling it to record keystrokes, as well as the ability to extract content from the clipboard where data is temporarily stored during copy/paste operations.

Moreover, the reach of the malware extends beyond the initially infected machine, as it has the capability to infiltrate other devices connected via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). By monitoring incoming RDP connections, the malware can exploit the presence of client drive mapping. This enables the infection to propagate to the remote machine. In large networks, drive mapping is commonly enabled to facilitate tasks like server-to-server file sharing, further increasing the potential impact of the infection.

Under favorable conditions, the Logutil backdoor is introduced to the remotely connected device, followed by the subsequent installation of RDStealer. It is important to acknowledge that malware developers frequently enhance their creations, refining processes and incorporating new functionalities. Consequently, future iterations of RDStealer may possess varying capabilities compared to its current form.

In conclusion, the presence of high-risk malware infections such as Logutil and RDStealer poses significant risks, including compromised privacy, financial harm, and potential identity theft. When targeted at entities of high sensitivity, such as institutions, organizations, and government bodies, the ramifications of these malware attacks can be even more severe. Hence, make sure to remove RDStealer from the computer as early as possible in case it is installed on your machine.

Threat Summary

Name: RDStealer

Category: Trojan

Characteristics: Threat actors behind this infection can employ it for several hateful purposes

Threat level: High

Symptoms: Frequent system crashes and freezes, slow performance of the infected PC, error messages, etc.

Distribution: Fake email attachments, deceptive ads, insecure sites

RDStealer: Depth Analysis

Trojans like RDStealer can be made use of for a variety of hateful activities. It’s a quite new malware, so we cannot yet inform you precisely what this virus is going to do inside your computer. However, there are so many things related to the infection that you need to beware of. It can be used to steal important information kept inside the device and also extract money from the victims using different tactics. It can allow cyber crooks remotely gain access to the compromised PCs who can then do all the criminals tasks themselves.

Furthermore, RDStealer can spy on you and record your activities through camera, microphone and via other ways. It can log your keystrokes and collect all the data you type through your keyboard. Moreover, it can make your device as a part of botnet and attack other computer machines through the network. Threat actors can employ this parasite to mine cryptocurrencies as well. This is the process that requires a lot of system resources to be consumed. As a result, regular crashes and freezes as well as overall system slowdowns issues will be likely. To avoid this occurrence, remove RDStealer from the device as quickly as possible.

What are the harmful effects of RDStealer infection?

Trojan horses like RDStealer are malicious programs that appear to be harmless or useful software but contain hidden malicious code. Once installed on a computer or device, Trojans can cause a range of harmful effects, including stealing sensitive information, controlling the system, and spreading malware to other devices. Some harmful abilities of Trojans are as follows:

1. Stealing Sensitive Information: One of the primary objectives of Trojans like RDStealer is to steal sensitive data, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal information. Once the malware is installed on a PC, it can access and capture the user’s keystrokes, take screenshots, and even record audio and video. This info can then be used for identity theft, financila fraud, and other hateful activities.
2. Controlling Devices: RDStealer can also give hackers remote control of a device, enabling them to perform a range of malicious activities. For example, attackers can employ it to access and modify files, delete or encrypt data, and even take over a device’s camera and microphone. In some cases, internet criminals may use Trojans to create network of compromised systems, known as botnet, which can be used for further attacks.
3. Spreading Malware: Threat actors can also use RDStealer to spread malware to other devices, either by sending infected files or by exploiting vulnerabilities in software or operating systems. This can lead to a rapid spread of malware and a significant increase in the number of compromised devices.
4. Encrypting Data: Some Trojans are designed to encrypt data on a computer and demand a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. This type of attack is known as ransomware and can be devastating for organizations and individuals that rely on their data to operate.
5. Destructive Attacks: Trojans can also be used to launch destructive attacks, such as deleting or corrupting files, disrupting network activity, ort even causing phusical damage to systems. These attacks can be used to sabotage businesses, governments, and critical infrastructure, causing significant financila and reputational damage.

In short, RDStealer is a significant threat to the security and privacy of both individuals and organizations. It can steal sensitive information, control devices, spread malware, encrypt data, and launch destructive attacks.

