Downloader.Miner Trojan (svchost.exe)– What Is It + How to Remove

by Ventsislav Krastev | March 20, 2018 | 0 Comments malware, Miner, trojan

Threat Summary Downloader.Miner – How Does It Infect Downloader.Miner – More Information and Analysis Remove Downloader.Miner Effectively from Windows

This article has been created in order to explain what is the Downloader.Miner Trojan and how to remove this malware completely from your computer.

A new Trojan horse that is also a cryptocurrency miner has been detected by Symantec malware researchers recently. The malware aims to create a process, which aims to mine for anonymous cryptocurrencies, like Monero and BitCoin at the expense of your computer’s resources. As a result of this, not only does the Downloader.Miner Trojan overuse the components of your computer, but the program may also break some of the components in your PC as a result of running actively in it. If you have seen detections of Downloader.Miner Trojan on your PC and want to make sure this threat is fully gone from it, we advise that you read the following article.

Threat Summary

Name	Downloader.Miner Trojan
Type	Trojan Horse/CryptoCurrency Miner
Short Description	Silently infects your computer after which begins to mine for cryptocurrencies via a fake executable process..
Symptoms	A fake version of svchost.exe running actively in your Task Manager.
Distribution Method	Malicious web links, Malicious Files, Malicious E-Mails
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss Downloader.Miner Trojan.

Downloader.Miner – How Does It Infect

The primary methods of infection which can be conducted in association with Downloader.Miner may involve both malicious web links and malicious files. Such can both be included in spammed e-mail messages, whose primary purpose is to fool inexperienced users into opening them. An example of such cunningly designed spam e-mail can be seen below:

Besides e-mail attachments, the spammed e-mails that may carry around the infection file of the Downloader.Miner Trojan may also exist in the form of a malicious link to which the user is redirected via one or more redirects after clicking on it. Such links can exist on suspicious websites and can even be sent to you via e-mail, like the fake PayPal e-mail underneath:

In addition to this, the Downloader.Miner Trojan may also be uploaded on suspicious software providing websites, pretending to be:

Keygen.
Game patch or crack.
Software license activator.
Fake setup of a driver or other type of program.

Downloader.Miner – More Information and Analysis

Downloader.Miner is another one of those silent online threats that may exist in different forms and whose primary purpose is to mine silently for cryptocurrencies and generate profits to cyber-criminals at the user’s expence. This procedure may result in multiple negative consequences on your computer, including that your CPU and GPU (video card and processor) may break down completely.

Once the Downloader.Miner has been executed on your computer, the program creates the following files on your Windows directory:

%Microsoft%\svchost.exe
%Microsoft%\svchost.exe.exe

In addition to this, the program may also created the following Windows Registry sub-keys and add registry value strings with data on them:

→ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SvcHost Service Host
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Run\25 70 7D 5A 00 00 00 00

The Trojan horse may also use it’s Trojanized svchost.exe process in order to connect to a randomly named domain and download the following .wsf file on the infected computer system:

→ m.wsf

The Downloader.Miner also deletes the following file in the %Temp% folder:

→ %Temp%\F.tmp.exe

In addition to this, the Downloader.Miner also runs a crypto miner program which may have started out as a legitimate mining app, connecting you to a pool, but it’s code may have been altered so that it serves it’s malicious purposes. The mining procedure may be performed by the fake svchost.exe process which may be using over 90% of your CPU and may also overuse your GPU in order to mine for cryptocurrencies. These types of cryptocurrencies are anonymous ones, like Monero and Bitcoin, which are primarily used for malicious purposes nowadays. The side effects of this mining operations are the cyber-criminals behind this virus to become rich with the increasing number of PC’s they infect while your computer begins to stutter, freeze and it may even break down due to the components` overusage.

Remove Downloader.Miner 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 Downloader.Miner 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 Downloader.Miner is fully gone and your Windows OS stays safe against any future malware infections.

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.

How to Remove Downloader.Miner Trojan from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Downloader.Miner Trojan

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall Downloader.Miner Trojan 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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Downloader.Miner 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 Downloader.Miner Trojan 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.

IMPORTANT!
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.

Step 4: Scan for Downloader.Miner Trojan 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of Downloader.Miner Trojan from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Downloader.Miner Trojan and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Downloader.Miner Trojan:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Downloader.Miner Trojan. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Downloader.Miner Trojan. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

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 Downloader.Miner Trojan 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Downloader.Miner Trojan. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

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 Downloader.Miner Trojan files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Downloader.Miner Trojan, 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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for Downloader.Miner Trojan:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove Downloader.Miner Trojan 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 Stop Push Pop-ups

Erase Downloader.Miner Trojan 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 Stop Push Pop-ups

Uninstall Downloader.Miner Trojan 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 Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove Downloader.Miner Trojan 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 Downloader.Miner Trojan will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Eliminate Downloader.Miner Trojan 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.