CStealer is a new password-stealing Trojan currently targeting Windows systems. The Trojan is designed to harvest passwords from the Google Chrome browser.
There are plenty of other similar Trojans but this one has something more peculiar about it. CStealer utilizes a remote MongoDB database to stash the stolen passwords.
The Trojan was discovered by MalwareHunterTeam and analyzed by a cybersecurity researcher known as James.
Threat Summary
| Name | CStealer Trojan |
| Type | Malware, Trojan, Password Stealer |
| Short Description | A type of Trojan that tries to steal passwords stored in Google Chrome. |
| Symptoms | There may be no apparent systems of the infection. |
| Distribution Method | Common distribution tactics and direct web attacks. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss CStealer Trojan. |
SectopRAT Trojan – Details
What sets aside this password-stealing Trojan from other similar threats is the fact that it uploads the harvested passwords from Chrome to a remote MongoDB database. The usual behavior of such a Trojan would be to compile the stolen data into a file, and then send it to a command-and-control server controlled by the malware operators.
CStealer includes hardcoded MongoDB credentials and uses the MongoDB C driver as a client library to connect to the database. Cybersecurity researcher James tested this and concluded that when the Trojan harvests Chrome passwords, it connects to the remote database with the idea to keep them for later retrieval.
This technique does serve the purse of stealing passwords but in the meantime, it creates an opportunity for other attackers to gain access to the stolen credentials. In fact, anyone analyzing the Trojan can retrieve the hardcoded credentials and use them to obtain access to the stolen data.
The exact distribution method of CStealer hasn’t been confirmed but Trojans are usually spread through the following tactics:
- Phishing Strategies — The criminals can send out email messages or make scam sites that will impersonate well-known services or companies. By interacting with them the recipients and site visitors will get infected with the NukeSped Trojan. They are commonly hosted on similar sounding domain names and may include stolen/fake design and self-signed security certificates.
- Macro-Infected Documents — The hacking collective will create documents that contain malware macros that when run will install the Trojan. They can be of all popular formats: presentations, databases, text files and spreadsheets.
- Application Installers — They are malware-infected setup of popular software which are often downloaded and installed by end users: productivity tools, office programs, creativity suites and etc.
- Social Networks — Using fake or hacked profiles links to the malware files or malware copies of the Trojan can be either publicly shared or posted in groups, private messages and on different pages.
- Web Browser Extensions — The other popular method is to create malware extensions for the most popular web browsers. They are commonly uploaded to their relevant repositories with fake user reviews and developer accounts. They are often accompanied with elaborate descriptions that will promise feature additions or performance updates.
NOTE. CStealer’s main purpose is to harvest passwords stored in the Chrome browser. However, there are more sophisticated Trojans. For example, an evolved Trojan can steal various credentials from the victim, among other malicious capabilities, such as the PyXie RAT which was just discovered by security researchers. We would like to remind our readers that the winter holidays are a preferred time of the year for malware campagns. Since most holiday shopping takes place online and individuals are increasingly using their credit cards and other online payment options, cybercriminals can include password-stealing components in their malware to harvest payment information. Thus, appropriate anti-malware protection is highly advisable.
CStealer Trojan – Removal
In order to fully remove the CStealer Trojan from your computer system, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions underneath this article. If the first two manual removal steps do not seem to work, we suggest what most security experts advise – to download and run a scan of your computer with a reputable anti-malware program.
Downloading this software will not only save you some time, but will remove all of CStealer Trojan files and programs related to it and should protect your computer against similar attacks in the future.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
Follow Me:
Preparation before removing CStealer Trojan.
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 CStealer Trojan with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by CStealer Trojan 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 CStealer Trojan 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 CStealer Trojan 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.
CStealer Trojan FAQ
What Does CStealer Trojan Trojan Do?
The CStealer Trojan 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 CStealer Trojan, 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 CStealer Trojan 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 CStealer Trojan 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 CStealer Trojan Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CStealer Trojan 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 CStealer Trojan?
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 CStealer Trojan threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.