This article has been created in order to explain what is the CryptoShuffler Trojan and how to remove this malware completely from your computer.
The CryptoShuffler Trojan is a Cryptojacking virus that is capable of stealing cryptocurrency assets from the victims. It can be customized depending on the attacks and we expect to see it used in future campaigns. Continue reading our article to learn how to get rid of active infections.
Threat Summary
| Name | Cryptoshuffler |
| Type | Trojan Horse/Cryptojacking Virus |
| Short Description | Silently infects the target machines and modifies key applications and system services. |
| Symptoms | The user may not experience any signs of infiltration. |
| Distribution Method | Malicious web links, Malicious Files, Malicious E-Mails |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Cryptoshuffler. |
CryptoShuffler – How Does It Infect
At the moment there is a large ongoing attack carrying the CryptoShuffler Trojan which targets computer victims on a global scale. The malware is known for being updated several times with specific distribution tactics and strategies for each one. This time the security analysis reveals that there is a mixed approach using different delivery methods at once.
A primary approach is the coordination of spam email messages that use various social engineering tricks in order to make the targets interact with the malware element and infect themselves. This is done by spreading files that cause the infections either by hyperlinking them in the body contents or directly attaching them to the messges.
The emails are also one of the primary mechanisms for deploying infected payloads. Two of the most popular types are the following:
- Infected Documents — The CryptoShuffler Trojan code can be embedded in virus documents of all kinds: rich text documents, spreadsheets or presentations. The most common way is to use macros, they are enabled after the users click on the spawned notification prompt that is executed once the document is opened.
- Software Installers — In a similar way the criminals behind the CryptoShuffler Trojan can place the dangerous code in application installers. The hackers typically download the legitimate setup files from the official vendor sites and modify them to include the malware code. Usually popular software are chosen such as system utilities, creativity suites, productivity, office programs and even computer games.
Usually cryptojacking threats like this one are delivered to the prescribed victims using web scripts. They can infect legitimate sites as well by taking advantage of affiliate and ad networks. Other methods include redirects, pop-ups, banners, in-content links and others.
In this regard the CryptoShuffler Trojan can be delivered through browser hijackers which are malware plugins made for the most popular applications: Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Google Chrome and Internet Explorer. They are usually distributed on the browser plugin repositories with elaborate descriptions and fake user reviews. Once installed they redirect the users to a hacker-controlled site and deliver the accompanying virus.
CryptoShuffler – More Information and Analysis
The CryptoShuffler Trojan was detected for the first time in August 2016 with several major updaets since then. It’s code has been found on the hacker underground markets and used in other viruses. One of the distinct characteristics of it is that it is often accompanied with miners. This means that certain version of it can bundle such code in a hybrid form.
The associated malware engine has been found to be modular in nature and this means that it can be customized to reflect the predetermined targets.
Like ransomware threats it may begin the infection with a data harvesting component. Unlike viruses the threat may not be interested in personal data that can directly reveal the victim’s identity. Rather it harvests details about the hardware components and running services. Using the list of installed applications the CryptoShuffler Trojan can perform a security bypass action. This is used to prevent programs and services from interrupting the virus’s proper execution. Target applications include anti-virus apps, virtual machine hosts and sandbox environments. In advanced configurations we have seen malware that remove themselves if they are unable to overcome the security measures.
Various Windows Registry changes can follow. Usually this targets user-installed applications entries that can lead to the inability to launch certain functions and services. When the operating system entries are affected overall performance may degrade severely. Changes to it can also make the CryptoShuffler Trojan infection a persistent threat. This means that it will automatically start once the computer is booted. The boot options themselves are changing by removing the possibility to enter into the recovery boot menu. This prevents most of the manual removal attempts, in such situations the only to effectively recover the compromised hosts is to use an automated anti-spyware solution. Refer to our removal instructions in this article.
A special “service daemon” is instituted onto the computer which monitors the web browser activities. The cryptojacking activities are a special kind of intrusion attacks. The associated malware engines looks out for any interaction with cryptocurrency-related sites and software wallets. Whenever a transfer is made the virus will automatically replace the recipient address so that the funds will be sent to the hackers. Additionally the hacker operators of the CryptoShuffler Trojan can hijack any found wallets and account credentials to online cryptocurrency platforms.
Usually this is done by looking for strings associated with Bitcoin or aany of the popular alternatives such as Monero, Dash, Ethereum, Zcash and Bitcoin Cash.
CryptoShuffler Trojan code can initiate a server connection to a hacker-controlled server. This is used to report the gathered information. In certain configurations it can be used to spy upon the victims in real-time and take over control of the infected hosts. We would like to remind our readers that such actions can be used to deploy additional threats to the machines.
Remove CryptoShuffler Effectively from Windows
In order to fully get rid of this cryptocurrency miner Trojan, we advise you to follow the removal instructions underneath this article. They are made so that they help you to isolate and then delete the CryptoShuffler Trojan either manually or automatically. If manual removal represents difficulty for you, experts always advise to perform the removal automatically by running an anti-malware scan via specific software on your PC. Such anti-malware program aims to make sure that the CryptoShuffler is fully gone and your Windows OS stays safe against any future malware infections.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
Follow Me:
- Guide 1: How to Remove Cryptoshuffler from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Cryptoshuffler from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove Cryptoshuffler from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase Cryptoshuffler from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall Cryptoshuffler from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove Cryptoshuffler from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate Cryptoshuffler from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove Cryptoshuffler from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Cryptoshuffler
Step 2: Uninstall Cryptoshuffler and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Cryptoshuffler 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 Cryptoshuffler 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.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of Cryptoshuffler from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Cryptoshuffler and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Cryptoshuffler via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Cryptoshuffler files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Cryptoshuffler, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Cryptoshuffler from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Erase Cryptoshuffler from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Uninstall Cryptoshuffler from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Cryptoshuffler from Safari.
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Cryptoshuffler will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate Cryptoshuffler from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