RDStealer can spread ransomware infections:

Trojans are a common method used by cyber criminals to spread ransomware, a type of malware that encrypts the victim’s files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. RDStealer is typically disguised as a legitimate program or file and is delivered to the targeted systems through email attachments, malicious links, or infected software downloads.

Once the Trojan is installed on the computer, it silently downloads and installs the ransomware. The ransomware then begins encrypting the victim’s files, making them inaccessible to the user. The attacker then demands payment, typically in the form of cryptocurrency, in exchange for the decryption key that can unlock the files. The consequences of a ransomware attack can be severe, both for individuals and organizations. Here are some of the potential consequences of a ransomware attack spread by Trojans like RDStealer:

• Loss of Data: Ransomware can cause the victim to lose access to important files, such as personal photos, financial records, and business documents. If the victim does not pay the ransom, the files may be permanently lost.
• Financial Loss: Ransomware attacks can be costly, both in terms of the ransom demanded and the cost of recovering lost data or repairing damage to the device or network.
• Reputation Damage: Organizations that suffer a ransomware attack may suffer damage to their reputation, particularly if sensitive data is compromised.
• Legal Consequences: If the victim’s data contains personal or sensitive information, the attacker may be in violation of data protection laws, leading to legal consequences.
• Disruption of Business: Ransomware attacks can disrupt business operations, leading to lost revenue, missed deadlines, and other negative consequences.

To sum up, Trojans are a common method used by cyber criminals to spread ransomware. The consequences of a ransomware attack can be severe.

What could be the consequences of RDStealer’s ability of stealing data?

The consequences of RDStealer’s ability to steal information can be severe and long-lasting. One of the primary consequences is identity theft. Threat actors can make use of the stolen data to create fake identities or take over existing ones. This can lead to financial losses, damage to credit scores, and legal problems for the victim. Additionally, victims of identity theft may spend months or even years trying to resolve the damage caused by the theft of their personal information.

Another effect of RDStealer’s ability to steal data is financila fraud. Internet crooks can use the stolen data to make unauthorized purchases or withdrawal from the victim’s bank account. This can result in financila losses for the affected person, as well as damage to their credit score. In some cases, victims may not be able to recover the stolen funds, leading to long-term financial problems.

A Trojan’s ability to steal data can also lead to the loss of sensitive business information. Cyber criminals can use the stolen data to gain access to company networks and steal valuable business data, such as intellectual property or trade secrets. This can lead to significant financial losses and damage to the company’s reputation. In some cases, the loss of sensitive business information can lead to the failure of the company.

Finally, a Trojan’s ability to steal data can lead to the spread of malware. Cybercriminals can use the stolen data to send targeted phishing emails or malware-laden attachments to the victim’s contacts. This can lead to the spread of malware to other devices, creating a domino effect of security breaches and data thefts.

In brief, the consequences of RDStealer’s ability to steal data are severe and can have long-lasting effects on the victim’s life. It is important for individuals and companies to take proactive steps to protect their devices and data from these types of threats, including using antivirus software, avoiding suspicious websites and downloads, and regularly updating their security software.

How did my PC get infected with this virus?

There are several ways through which such malware threat may find its way into your computer. Some of the common methods include:

1. Spam emails: Suspicious links in spam emails can lead to the installation of viruses.
2. Online free hosting resources: Free hosting resources available on the internet can also be a source of malware infection.
3. Hidden installation: Viruses can be installed secretly along with other applications, especially freeware or shareware utilities.
4. P2P resources: If you employ illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) resources to download pirated software, the risk of virus infection increases.
5. Trojans: Trojans can be used to spread RDStealer by disguising the threat as a legitimate file or program.

Trojan often spreads through spam emails that contain malicious attachments or links. Cybercriminals create convincing-looking emails that seem legitimate, such as a message from a bank, shipping company, or government agency. These emails entice recipients to download and open the attachment or click on the link. Once clicked, the malicious payload downloads and executes on the user’s computer, infecting it with the malware. In some cases, the payload may be embedded within the email itself, allowing it to execute as soon as the email is opened.

Instances have been reported where the RDStealer was camouflaged as a legitimate tool, masquerading itself as messages that demand the launch of unwanted software or browser updates. Some online scams employ a technique to trick you into installing the virus manually, by making you an active participant in the process. Typically, these fake alerts will not indicate that you are installing ransomware. Instead, the installation will be disguised as an update for a legitimate program like Adobe Flash Player or some other suspicious program. The true nature of the installation will be concealed under these bogus alerts.

