How to Remove CoffeeLoader Malware

CoffeeLoader is a highly sophisticated malware loader that has emerged as a powerful tool in the hands of cybercriminals. Unlike basic malware droppers, CoffeeLoader is specifically designed to deploy other malicious payloads while remaining stealthy and persistent on compromised systems. This malware is known for deploying information-stealing malware such as Rhadamanthys, posing a serious risk to both individual users and corporate networks.

Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Name	CoffeeLoader malware loader
Threat Type	Malware Loader
Detection Names	Avast (FileRepMalware [Misc]), DTX (Dll.trojan.shelma), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Generik.ZSZZQR), Kaspersky (Trojan.Win32.Shelma.chgq), Sophos (Mal/Generic-S)
Payload	Rhadamanthys (information stealer), possibly others
Symptoms	Typically none; designed for stealth; no obvious user-visible behavior
Distribution Methods	Infected email attachments, malicious ads, social engineering, cracked software
Associated Emails	Not specifically identified
Possible Damage	Identity theft, stolen banking credentials, compromised crypto wallets, system hijacking, inclusion in botnets
Danger Level	High

One of the defining features of CoffeeLoader is its use of advanced evasion techniques. These include call stack spoofing, sleep obfuscation, and execution via GPU-based processing, which allows it to bypass traditional endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems. CoffeeLoader utilizes a custom packer known as “Armoury”, which enhances its ability to run stealthily, especially in virtualized environments commonly used for malware analysis.

In addition, CoffeeLoader uses a domain generation algorithm (DGA) to dynamically generate new command-and-control (C2) domains, allowing the malware to maintain persistent contact with its operators even if the original C2 servers are taken down. It also incorporates certificate pinning, preventing man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks and ensuring secure communication between infected systems and the attacker’s servers.

CoffeeLoader shares several characteristics with the infamous SmokeLoader, another malware loader. Both employ process injection, import resolution via hashing, and encrypted network communications using RC4 with hardcoded keys.

Rhadamanthys Payload

Once deployed by CoffeeLoader, Rhadamanthys functions as an aggressive information stealer. It collects sensitive data such as device name, model, operating system details, hardware information, installed applications, and even IP address. More dangerously, it can execute PowerShell commands, target document files, and attempt to steal cryptocurrency wallets by extracting saved passwords or passphrases. The combination of CoffeeLoader and Rhadamanthys can lead to significant personal and financial losses.

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Manual Removal of Trojan Malware

Important: Manual removal is not recommended for beginners. It involves interacting with system files and the Windows Registry, which, if done incorrectly, can lead to system issues.

Step 1: Restart in Safe Mode with Networking

Booting into Safe Mode disables unnecessary startup programs, including most malware.

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
2. In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab.
3. Check Safe boot, then select Network.
4. Click Apply and restart your computer.

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Step 2: Terminate Malicious Processes

1. Open Task Manager using Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Navigate to the Processes or Details tab.
3. Identify any unusual or unrecognized processes. Be cautious—do not stop critical Windows processes.
4. Right-click a suspicious process, choose Open File Location, then End Task.
5. Delete the associated file from the opened folder.

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Step 3: Delete Trojan Files

1. Press Windows + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter.
2. Check for any unknown folders created recently.
3. Repeat the same for these directories:
   • %localappdata%
   • C:\Program Files
   • C:\Program Files (x86)
   • C:\Windows\Temp
4. Delete any folders or executables related to the Trojan.

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Step 4: Clean Up the Windows Registry

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Go to these registry paths:
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
3. Look for registry entries with unusual names or links to suspicious files.
4. Right-click and delete the unwanted entries.

Tip: Back up your registry before making changes by clicking File > Export in the Registry Editor.

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Step 5: Reset Your Web Browsers

Malicious Trojans often tamper with browser settings to redirect users to unwanted sites.

Chrome

• Settings > Reset and clean up > Restore settings to their original defaults.

Firefox

• Help > More Troubleshooting Information > Refresh Firefox.

Edge

• Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values.

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Step 6: Perform a Full System Scan with Windows Defender

1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
2. Click Virus & threat protection > Scan options.
3. Choose Full Scan and click Scan now.

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Step 7: Update Windows

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates and install all available patches.

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Method 2: Automatically Remove Trojans Using SpyHunter

Manual removal can be effective, but it’s time-consuming and may leave hidden components behind. SpyHunter is a trusted malware removal tool that automatically detects and eliminates Trojans and other threats.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Use the official download link: Download SpyHunter

Follow these instructions for installation: SpyHunter Download Instructions

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Step 2: Install the Program

1. Locate the downloaded file, usually SpyHunter-Installer.exe.
2. Double-click it and follow the on-screen steps to complete the installation.
3. Launch SpyHunter when finished.

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Step 3: Scan Your PC

1. Click the Start Scan Now button on the SpyHunter dashboard.
2. Allow the scan to complete (it may take several minutes).
3. Review the detected items.

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Step 4: Remove Threats

1. Click Fix Threats.
2. SpyHunter will quarantine and remove the detected Trojan files automatically.

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Step 5: Restart Your PC

Once the cleanup is finished, restart your system to finalize the changes.

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Trojan Prevention Tips

• Avoid downloading software from unofficial sources.
• Be wary of email attachments, even from known contacts.
• Keep Windows and applications updated with the latest patches.
• Use a reputable security program like SpyHunter for active malware protection.

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Conclusion

CoffeeLoader represents a new level of sophistication in the malware loader ecosystem. Its use of evasion tactics such as GPU execution, call stack spoofing, and domain generation algorithms makes it particularly difficult for traditional security tools to detect and stop. When paired with dangerous payloads like Rhadamanthys, the risks to users are multiplied, resulting in potential theft of sensitive data, financial loss, and full system compromise.

Staying informed about such threats is essential, especially for those who download software from unofficial sources or frequently encounter phishing attempts. While there are currently no known associated email addresses directly linked to CoffeeLoader campaigns, its silent and modular nature makes it a significant cybersecurity threat.