This article has been created in order to help you to learn what is the FacexWorm remote access Trojan and how to remove this malware completely from your computer plus protect your PC against future infections as well.
The FacexWorm virus is a newly discovered computer threat that bears an advanced infection engine. It targets computer users using redirects and browser hijackers and has the potential to hijack their cryptocurrency assets and spy on them in real time. Read our complete analysis to find out more about it. Our in-depth removal instructions for FacexWorm virus can help victims get rid of the active infections.
Threat Summary
| Name | FacexWorm |
| Type | Remote Access Trojan (RAT), Cryptocurrency miner, Trojan |
| Short Description | The FacexWorm virus is a dangerous worm that can hijack sensitive data, including cryptocurrency assets. |
| Symptoms | The users may notice that their browser settings are changed and that interaction with certain sites may lead to unexpected behavior. |
| Distribution Method | Mainly via browser redirects and social engineering scams. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss FacexWorm. |
FacexWorm – Distribution Methods
The FacexWorm virus is a dangerous worm that has recently been discovered by Trend Labs experts in a worldwide attack against computer users. Instead of the usual email delivery tactics it uses alternative methods that have a high infection ratio. The analysts have observed that the actual mechanism is a fairy complex one.
It involves the setup of fake profiles on Facebook. They are programmed via bots to send out links to the intended victims. The links lead to redirects that open a notification prompt asking the users to install a malware browser hijacker. Thеy represent dangerous browser plugins that have the ability to change the default settings to redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled page. Example system changes include the default home page, new tabs page and the search engine. The developers behind these malware extensions usually make it compatible with the most popular applications: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, Microsoft Edge, Safari and Internet Explorer. As soon as the threat has been delivered to the target computers the built-in scripts will be initiated.
So far this has been the main method. We envision that the criminals will also set up alternative channels of distribution that can propagate the FacexWowrm virus. A related mechanism is the use of bundle software installers. The hacker operators behind the threat may embed the code into installers of popular applications. Examples include system utilities, computer games or creativity suites. In most cases the virus delivery can happen without the user noticing. Only in certain cases the victims may be presented with the option of disallowing the installation.
Another mechanism is its inclusion into web scripts that can also affect legitimate sites through affiliate and ad networks. Examples include all kinds of banners, pop-ups and redirects.
The hackers behind the FacexWorm virus have been found to operate a multitude of domains and C&C servers.
FacexWorm – Purpose and Activity
Once the FacexWorm virus has infiltrated the victim machine it will automatically start itself. In certain cases the threat can install itself as a persistent threat. This means that it will change various system settings in order to automatically start every time the computer is booted.
When the malware plugin is started it will start to spy on the users activity and particularly their web browser habits. As soon as Facebook or another social network is opened by the users a connection with hacker-controlled servers is started. The hackers can then automatically obtain the OAuth token and therefore gain access to their accounts.
One of the first actions is to harvest the affected victims friends list and use it to send fake YouTube videos to the contacts that are either online or idle. This is done to spread malware or advertisement to the users for scam purposes. The security analysts have detected that when the relevant links are opened in a web browser other than Google Chrome (its desktop variant), the link will be changed to lead to a random advertisement. This will generate income for the operators.
The standard behavior is to execute the code the delivered code. Some of the built-in functions of the captured samples include the following commands:
- Steal Account Credentials — When a compatible service’s login page is open a stealer function will be injected to the web browsers. It is inteded to steal the account credentials of the following sites: Google, MyMonero and Coinhive. It is expected that this list will grow further.
- Cryptocurrency Scams — When the FacexWorm virus detects that the users is accessing cryptocurrency trading platforms or exchanges it will automatically redirect them to a scam site. The currently captured strains have been found to feature a built-in list of 52 sites and a lot of keywords. The scams themselves coerce the victims into sending 0.5 to 10 ETH to the hacker’s wallet address for “verification purposes”.
- Cryptocurrency Mining — The virus is capable of injecting JavaScript code that can lead to a cryptocurrency miner instance. Some of the captured strains of FacexWorm have instituted a CoinHive script. The downloaded versions are customized to use only 20% of the available system CPU for each thread, four threads are to be opened for mining on web pages. This setup does not impact overall system performance that much and can remain undetected in longer periods of time.
- Transactions Hijack — Once a cryptocurrency transaction page is opened a on a cryptocurrency-relted site the virus will located the entered recipient address and replace it with the hacker’s own. At the moment the following platforms are implemented: HitBTC, Bitfinex, Ethfinex and Binance. A wallet application is targeted as well (Blockchain.info). The following digital assets are targeted at the moment: Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Gold (BTG), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Dash (DASH), ETH, Ethereum Classic (ETC), Ripple (XRP), Litecoin (LTC), Zcash (ZEC), and Monero (XMR).
- Referral Programs Infection — Certain web sites can lead to a specific referral link. This means that purchases or certain interactions can lead to direct income being generated for the hackers. At the moment the following sites are targeted: Binance, DigitalOcean, FreeBitco.in, FreeDoge.co.in, and HashFlare.
One of the integral features of the worm is the persistence protection component. It detects when the victims attempt to remove the malware extension by automatically closing the Chrome extensions management page.
Remove FacexWorm from Your Computer
In order to make sure that this nefarious software is completely gone from your computer, security researchers strongly advise following the manual or automatic removal instructions underneath. They are created in order to assist you based on how much experience you have in malware removal. If you lack such experience, be advised that security analysts strongly advise to download an advanced anti-malware software and remove FacexWorm automatically by scanning for all of it’s objects and changed settings and reverting them back to normal. Such tool has the capability to not only fully secure your PC after removing FacexWorm, but also make sure it’s operating system remains protected against future intrusions that might take place.
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.
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Preparation before removing FacexWorm.
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 FacexWorm with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by FacexWorm 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 FacexWorm 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 FacexWorm 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.
FacexWorm FAQ
What Does FacexWorm Trojan Do?
The FacexWorm 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 FacexWorm, 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 FacexWorm 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 a factory reset.
Can FacexWorm 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 FacexWorm Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this FacexWorm 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 FacexWorm?
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 FacexWorm threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.