An unauthorized backdoor access to your system can compromise it in many ways, downloading malicious software onto it being the worst one. Be alert, because a new backdoor identified as Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A has been reported by security experts at Microsoft.
Threat Summary
| Name | Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A |
| Type | Backdoor |
| Short Description | Once installed, the backdoor can perform a range of malicious activities, including downloading malware and including your PC in a botnet. |
| Symptoms | Files such as %TEMP%\puwuladrur.bat are created on the system. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks, Bundled Downloads. |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A. |
The threat level of Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A is defined as severe, which means that the likeliness of becoming infected with malware is quite high. Having in mind the high infection rates of ransomware such as Locky and Cerber, the payload of any backdoor operation can definitely lead to the encryption of your data.
Other Recent Backdoors:
T9000
LatentBot
Bifrose
Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A Distribution Methods
Even though the exact distribution method of this backdoor hasn’t been outlined yet, backdoors are usually spread via the same paths. The most likely ways that may have infected your system include:
- Spam email messages containing malicious attachments;
- Spam email messages containing malicious links;
- Via instant messengers;
- Being redirected to malicious pages deployed for drive-by downloads;
- Bundled downloads of freeware and torrents (p2p networks).
Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A Technical Overview
Microsoft security researchers report that once Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A is installed, it can create various files on your computer, one of them being:
%TEMP%\puwuladrur.bat
The backdoor also uses code injection to make its detection and removal more difficult. The threat can inject code into running processes, too.
As already mentioned in the beginning, the payload of the whole operation is permitting unauthorized access to the system. Once such access is obtained, any or all of the following malicious activities can take place:
- Deleting and creating files;
- Downloading and running files (malware);
- Uploading files;
- Logging keystrokes and stealing sensitive information;
- Modifying system settings;
- Running or stopping applications;
- Spreading malware to other computers (becoming part of a botnet);
Note. According to Virustotal, Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A has other aliases:
→Atros3.AIAX [AVG]; Gen:Variant.Zusy.189561 [BitDefender]; UnclassifiedMalware [Comodo]; a variant of MSIL/Injector.OZF [ESET-NOD32]; Gen:Variant.Zusy.189561 (B) [Emsisoft]; F-Secure [Gen:Variant.Zusy.189561]; Trojan.Win32.IRCbot.aanp [Kaspersky];
Trojan.IRCBot.MSIL [Malwarebytes]; Trojan-FIHN!F76F76B0B477 [McAfee];
Trojan.Gen [Symantec], etc.
Trojan.IRCBot has already been analyzed by Enigma Software security researchers. It is indeed a backdoor Trojan that connects to an IRC server to receive commands. The backdoor can propagate via network shares, spam-emails and bundled downloads.
How Can I Remove Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A from My System?
Backdoor Trojans can be very stealthy and damaging to your system. That is why the most secure way to remove such threats is by installing and running a trustworthy anti-malware program. If your knowledge of Windows is above average, you can follow the manual removal steps. No matter what you choose to do, keep in mind that automatic anti-malware protection is highly recommend. The threat landscape is more dangerous than ever.
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Preparation before removing Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A.
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 Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A 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 Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A 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 Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A 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.
Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A FAQ
What Does Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A Trojan Do?
The Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A 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 Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A, 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 Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A 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 Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A 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 Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A 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 Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A?
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 Backdoor:Win32/Kirts.A threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.