Using cracked apps and P2P resources for downloading pirated software can pose a significant threat to your device’s security, and it may lead to the injection of severe malware such as the RDStealer.

Trojans are a popular attack vector for such infections. Hackers use Trojans to spread ransomware, RATs, cryptominers, data stealers by disguising the malware as a legitimate file or program. Once a victim downloads and executes the Trojan, the malware payload is unleashed on their system. Trojans can be spread through various channels, including malicious websites, social media platforms, and peer-to-peer networks. Cybercriminals often use social engineering tactics to trick users into downloading and executing Trojans.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows Click Here For Mac

Important Note: This malware asks you to enable the web browser notifications. So, before you go the manual removal process, execute these steps.

Google Chrome (PC)

• Go to right upper corner of the screen and click on three dots to open the Menu button
• Select “Settings”. Scroll the mouse downward to choose “Advanced” option
• Go to “Privacy and Security” section by scrolling downward and then select “Content settings” and then “Notification” option
• Find each suspicious URLs and click on three dots on the right side and choose “Block” or “Remove” option

Google Chrome (Android)

• Go to right upper corner of the screen and click on three dots to open the menu button and then click on “Settings”
• Scroll down further to click on “site settings” and then press on “notifications” option
• In the newly opened window, choose each suspicious URLs one by one
• In the permission section, select “notification” and “Off” the toggle button

Mozilla Firefox

• On the right corner of the screen, you will notice three dots which is the “Menu” button
• Select “Options” and choose “Privacy and Security” in the toolbar present in the left side of the screen
• Slowly scroll down and go to “Permission” section then choose “Settings” option next to “Notifications”
• In the newly opened window, select all the suspicious URLs. Click on the drop-down menu and select “Block”

Internet Explorer

• In the Internet Explorer window, select the Gear button present on the right corner
• Choose “Internet Options”
• Select “Privacy” tab and then “Settings” under the “Pop-up Blocker” section
• Select all the suspicious URLs one by one and click on the “Remove” option

Microsoft Edge

• Open the Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots on the right corner of the screen to open the menu
• Scroll down and select “Settings”
• Scroll down further to choose “view advanced settings”
• In the “Website Permission” option, click on “Manage” option
• Click on switch under every suspicious URL

Safari (Mac):

• On the upper right side corner, click on “Safari” and then select “Preferences”
• Go to “website” tab and then choose “Notification” section on the left pane
• Search for the suspicious URLs and choose “Deny” option for each one of them

Manual Steps to Remove RDStealer:

Remove the related items of RDStealer using Control-Panel

Windows 7 Users

Click “Start” (the windows logo at the bottom left corner of the desktop screen), select “Control Panel”. Locate the “Programs” and then followed by clicking on “Uninstall Program”

Windows XP Users

Click “Start” and then choose “Settings” and then click “Control Panel”. Search and click on “Add or Remove Program’ option

Windows 10 and 8 Users:

Go to the lower left corner of the screen and right-click. In the “Quick Access” menu, choose “Control Panel”. In the newly opened window, choose “Program and Features”

Mac OSX Users

Click on “Finder” option. Choose “Application” in the newly opened screen. In the “Application” folder, drag the app to “Trash”. Right click on the Trash icon and then click on “Empty Trash”.

In the uninstall programs window, search for the PUAs. Choose all the unwanted and suspicious entries and click on “Uninstall” or “Remove”.

After you uninstall all the potentially unwanted program causing RDStealer issues, scan your computer with an anti-malware tool for any remaining PUPs and PUAs or possible malware infection. To scan the PC, use the recommended the anti-malware tool.

How to Remove Adware (RDStealer) from Internet Browsers

Delete malicious add-ons and extensions from IE

Click on the gear icon at the top right corner of Internet Explorer. Select “Manage Add-ons”. Search for any recently installed plug-ins or add-ons and click on “Remove”.

Additional Option

If you still face issues related to RDStealer removal, you can reset the Internet Explorer to its default setting.

