What Is PsMiner Miner

by Martin Beltov | April 15, 2019 | 0 Comments Miner, PsMiner, removal guide

The PsMiner threat is a dangerous cryptocurrency miner that follows the well-known tactic of using a widely known general-purpose code which is modified to follow a dangerous behavior pattern. In this particular case this is XMRig which is the most popular tool used to mine the Monero currency.

This particular threat is distributed using several popular vulnerabilities which target mainly servers and services. The targeted attack campaigns appear to target primarily such machines in order to cause as much damage as possible. In this particular case the following weaknesses are being used:

CVE-2015-1427 — The Groovy scripting engine in Elasticsearch before 1.3.8 and 1.4.x before 1.4.3 allows remote attackers to bypass the sandbox protection mechanism and execute arbitrary shell commands via a crafted script.
CVE-2018-1273 — Spring Data Commons, versions prior to 1.13 to 1.13.10, 2.0 to 2.0.5, and older unsupported versions, contain a property binder vulnerability caused by improper neutralization of special elements. An unauthenticated remote malicious user (or attacker) can supply specially crafted request parameters against Spring Data REST backed HTTP resources or using Spring Data’s projection-based request payload binding hat can lead to a remote code execution attack.
CVE-2014-3120 — The default configuration in Elasticsearch before 1.2 enables dynamic scripting, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary MVEL expressions and Java code via the source parameter to _search. NOTE: this only violates the vendor’s intended security policy if the user does not run Elasticsearch in its own independent virtual machine.
CVE-2017-10271 — Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: WLS Security). Supported versions that are affected are 10.3.6.0.0, 12.1.3.0.0, 12.2.1.1.0 and 12.2.1.2.0. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via T3 to compromise Oracle WebLogic Server. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Oracle WebLogic Server.

As soon as the PsMiner miner infection is made it will launch the built-in which will take advantage of the system’s resources in order to compute complex algorithms and mathematical tasks. It will place a heavy toll on the performance including such components such as the CPU, memory, GPU and hard disk space. When one of them is reported to the machines it will reward credit to the hacker operators.

Rudimentary brute force attacks can also be done against several popular system services. Other possible modifications to its behavior can lead to the execution of various tasks:

Boot Changes — The PsMiner can modify the boot options in order to automatically start itself when the computer is powered on. It can also disable access to the recovery boot options which can render most manual user removal guides non-working.
Security Programs Removal — The PsMiner infection engine can detect if there are any running security programs that can interfere with the process. Possible applications include the following: anti-virus programs, firewalls, virtual machine hosts and etc.
Additional Malware Delivery — It can lead to the installation of other threats to the compromised hosts such as ransomware, Trojans and hijackers.

One of the most dangerous consequences of having such an infection active on a given computer is that it is able to harvest sensitive information about both the machines and the users themselves. This is used to create an unique ID that is assigned to each compromised host. In addition personal information can be used to lead to various crimes including identity theft and financial abuse. Active PsMiner infections should be removed as soon as possible following infections in order to reduce the risk of any follow-up actions and malware infections.

Threat Summary

Name	PsMiner
Type	Miner
Short Description	The PsMiner is a cryptocurrency miner.
Symptoms	The victims may not experience any apparent symptoms of infection.
Distribution Method	Phishing Messages, Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Scripts and others.
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss PsMiner.

PsMiner Miner – Distribution Methods

The PsMiner is a malicious application that has been spotted on several Internet sites. It can be distributed using a variety of methods and under different file names and description variations.

In many cases the hackers can craft email messages that are sent in a SPAM-like manner and impersonate well known companies. These messages can use stolen content and design layout thereby deceiving the recipients into thinking that they have received an legitimate notification. The users might be tricked into interacting with the built-in content or attached files.

The other common tactic is to create hacker-made web sites that pose as legitimate software landing pages, download portals or other frequently accessed sites. The infections can happen also through interaction with any elements such as pop-ups, banners and ads.

