Downloader.Picproot is a recently discovered Trojan horse that is detected by Symantec. The Trojan affects the Windows operating system. Even though its threat level is considered low, Downloader Picproot should be removed timely so that severe consequences are avoided. A full system scan performed by a legitimate AV solution is recommended before any other actions are taken.
Downloader.Picproot General Description and Distribution
The Trojan horse affects the following, as reported by security researchers:
- Windows 2000.
- Windows 7.
- Windows 95.
- Windows 98.
- Windows Me.
- Windows NT.
- Windows Vista.
- Windows XP.
Users should note that Downloader.Picproot may be dropped by a binary file that has been attached to an email message. Be sure always to analyze received emails before opening anything. Various types of malware may be distributed through the execution of malicious email attachments and corrupted hyperlinks. If the user is tricked into executing the binary, Downloader.Picproot may start copying itself to:
- %UserProfile%\Application Data\Microsoft\Credentials\Credentials.dll
- %UserProfile%\Application Data\Microsoft\Credentials\Credentials.exe
- %UserProfile%\Application Data\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\CREDRIVER.dll
- %UserProfile%\Application Data\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\Desktop.ini
Then, Downloader.Picproot may proceed towards creating the following files:
- %UserProfile%\Application Data\Microsoft\Credentials\Credentials.dat
- %UserProfile%\Application Data\Microsoft\Credentials\Credentials.bak
- %UserProfile%\Application Data\Tasks\up[ONE OR MORE LETTER FILE NAME].tmp
- %UserProfile%\Application Data\Tasks\up[ONE OR MORE LETTER FILE NAME].msi
After performing those malicious activities, the Trojan may delete files with the .dta extension. Such files may be located in
→%UserProfile%\Application Data\Tasks.
Next on the list of Downloader.Picproot is creating a new registry entry so that the threat runs every time the Windows is rebooted:
→HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\”Credentials” = “rundll32.exe “%UserProfile%\Application Data\Microsoft\Credentials\Credentials.dll”,Embedding”
Also, keep in mind that Trojans can modify the Windows registry. In the case of Downloader.Picproot the following registry key may be altered:
→HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\currentcontrolset\control\lsa\”forceguest” = “0”
Then, the Trojan is activating the user’s HelpAssistant and adding it to the Administrators group. This is done so that Downloader.Picproot controls the incoming traffic through TCP ports 135, 139, and 445. Trojan horses are also known to connect to remote locations. Downloader.Picproot does not make an exception. Here is a list of possible remote servers that the malware may connect to:
→air88.ns01.us, info.acmetoy.com, ware.compress.to, bbs.ccdog.net, ph11.dns1.us, 113.10.221.89, cham.com.tw
The final touch of the threat is downloading a corrupted image file and saving it to %UserProfile%\Application Data\Tasks\Zup[ONE OR MORE LETTER FILE NAME].tmp or %UserProfile%\Application Data\Tasks\up[ONE OR MORE LETTER FILE NAME].msi. Finally, the payload is decrypted and hidden from the user.
Downloader.Picproot Removal Options
Affected users should proceed towards scanning the system as soon as possible. Install a trustworthy anti-malware program to detect and eliminate the threat. For future reference, always analyze incoming emails to bypass infecting the system.
Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
2. Remove Downloader.Picproot automatically with Spy Hunter Malware – Removal Tool.
To clean your computer with the award-winning software Spy Hunter –
It is highly recommended to run a system scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter.
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Preparation before removing Downloader.Picproot.
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 Downloader.Picproot with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Downloader.Picproot 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 Downloader.Picproot 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 Downloader.Picproot 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.
Downloader.Picproot FAQ
What Does Downloader.Picproot Trojan Do?
The Downloader.Picproot 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 Downloader.Picproot, 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 Downloader.Picproot 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 Downloader.Picproot 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 Downloader.Picproot Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Downloader.Picproot 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 Downloader.Picproot?
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 Downloader.Picproot threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.