A new Trojan horse attack has been spotted in the wild. According to the research team at Symantec, the malware known as MSIL.Stimilik is primarily distributed via Steam instant messages.
| Name | MSIL.Stimilik |
| Type | Trojan Horse, keylogger |
| Short Description | The Trojan horse is most likely designed to harvest passwords through a keylogger. |
| Symptoms | Entries are added to the Registry, files are added or deleted from the system. |
| Distribution Method | Instant messages |
| Detection tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By MSIL.Stimilik |
Systems Affected by MSIL.Stimilik
The Trojan is designed to affect the following versions of the Windows operating system:
Windows 2000, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, Windows XP
MSIL.Stimilik Technical Details
The MSIL.Stimilik Trojan is most likely capable of executing several malicious activities on the affected machine – adding and deleting files and folders, tempering with the Windows registry, connecting to a remote server to receive commands.
Once the Trojan has sneaked into the system, it may create multiple files:
- %SystemDrive%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\[FOLDER name]\[FILE name].exe
- %Temp%\difdicrj.txt
- %Temp%\visited.txt
- %Temp%\[RANDOM CHARACTERS].vbs
Besides adding new files, MSIL.Stimilik can delete all of the files in the following folder:
- %SystemDrive%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
According to Symantec, new registry entries will also be added:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\”Microsoft” = “[PATH TO MALWARE]”
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\”shell” = “[PATH TO MALWARE], explorer.exe”
Our research indicates that the MSIL.Stimilik Trojan may have keylogging capabilities. According to a VirusTotal scan report, the fade.exe process is associated with the Trojan.
We have already discussed the fade.exe process. It is an executable file, a keylogger in nature, designed to start a parasite on an infected computer. Once executed, fade.exe will run a process and activate a payload.
Fade.exe may be detected as any of the following:
- MSIL:GenMalicious-AUQ [Trj] – Avast
- Gen:Variant.Zusy.143004 – BitDefender
- a variant of MSIL/Stimilik.AG – ESET NOD-32
- Trojan.Passwords.STM – MalwareBytes
- Trojan-PSW.MSIL.Steam.gq – Kaspersky
- Trojan:Win32/Skeeyah.A!rf – Microsoft
- Infostealer.Stimaler – Sophos
Other processes that can be affected by MSIL.Stimilik include:
dimariqq_crypt.exe; screenshot.exe; Vintrila.exe
MSIL.Stimilik Removal Options
As visible by the information provided in this article, this particular Trojan is most likely designed to harvest passwords via a keylogger. However, other types of personal information, such as banking credentials, may be targeted as well. Dealing with the Trojan may not be as easy as it seems.
Even though it is possible to manually locate and remove the threat, relying on professional AV software is recommended. MSIL.Stimilik tempers with the Windows Registry and hides in multiple directories, and a manual removal may leave traces behind
If you feel confident enough to deal with the Trojan, you can refer to our removal guide just below the article.
Step 1: Start Your PC in Safe Mode to Remove MSIL.Stimilik.
Removing MSIL.Stimilik 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 MSIL.Stimilik 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 MSIL.Stimilik.
Step 2: Remove MSIL.Stimilik 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 MSIL.Stimilik associated objects.
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Preparation before removing MSIL.Stimilik.
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 MSIL.Stimilik with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by MSIL.Stimilik 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 MSIL.Stimilik 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 MSIL.Stimilik 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.
MSIL.Stimilik FAQ
What Does MSIL.Stimilik Trojan Do?
The MSIL.Stimilik 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 MSIL.Stimilik, 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 MSIL.Stimilik 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 MSIL.Stimilik 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 MSIL.Stimilik Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MSIL.Stimilik 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 MSIL.Stimilik?
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 MSIL.Stimilik threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.