This particular threat can be installed also by payload carriersof which there are two main types:

Malicious Documents — The hackers can embed the virus installation code into macros which are then made part of documents across all popular file formats: presentations, databases, spreadsheets and text files. Whenever they are opened by the victims a prompt will be spawned asking them to enable the built-in content. If this is done the PsMiner will be installed on the local machine.
Bundle Installers — This is the other popular mechanism often used by hackers. Installers of commonly used applications by end users can be modified by the criminals in order to lead to the virus infection. This is done by taking the legitimate files from their official sources and modifying them to include the necessary code.

To further spread the dangerous PsMiner files the hackers will distribute them on file-sharing sites as well. The most popular utility is BitTorrent which uses various trackers that are used to distribute both pirate and legitimate data.

Larger attacks can be spread via browser hijackers — they are dangerous plugins made compatible with the most popular web browsers. They are uploaded by the hackers to the relevant web site repositories with fake user reviews and developer credentials. The accompanying description will promise new features addition and performance optimizations which entices the visitors into installing them. As soon as this is done the malware file will be downloaded and run on the target computers.

PsMiner Miner – Detailed Description

The PsMiner is a generic file name which has been reported to contain various forms of malware. The most common malware form that this file carries is the installation of a cryptocurrency miner. The process will appear in the task manager utilizing many of the important hardware of the computer in order to execute complex mathematical tasks: CPU, Memory, GPU and hard disk space. A connection is made to a specific server which will generate these tasks and they will be downloaded automatically by the engine. Whenever one of them is completed another will be retrieved and started in its place. At the same time the hackers will be rewarded with a digital transfer of cryptocurrency that will be automatically placed in their wallets. Threats like PsMiner aim to obtain cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Monero, Dash, etc.

Other popular types of malware that the PsMiner can host include the following:

Ransomware — They are among the most dangerous virus types. Active ransomware infections will use a strong cipher that will target process user data according to a built-in list of target file type extensions. Usually common files are targeted such as images, archives, databases, music, videos and etc. Specific extensions are added to the affected files and ransomware notes and images can be crafted in order to blackmail the victims into paying the criminals a decryption fee.
Trojans — This is a dangerous type of viruses that will establish a secure connection to a hacker-controlled server. It enables the criminals to spy on the victims in real-time, hijack their information and deploy additional threats.
Adware — Interacting with such files can lead to a dangerous infection with adware. This is usually done by retrieving browser hijackers or changing important settings in the operating system.
Generic Malware Commands — They can be caused by executing certain common behavior patterns. Many of them are programmed to do one single task or several ones as devised by a certain behavior pattern. A prime example is the manipulation of the system — many malware will disable access to the boot options and recovery menus which will make manual user recovery very difficult unless a professional-grade anti-spyware solution is used.

Many PsMiner malware files can additionally lead to Windows Registry Modifications. When they affect the operating system this can have a tremendous negative impact on the operating system — it can become completely unusable. When third-party applications are affected it will effectively stop certain functions, cause errors and may data loss.

Various other types of behavior can be exhibited depending on the ongoing attack campaign.

Remove PsMiner Miner Completely

To remove PsMiner Miner manually from your computer, follow the step-by-step removal tutorial written down below. In case this manual removal does not get rid of the miner malware completely, you should search for and remove any leftover items with an advanced anti-malware tool. Such software can keep your computer secure in the future.

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.

How to Remove PsMiner from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove PsMiner

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 PsMiner 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 PsMiner 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 PsMiner 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 PsMiner 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

Get rid of PsMiner from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall PsMiner 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 PsMiner:

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 PsMiner. 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 PsMiner. 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 PsMiner 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 PsMiner. 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 malware from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts, programs and malware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.

Download

Combo Cleaner

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

Remove PsMiner 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 PsMiner 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 PsMiner 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 PsMiner 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 PsMiner 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

Eliminate PsMiner 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.

What Is PsMiner Miner – Remove It

Threat Summary

PsMiner Miner – Distribution Methods

PsMiner Miner – Detailed Description

Remove PsMiner Miner Completely

Martin Beltov

How to Remove PsMiner from Windows.

Get rid of PsMiner from Mac OS X.

Remove PsMiner from Google Chrome.

Erase PsMiner from Mozilla Firefox.

Uninstall PsMiner from Microsoft Edge.

Remove PsMiner from Safari.

Eliminate PsMiner from Internet Explorer.

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