What is LimeRAT? How to remove LimeRAT Trojan from your PC or Mac?
The LimeRAT Trojan is a malware threat which is rated as advanced when compared with other viruses of this type. The released information about it shows that the hackers are experienced. Usually virus infections like this one are made by interacting with an infected file — this can be either a macro-infected document or a hacker-made software installer. They are often made by taking the legitimate files from their official sources and modifying them with the necessary virus code. Other data can also be affected. All kinds of other data may be used as well — this includes malicious plugins for web browsers and etc. In other cases the hackers can use a direct attacks that will look for system vulnerabilities and weaknesses. If any are found then the LimeRAT Trojan will be installed.
This particular threat is known for being spread using a multitude of weaknesses. The attacks are set against users worldwide. After the infection has been made the LimeRAT Trojan can download other threats, launch multiple dangerous modules and steal files.
Threat Summary
| Name | LimeRAT Trojan |
| Type | Malware, Trojan, Miner |
| Short Description | A dangerous malware which can launch a miner and start a Trojan module. |
| Symptoms | The victims may notice performance issues and can get infected with other malware. |
| Distribution Method | Common distribution tactics and direct web attacks. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss LimeRAT Trojan. |
LimeRAT Trojan — Overview
The LimeRAT Trojan is a well-known Remote Access Trojan which can be acquired easily from the Internet. It is especially suited for beginner users as it is relatively simple to modify. It is written and compiled using the .NET Framework which means that it is compatible with all modern Microsoft Windows operating systems. As a RAT Trojan it can spread using different mechanisms.
The malware can infect its intended victims using a lot of ways. One of the popular tactics is to create payload carriers which are different kind of data which will install the virus when they are run. This can include macro-infected documents that are of all commonly run formats and setup files of popular software. They are made by taking the original files from their official sources and modifying them to include the relevant code. Take note that direct virus files as well as all carrier data can be directly offered to the intended recipients via coordinated phishing strategies. They are often designed to impersonate well-known companies and services by integrating fake design and layout. Phishing messages are usually sent via email messages and also hosted as web pages and complex sites. They are designed to look like legitimate portals, they are hosted on such domain names and may even have self-signed security certificates.
The ongoing attack campaign is focused on distribution via Microsoft Excel documents with a default password. Normally the Excel spreadsheets are password protected with a password in order to lock and reveal the contents. The default configuration of Microsoft Excel and other related spreadsheet programs are to use a default password called VelvetSweatshop. When opened using it all included macros will be run. In the case of the LimeRAT Trojan the included scripts will lead to the relevant infection.
The virus-infected files may be uploaded to file-sharing networks, this is a very popular strategy as they are used to spread both legitimate and pirate files. To accommodate large-scale infections the hackers can also integrate the Trojan installation code in malware browser plugins which are often referred as “hijackers”. They are uploaded to various repositories (including the official ones) with stolen or fake developer accounts. To manipulate the intended victims into installing them a detailed description with promises of new feature additions and performance optimizations. As the initial infections (in the current attack campaign) are done via encrypted office documents the signatures of the loader may not be recognized via common security software: firewalls, anti-virus programs and sandbox environments. The Trojan can be made small in size by using a plugin-based structure – there will be a small main engine which can download and run smaller modules when they are needed.
The Trojan will be installed using a nonstandard approach by manipulating key configuration files and boot options. This can allow the Trojan to automatically start as soon as the computer is started. The LimeRAT Trojan can prevent certain services from starting. This can prevent some manual user removal guides. One of the distinct features of the LimeRAT Trojan is the security bypass sequence. It is designed to protect the virus from being discovered by security software. It will search for active processes of anti-virus programs and virtual machine hosts. If such are detected the virus will stop itself from running. This will prevent the discovery of the Trojan. Upon running the malware it will also interact with the operating system and attempt to infect any mount removable devices or available network shares.
The Trojan engine will run as designed, the local client installed on the infected machine will establish a secure and encrypted connection to a hacker-controlled server. This will enable the hackers to overtake control of the computers, steal user data and also spy on the users. To mask the initial network configuration the server details will be retrieved from a remote Pastebin account.
The LimeRAT Trojan includes a detailed data retrieval module which includes the scanning of the memory and hard drive contents to reveal passwords and other sensitive credentials. A distinction between this malware and other Trojan is that it includes a so-called cryptocurrency grabber – it will scan the computer for any installed cryptocurrency wallets. The Trojan will automatically attempt to hijack the passwords or directly steal any stored cryptocurrency. The new versions of the Trojan will also include a ransomware malware which is fully-functional. It will encrypt target user data with a strong cipher and render the locked files inaccessible to the users and the system. To mark them the Trojan will apply the .lime extension. To make it even harder to process the data a lockscreen can be instituted which will prevent the users from properly interacting with the computers.
An additional malware which is delivered by the Trojan is a built-in cryptocurrency miner which is programmed to “mine” the Monero digital currency. This is done by downloading multiple performance-intensive tasks which will have a heavy impact on the system and the essential hardware components. When one of these tasks have completed running and are reported back to the hackers digital currency will be wired to the hacker operators.
How to Remove LimeRAT Trojan
In order to fully remove LimeRAT from your computer system, we recommend that you follow the removal instructions underneath this article. If the first two manual removal steps do not seem to work and you still see LimeRAT or programs, related to it, we suggest what most security experts advise – to download and run a scan of your computer with a reputable anti-malware program. Downloading this software will not only save you some time, but will remove all of LimeRAT files and programs related to it and will protect your computer against such intrusive apps and malware 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.
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Preparation before removing LimeRAT Trojan.
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 LimeRAT Trojan with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by LimeRAT Trojan 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 LimeRAT Trojan 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 LimeRAT Trojan 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.
LimeRAT Trojan FAQ
What Does LimeRAT Trojan Trojan Do?
The LimeRAT Trojan 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 LimeRAT Trojan, 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 LimeRAT Trojan 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 LimeRAT Trojan 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 LimeRAT Trojan Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this LimeRAT Trojan 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 LimeRAT Trojan?
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 LimeRAT Trojan threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.