PupkinStealer Malware

PupkinStealer is a newly identified information-stealing malware developed using the .NET framework. This malicious software is designed to harvest sensitive data from infected Windows systems and exfiltrate it via Telegram’s Bot API. Despite lacking persistence mechanisms, PupkinStealer poses a significant threat due to its ability to swiftly extract a wide range of personal and confidential information.

Threat Overview

PupkinStealer operates by executing multiple tasks aimed at collecting various types of data:

• Browser Credentials: Extracts saved passwords from popular web browsers, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Vivaldi.
• Desktop Files: Scans the desktop for files with extensions such as .pdf, .txt, .sql, .jpg, and .png, which may contain valuable information.
• Messaging Sessions: Targets active sessions of messaging applications like Telegram and Discord, stealing session data and authentication tokens.
• Screenshots: Captures screenshots of the victim’s screen to gather additional information.

After collecting the data, PupkinStealer compresses it into a ZIP archive and transmits it to the attacker’s Telegram bot. Notably, the malware does not establish persistence on the infected system; it performs its tasks and then exits, reducing the likelihood of detection.

Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Information Stealer
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:MalwareX-gen [Misc]), Combo Cleaner (IL:Trojan.MSILZilla.43216), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/PSW.Agent.SUX), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Spy.MSIL.Bobik.gen), Microsoft (PWS:Win32/Multiverze!rfn)
Symptoms of Infection	Typically silent; no obvious symptoms. Potential indicators include unusual system behavior, unexpected application closures, or increased network activity.
Damage	Theft of personal and financial information, unauthorized access to messaging accounts, potential identity theft, and financial loss.
Distribution Methods	Infected email attachments, pirated software, malicious online advertisements, social engineering tactics.
Danger Level	High
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

In-Depth Analysis

How Did I Get Infected?

PupkinStealer commonly infiltrates systems through deceptive means:

• Email Attachments: Malicious emails with attachments disguised as legitimate documents or software updates.
• Pirated Software: Bundled with cracked or pirated software downloaded from untrusted sources.
• Malicious Advertisements: Clicking on deceptive ads that lead to automatic downloads of the malware.
• Social Engineering: Tricking users into executing the malware by posing as trustworthy entities.

What Does It Do?

Once executed, PupkinStealer performs the following actions:

1. Data Harvesting: Collects saved credentials from web browsers, desktop files, and session data from messaging applications.
2. Screenshot Capture: Takes a snapshot of the current screen to gather additional information.
3. Data Exfiltration: Compresses the collected data into a ZIP archive and sends it to the attacker’s Telegram bot.
4. Termination: Shuts down targeted applications to ensure smooth data extraction and then exits without leaving persistent traces.

Should You Be Worried?

Absolutely. Even though PupkinStealer does not maintain persistence, the data it steals can lead to severe consequences, including unauthorized access to personal accounts, financial loss, and identity theft. The stealthy nature of the malware means infections can go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred.

Manual Removal of Info-Stealers (For experienced users)

Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode with Networking

Info-stealers often run in the background, making removal difficult. Restarting in Safe Mode with Networking ensures they don’t load at startup.

For Windows 10/11

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
2. In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
3. Check Safe boot → Network.
4. Click Apply > OK > Restart.

For Windows 7/8

1. Restart your PC and press F8 before Windows loads.
2. Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

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Step 2: Stop Malicious Processes in Task Manager

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for unusual processes (high CPU usage, unknown names).
3. Right-click on them and select End Task.

Common Info-Stealer Process Names:

• StealC.exe
• RedLine.exe
• Vidar.exe
• ClipBanker.exe
• Randomized system-like names

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Step 3: Uninstall Suspicious Applications

1. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Locate any suspicious or unknown programs.
3. Right-click and select Uninstall.

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Step 4: Delete Malicious Files and Registry Entries

Info-stealers often store files in hidden locations.

Delete Suspicious Files

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to:
   • C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local
   • C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\ProgramData
   • C:\Windows\Temp
2. Delete any suspicious folders with randomized names.

Remove Malicious Registry Entries

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
3. Delete suspicious registry keys (e.g., StealerLoader, TrojanRun).

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Step 5: Reset Browsers and Flush DNS

Since info-stealers target browsers, clearing stored credentials is essential.

Reset Browser Data

1. Open Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
2. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Clear Browsing Data.
3. Select Passwords, Cookies, and Cached files → Click Clear Data.

Flush DNS Cache

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type the following commands and press Enter:bashCopyEditipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew
3. Restart your computer.

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Step 6: Scan for Rootkits

Some info-stealers use rootkit techniques to stay hidden.

1. Download Microsoft Safety Scanner or Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit.
2. Perform a deep system scan.
3. Remove any detected threats.

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Step 7: Change All Passwords & Enable 2FA

Since credentials may have been stolen, update passwords immediately for:

• Email accounts
• Banking/finance sites
• Social media accounts
• Cryptocurrency wallets
• Work and business logins

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security.

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Automatic Removal with SpyHunter (Recommended)

(For users who want a fast, reliable removal solution)

SpyHunter is an advanced malware removal tool designed to detect and eliminate info-stealers, trojans, and spyware.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Click Here to Download SpyHunter

Step 2: Install and Launch SpyHunter

1. Open the SpyHunter-Installer.exe file from your Downloads folder.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Launch SpyHunter after installation.

Step 3: Scan Your System for Info-Stealers

1. Click “Start Scan” to perform a deep scan.
2. SpyHunter will identify all malware-related files.
3. Click “Remove” to eliminate detected threats.

Step 4: Enable SpyHunter’s Real-Time Protection

• Go to Settings → Enable Real-Time Protection.
• This prevents future infections.

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How to Prevent Info-Stealer Infections

• Avoid Cracked Software & Torrents – These often contain malware.
• Use Strong, Unique Passwords – Consider a password manager.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Protects against account theft.
• Keep Windows & Software Updated – Security updates fix vulnerabilities.
• Beware of Phishing Emails – Do not click unknown links or attachments.
• Use a Reliable Anti-Malware Solution – SpyHunter detects and removes threats in real time.

Conclusion

PupkinStealer is a potent information-stealing malware that leverages the .NET framework to execute its malicious activities. Its ability to silently harvest a wide range of sensitive data and exfiltrate it via Telegram makes it a significant threat to individual users and organizations alike. Given its stealthy operation and the potential for substantial harm, immediate action is required upon suspicion of infection. Utilizing reputable anti-malware tools like SpyHunter is recommended to detect and remove this threat effectively.