What Is lu0bot Malware?
Lu0bot is a new malware recently discovered by security researchers.
First spotted in the wild about 4 months ago, lu0bot has been described as “curious lightweight payload”.
Evidently, the malware emerged in February 2021, while it was being installed as a second-stage payload via GCleaner, a dubious software. “Currently, it seems that lu0bot is pushed by the well-known load seller Garbage Cleaner on EU/US Zones irregularly with an average of possible 600-1000 new bots (each wave), depending on the operator(s) and days,” said Fumik0_, the cybersecurity researcher who analyzed the malware in depth.
Currently, 43 out 70 security engines on VirusTotal detect lu0bot. Some of its detections include Win32:Malware-gen (AVG), Generic.mg.0fd2355a4674cd4a (FireEye), W32/Runner.IXI!tr (Fortinet), Win32:Malware-gen (Avast).
lu0bot Malware Summary
| Name | lu0bot |
| Type | Malware / Backdoor/ Infostealer / Trojan |
| Short Description | Its installation is aided by the shady GCleaner program. |
| Symptoms | There may be no apparent symptoms. |
| Distribution Method | Software Bundles |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss lu0bot. |
Lu0bot Malware: Technical Details
Distribution
The malware has been circling the web for past four months, since February. Its installation is aided by the shady GCleaner program, which security researchers say has been associated with various malware groups. According to an analysis published on Medium by Benoit Ancel, GCleaner is a well-known “load reseller,” or someone malware authors pay to distribute their malware. “Spammers, exploit kit distributors, Pay-Per-Install (PPI) vendors — all of them are just load resellers,” Ancel noted.
Technical overview
In terms of its technical profile, the malware appears to be a lightweight C/C++ program.
However, it is designed to download and install the Node.js server on infected machines. At a next stage, lu0bot will use a complicated set of multi-layered JavaScript code to conceal its true purpose and functionality. This is also done to baffle security researchers and reverse engineers… Something the malware has certainly succeeded to achieve.
Another notable feature is the deployment of various encryption algorithms in its codebase, including XOR, AES-128-CBC, Blowfish, and Diffie-Hellman.
What is lu0bot’s main purpose?
Its primary capability is to harvest data from the infected system, which is a capability most malware nowadays has. However, its dynamic internal structure shows that it can be deployed for various purposes, including backdoor, remote access trojan, infostealer, or a simple malware loader. Due to this complexity, researchers are still uncertain of its original purpose.
Remove lu0bot Malware
Lu0bot malware can be removed from your computer, if you follow the removal guide below. This guide was prepared with the main purpose to help you delete the malicious files of this software, either manually or automatically. For maximum effectiveness, it is recommended to perform the removal of the malware automatically, using an advanced anti-malware program.
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Preparation before removing lu0bot.
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 lu0bot with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by lu0bot 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 lu0bot 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 lu0bot 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.
lu0bot FAQ
What Does lu0bot Trojan Do?
The lu0bot 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 lu0bot, 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 lu0bot 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 factory reset.
Can lu0bot 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 lu0bot Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this lu0bot 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 lu0bot?
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 lu0bot threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.