| Name | Backdoor.Owashell |
| Type | Backdoor Trojan |
| Short Description | Steals user credentials and saves them in log.txt file in encrypted format. |
| Symptoms | A log.txt file in either of the hard drive partitions of the user PC. May also be present on a flash drive or a memory stick. PC crashing. Unfamiliar PC processes. Unusual behavior of familiar PC processes. |
| Distribution Method | Bundling. |
| Detection tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By Backdoor.Owashell |
Backdoor.Owashell is your typical backdoor trojan. The difference in relation to other threats is that it is reported by Symantec researchers to be present on Outlook Web App which is an element in Microsoft Exchange Server. This particular trojan is known for stealing different information from the user PC, including PC’s time, username, password and other info momentarily. Security researchers strongly advise users to scan their systems with an advanced anti-malware program in case they identify any of the above-mentioned symptoms on their PCs.
Backdoor.Owashell – How Did I Get Infected?
One way to become a victim of this trojan is to open a file from a spam e-mail message. Cyber criminals conduct many spam campaigns containing backdoors. A spam mail may contain different file attachments in it. They may be documents for reading or pictures. Most spam mails may also contain a second file that may be in one of the following potentially risky file types:
→.exe;.bat;.cmd;.dll
Such files usually activate scripts that create different files and thus infect the computer. This is why users should be on high alert for such files and always use mail software that blocks out any spam mails from the computer, such as Thunderbird or Firefox.
Backdoor.Owashell – More About It
Once on the computer, the trojan’s dll file is reported to create the following file in a specific drive or partition, for example:
→C:\log.txt
Once activated it looks to obtain the user’s time zone, his host address, usernames and passwords, user agents. What is more is that the trojan encrypts the information gathered and puts the encrypted code in the ‘log.txt’ file.
What happens next is that the threat opens up a back door connection on the infected PC. After this is done, researchers believe that the trojan may essentially assume control over the back door connection. From there it might:
- Steal directory information.
- Get read and write privileges to various files.
- Obtain file management privileges. (Cut, copy, delete, etc.)
- Download other malware on the user PC.
- Execute downloaded files from another server.
- Keep active connection with a malicious domain.
- In case the infected PC is a server, mess with the SQL Database.
Cyber-criminals have become increasingly smarter on their tracks to reach their goals. What is more, they have realized that the most important detain when infecting PCs with malware such as backdoors is the social engineering part itself. This is why both experienced and inexperienced users should constantly keep up to date with latest methods of infection and security software to detect and prevent them.
Backdoor.Owashell – Remove It from Your PC
In order to remove this threat it is vital to isolate it from the computer, first. The most simple and easy method of removing it is by simply booting into safe mode which is offline and scan your computer in this way. But some threats may even have scripts that prevent them to be discovered, like something called process migration, for example.
This is why in case the tutorial, mentioned below does not help you. You should scan your computer by booting a live Windows version from a standalone flash drive or a live CD. The fact that it will scan the system from distance without the actual OS running ensures that all of the threats connected with this virus are properly quarantined. For more information check this article. This method is also appropriate in case your computer has crashed.
IMPORTANT: Booting a live OS may be risky because if the malware has corrupted several key windows files, the OS may not function properly. Before attempting it, make sure you back up your data to another PC or a drive.
Step 1: Start Your PC in Safe Mode to Remove Backdoor.Owashell.
Removing Backdoor.Owashell from Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Removing Backdoor.Owashell from Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 systems:
Substep 1:
Open the Start Menu
Substep 2:
Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Substep 3:
After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.
Substep 4:
You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.
Substep 5:
After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Substep 6:
Click on Restart.
Substep 7:
A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart and boot into Safe Mode so you can scan for and remove Backdoor.Owashell.
Step 2: Remove Backdoor.Owashell automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.
To clean your computer you should download an updated anti-malware program on a safe PC and then install it on the affected computer in offline mode. After that you should boot into safe mode and scan your computer to remove all Backdoor.Owashell associated objects.
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.
Follow Me:
- Guide 1: How to Remove Backdoor.Owashell from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Backdoor.Owashell from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove Backdoor.Owashell from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase Backdoor.Owashell from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall Backdoor.Owashell from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove Backdoor.Owashell from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate Backdoor.Owashell from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove Backdoor.Owashell from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Backdoor.Owashell
Step 2: Uninstall Backdoor.Owashell 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 Backdoor.Owashell 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 Backdoor.Owashell 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 Backdoor.Owashell from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Backdoor.Owashell 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 Backdoor.Owashell 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 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Backdoor.Owashell 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 Backdoor.Owashell 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 Backdoor.Owashell 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 Backdoor.Owashell 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 Backdoor.Owashell will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate Backdoor.Owashell 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.
