Remove Adylkuzz Miner Virus (Trojan.Adylkuzz)

by Ventsislav Krastev | May 23, 2017 | 0 Comments Monero, Trojan horse

Threat Summary Detect and Remove the Adylkuzz Virus from Your PC

This article aims to help you completely remove the Adylkuzz Monero miner Trojan from your computer, dropping the files msiexev.exe and wuauser.exe in it.

A Trojan horse, named Adylkuzz has been reported to use the same exploits WannaCry ransomware’s worm – EternalBlue and DoublePulsar SMB exploits for infection of computers. But unlike other Trojan viruses, the Adylkuzz miner Trojan aims to use the resources of the infected computer in order to mine for a cryptocurrency, called Monero. In case you have experienced a slow performance on your computer and higher CPU, RAM or GPU usage and have the suspicious processes above running from an unknown user, you have been infected by Adylkuzz. Keep reading this material in order to learn more about this infection and learn how to remove all malicious files belonging to Adylkuzz trojan.

Threat Summary

Name	Trojan.Adylkuzz
Type	Trojan Horse, Miner Malware
Short Description	Aims to use the resources of the infected computer in order to mine for a cryptocurrency, known as Monero.
Symptoms	Extremely high usage of system resources. The files msiexev.exe and wuauser.exe are dropped on the compromised computer.
Distribution Method	The trojan infects a computer via SMB exploit, known as EternalBlue and uses DoublePulsar backdoor to install the malicious files.
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss Trojan.Adylkuzz.

How Did I Get Infected With Adylkuzz Trojan

The Trojan, may slip onto your computer via the two very exploits used in the massive WannaCry ransomware outbreak, that broke out earlier this month:

EternalBlue
DoublePulsar

These exploits were oriented towards multiple different types of systems, but predominantly these systems are unpatched versions of Windows 7. However, they also work on all other unpatched versions of Windows, it comes down to how the cyber-criminals behind the Trojan.Adylkuzz miner have decided to distribute the infection. It may be conducted via multiple different methods:

The infection file uploaded as a fake updater, installer, or other executable.
The infection file uploaded as a fake document, being a part of massive spam e-mail campaign.
The infection, conducted via a third-party ad-supported program causing a browser redirect or directly infecting the computer

Adylkuzz Trojan – What Does It Do?

Among the primary activities of this Trojan horse after infection your computer is to drop it’s malicious processes and run in in Windows Task Manager. The processes are named as follows:

msiexev.exe
wuauser.exe

These processes are only configured as services of Windows after the malware obtains administrative permissions over the user’s computer. After these permissions are obtained, the Trojan.Adylkuzz threat set’s the processes as legitimate Windows services. This way they can start alongside the operating system’s start-up process.

In addition to it’s primary set of activities, Adylkuzz is a Trojan Horse as well, meaning that it may also:

Steal important files from your computer.
Log the keystrokes you type to steal passwords.
Steal financial credentials and personal information from your web browsers..
Infect your computer with other malware.
Obtain system information and network information..

After this has been done and the executables have already been initiated, the Trojan.Adylkuzz infection begins to perform multiple different types of administrative commands, beginning with the following command, reported by malware researchers:

-a cryptonight -o stratum+tcp://{URL to a mining pool} -u {Unique user ID}-p x

After this command is initiated, the Trojan.Adylkuzz infection begins to use all of the resources of the processor (CPU) of the infected Windows computer. These resources are used to conduct the so-called mining for cryptocurrency. Mining consists of performing complicated calculations and solving mathematical equations to complete an order from someone who is using the cryptocurrency, in this case, Monero.

The cryptocurrency has been reported to see a rise in the past seven days as well:

Source: Coinmarketcap.com

Detect and Remove the Adylkuzz Virus from Your PC

One method to detect this virus is to manually look for the malicious files and remove them, using the manual removal instructions below. However, these may not be the only modifications done by the Trojan.Adylkuzz infection on your computer. The virus may also create additional objects that can reinstall it, even If you have located the msiexev.exe and wuauser.exe files. This is why security experts strongly recommend victims to scan their computers with an advanced anti-malware program to fully remove the Trojan.Adylkuzz threat.

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 Trojan.Adylkuzz from Windows.

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

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 Trojan.Adylkuzz 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 Trojan.Adylkuzz 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 Trojan.Adylkuzz 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 Trojan.Adylkuzz 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 Trojan.Adylkuzz from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Trojan.Adylkuzz 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 Trojan.Adylkuzz:

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 Trojan.Adylkuzz. 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 Trojan.Adylkuzz. 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 Trojan.Adylkuzz 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 Trojan.Adylkuzz. 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 Trojan.Adylkuzz files from your Mac

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

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

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

Remove Trojan.Adylkuzz 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 Trojan.Adylkuzz 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 Trojan.Adylkuzz 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 Trojan.Adylkuzz 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 Trojan.Adylkuzz 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 Trojan.Adylkuzz 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.