A new file-less malware has been spotted to send out approximately 2000 spam e-mails per week to users. The malware does not have any files, but instead it spreads via infected Microsoft Office macros. All users who have been affected by this malware should immediately take action towards blocking the active connection and removing this cyber-threat from their computer via anti-malware software.
PowerSniff Summary
| Name | PowerSniff |
| Type | Trojan Horse / Malware Detection / Infostealer |
| Brief Description | Aims to collect various details from the system. |
| Symptoms | Your computer could become very slow and even freeze from time to time. |
| Distribution Technique | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may promote it. |
| Detection Tool |
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PowerSniff – Methods of Distribution
The primary method of distribution of this PoS threat is via spam email messages, containing infected Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint or other documents with infected macros. Here is an example of how a spam email sent out may appear like.
The sniffer-like malware is also reported to be spread primarily across the United States, but infections can also be seen in Canada and all over Europe as well.
PowerSniff In Detail
Once activated, the ransomware sends out system information to infect the user PC. After its macro has been enabled, similar to a network sniffer, the malware immediately sends system information to a remote host. Such information may include:
- Windows version and architecture. (32 bit vs. 64 bit).
- Computer’s antivirus software.
- Firewall protection.
- IP address.
Researchers at GrahamCluley report that after infecting the user PC, PowerSniff runs a concealed Power Shell window and executes an administrative command:
→ powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -WindowStyle Hidden –noprofile
Not only this, but the ransomware also begins to tamper with the Windows Registry Editor modifying it so that it creates a temporary DLL file in the %AppData% folder.
After the infection itself has been conducted, the malware has a clever selection process by which it looks for any PoS operation on the infected PC to collect credentials from them. This happens by looking for words such as “Point-Of-Sale”, “Sale” and others.
Not only this, but it also excludes any hospitals and medical centers from its hit list. This means that it excludes words such as “Hospital,” and others. These all point out to the ethics and cleverness of its developers.
Remove PowerSniff PoS Malware and Prevent It in the Future
If you believe you have become a victim of this threat it is essential to immediately transfer the funds and change the financial credentials of the PoS system and also on other systems in the network. To remove the malware, we advise using an advanced anti-malware software and following the step-by-step manual below, if the PoS system is working via Windows OS.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Preparation before removing PowerSniff.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
- Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
- Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
- Be patient as this could take a while.
- Scan for Malware
- Fix Registries
- Remove Virus Files
Step 1: Scan for PowerSniff with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by PowerSniff on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by PowerSniff there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.Step 3: Find virus files created by PowerSniff on your PC.
1.For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
2: Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
3: Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC's screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be "fileextension:exe". After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navigation box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn't found it yet.
2.For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS's the conventional approach should be the effective one:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
2: After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
3: After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
PowerSniff FAQ
What Does PowerSniff Trojan Do?
The PowerSniff Trojan is a malicious computer program designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. It can be used to steal sensitive data, gain control over a system, or launch other malicious activities.
Can Trojans Steal Passwords?
Yes, Trojans, like PowerSniff, can steal passwords. These malicious programs are designed to gain access to a user's computer, spy on victims and steal sensitive information such as banking details and passwords.
Can PowerSniff Trojan Hide Itself?
Yes, it can. A Trojan can use various techniques to mask itself, including rootkits, encryption, and obfuscation, to hide from security scanners and evade detection.
Can a Trojan be Removed by Factory Reset?
Yes, a Trojan can be removed by factory resetting your device. This is because it will restore the device to its original state, eliminating any malicious software that may have been installed. Bear in mind that there are more sophisticated Trojans that leave backdoors and reinfect even after a factory reset.
Can PowerSniff Trojan Infect WiFi?
Yes, it is possible for a Trojan to infect WiFi networks. When a user connects to the infected network, the Trojan can spread to other connected devices and can access sensitive information on the network.
Can Trojans Be Deleted?
Yes, Trojans can be deleted. This is typically done by running a powerful anti-virus or anti-malware program that is designed to detect and remove malicious files. In some cases, manual deletion of the Trojan may also be necessary.
Can Trojans Steal Files?
Yes, Trojans can steal files if they are installed on a computer. This is done by allowing the malware author or user to gain access to the computer and then steal the files stored on it.
Which Anti-Malware Can Remove Trojans?
Anti-malware programs such as SpyHunter are capable of scanning for and removing Trojans from your computer. It is important to keep your anti-malware up to date and regularly scan your system for any malicious software.
Can Trojans Infect USB?
Yes, Trojans can infect USB devices. USB Trojans typically spread through malicious files downloaded from the internet or shared via email, allowing the hacker to gain access to a user's confidential data.
About the PowerSniff Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this PowerSniff how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific trojan problem.
How did we conduct the research on PowerSniff?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of trojans (backdoor, downloader, infostealer, ransom, etc.)
Furthermore, the research behind the PowerSniff threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.