Windows XP users: Press on “Start” and click “Run”. In the newly opened window, type “inetcpl.cpl” and click on the “Advanced” tab and then press on “Reset”.

Windows Vista and Windows 7 Users: Press the Windows logo, type inetcpl.cpl in the start search box and press enter. In the newly opened window, click on the “Advanced Tab” followed by “Reset” button.

For Windows 8 Users: Open IE and click on the “gear” icon. Choose “Internet Options”

Select the “Advanced” tab in the newly opened window

Press on “Reset” option

You have to press on the “Reset” button again to confirm that you really want to reset the IE

Remove Doubtful and Harmful Extension from Google Chrome

Go to menu of Google Chrome by pressing on three vertical dots and select on “More tools” and then “Extensions”. You can search for all the recently installed add-ons and remove all of them.

Optional Method

If the problems related to RDStealer still persists or you face any issue in removing, then it is advised that your reset the Google Chrome browse settings. Go to three dotted points at the top right corner and choose “Settings”. Scroll down bottom and click on “Advanced”.

At the bottom, notice the “Reset” option and click on it.

In the next opened window, confirm that you want to reset the Google Chrome settings by click on the “Reset” button.

Remove RDStealer plugins (including all other doubtful plug-ins) from Firefox Mozilla

Open the Firefox menu and select “Add-ons”. Click “Extensions”. Select all the recently installed browser plug-ins.

Optional Method

If you face problems in RDStealer removal then you have the option to rese the settings of Mozilla Firefox.

Open the browser (Mozilla Firefox) and click on the “menu” and then click on “Help”.

Choose “Troubleshooting Information”

In the newly opened pop-up window, click “Refresh Firefox” button

The next step is to confirm that really want to reset the Mozilla Firefox settings to its default by clicking on “Refresh Firefox” button.

Remove Malicious Extension from Safari

Open the Safari and go to its “Menu” and select “Preferences”.

Click on the “Extension” and select all the recently installed “Extensions” and then click on “Uninstall”.

Optional Method

Open the “Safari” and go menu. In the drop-down menu, choose “Clear History and Website Data”.

In the newly opened window, select “All History” and then press on “Clear History” option.

Delete RDStealer (malicious add-ons) from Microsoft Edge

Open Microsoft Edge and go to three horizontal dot icons at the top right corner of the browser. Select all the recently installed extensions and right click on the mouse to “uninstall”

Optional Method

Open the browser (Microsoft Edge) and select “Settings”

Next steps is to click on “Choose what to clear” button

Click on “show more” and then select everything and then press on “Clear” button.

How to Prevent RDStealer Attack?

Although no security measures can guarantee complete protection against malware, there are certain precautions you can take to prevent dreadful cyber threats from infecting your device. Be vigilant while installing free software, and read through the installer’s additional offers carefully.

Users should be cautious when opening emails from unknown senders or any messages that seem suspicious or out of the ordinary. If the sender or address is unfamiliar, or the content is unrelated to anything you are expecting, it is best not to open the message. It is highly unlikely that you could win a prize in a contest you didn’t enter, so be wary of any emails claiming that you won something. If the email subject appears to be related to something you are anticipating, it is important to thoroughly examine all aspects of the message. Scammers often make mistakes, so carefully scrutinizing the content of the email could help you identify any fraudulent activity. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution and avoid opening emails or letters that appear suspicious.

It is also crucial to keep all software and security programs up-to-date to prevent vulnerabilities that malware can exploit. Using cracked or unknown programs is a significant risk for Trojan-based attacks. Cybercriminals often distribute Trojans disguised as legitimate software, such as patches or license checks. However, it is challenging to differentiate between trustworthy software and malicious Trojans since some Trojans may even have the functionality that users seek.

To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to avoid using untrusted programs altogether and only download software from reputable sources. Before downloading any program, users should research it thoroughly and read reviews from trusted sources. It is also recommended to consult anti-malware message boards to gather additional information on any software that may raise suspicion. Ultimately, the best defense against Trojan attacks is to exercise caution and avoid downloading software from untrusted sources.

Conclusion

In most cases, the PUPs and adware gets inside the marked PC through unsafe freeware downloads. It is advised that you should only choose developers website only while downloading any kind of free applications. Choose custom or advanced installation process so that you can trace the additional PUPs listed for installation along with the main program.