Axplong.exe Malware – Analysis and Removal

What Is Axplong.exe?

Axplong.exe is a form of spyware with sophisticated capabilities designed to steal data, maintain persistence, and evade detection. The spyware is built with several techniques that enable it to carry out malicious activities on an infected system, particularly focusing on data exfiltration, persistence, and anti-analysis mechanisms.

Axplong.exe should be removed immediately with the help of an advanced anti-malware tool. The longer this spyware remains on the system, the more vulnerable the system becomes to other forms of malicious activities.

Axplong.exe Capabilities

According to our analysis which was based on information provided by Hybrid Analysis, Axplong.exe possesses the following characteristics.

Spyware Behavior

• Injection Method. Axplong.exe contains a string that may be used for code injection into other processes. This allows the spyware to run malicious code within the context of trusted applications, making it harder to detect.
• Data Exfiltration. The spyware uses HTTP POST requests to send stolen information to a remote web server. This could include personal information, credentials, or system data harvested from the infected machine.

Persistence Mechanisms

• Remote Process Interaction. To maintain persistence, Axplong.exe writes data into a remote process, which can allow it to relaunch or execute commands at a later time, even after the system reboots.
• System Reconnaissance. It performs extensive system queries, including:
  • Kernel Debugger Information. This could indicate attempts to detect if the system is running in a virtualized or debugging environment.
  • Process Information. Used to map out running processes, likely to find targets for injection or to evade certain security programs.
  • Internet Explorer (IE) Security Settings. The spyware checks sensitive settings in IE, possibly to manipulate browser security and steal credentials or lower defenses.
  • Display Settings for File Extensions. It queries settings related to file extensions, which could be part of a strategy to manipulate files or hide its presence.
  • Internet Cache Settings. It examines cache settings, likely to cover its tracks by deleting or hiding evidence in places like the index.dat or internet cache.
  • BIOS Version Reading. Reading the system’s or video BIOS version allows the malware to gather more system-specific information, which can help customize the attack for the target environment.

Evasive Tactics

• API Evasion. Axplong.exe uses API calls that are not explicitly listed in its Import Address Table (IAT). This is a tactic to make static analysis harder, as it avoids easy detection by simply scanning the executable’s imports.
• Sleep Calls. It likely includes multiple sleep cycles in its execution to make dynamic analysis more difficult. By delaying its malicious activities, it attempts to evade automated sandbox environments, which often only monitor behavior for a limited time.
• Debugger Evasion. By setting the ThreadHideFromDebugger flag, it tries to hide its execution threads from being observed by debuggers, complicating manual analysis by security researchers.

Network Activity

• Session Creation. Axplong.exe calls an API commonly used to create HTTP or FTP sessions, enabling it to communicate with its command-and-control (C2) server. Through these sessions, it can both upload stolen data and receive further instructions from the attacker.

Remove Axplong.exe from Your Computer

Axplong.exe is a dangerous process stemming from a malware infection. It can be removed from your computer by following the steps below. Keep in mind that, considering the nature of the threat, it’s best to use a professional anti-malware program to eliminate it thoroughly.

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

More Posts

Follow Me:

---

Preparation before removing Axplong.exe.

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 Axplong.exe with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

---

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

---

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

---

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

---

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Axplong.exe 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 Axplong.exe there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

---

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

---

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

---

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it. 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 Axplong.exe 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.

Axplong.exe FAQ

What Does Axplong.exe Trojan Do?

The Axplong.exe 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 Axplong.exe, 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 Axplong.exe 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 Axplong.exe 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 Axplong.exe Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Axplong.exe 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 Axplong.exe?

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 Axplong.exe threat is backed with VirusTotal.

To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.