What Is NuggetPhantom Trojan
NuggetPhantom Trojan is a complex computer malware that is distributed using different infiltration strategies, including abusing the EternalBlue vulnerabilities. Its presence on computer systems allows hackers to recruit the hosts to a worldwide botnet network, spy on the victims, install other viruses, and conduct other dangerous actions. Like other advanced threats of its category, the NuggetPhantom Trojan will remain hidden and may also disable deployed security software.
NuggetPhantom Trojan is a recently discovered computer malware that is spread in active attack campaigns. The infection mechanisms rely on the victim’s manipulation. Once installed on a given computer, the built-in engine will lead to many dangerous actions. Read our in-depth analysis of the samples and learn how to remove active infections in this article.
NuggetPhantom Trojan Summary
| Name | NuggetPhantom Trojan, also known as Trojan.Win32.Inject.akjav, Win64/Kryptik.BJI, Trojan:Win32/Occamy.CE4, Win64:Malware-gen, Trojan.Agent.DHZT. |
| Type | Trojan |
| Short Description | Aims to steal data from your computer and run different malware actions. |
| Symptoms | Your computer may behave strangely and new files may be dropped in several Windows Directories. |
| Distribution Method | Common infection methods including phishing messages and malware-infected files. |
| Detection Tool |
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NuggetPhantom Trojan – Virus Infection Methods
The recently announced NuggetPhantom Trojan is a computer malware, capable of dealing a wide variety of actions against the compromised machines. The currently detected strain is behind launched by an unknown hacking collective and makes use of a complex distribution strategy. What is confirmed about it is that it infects mainly via the well-known EternalBlue vulnerability exploit. This means that outdated computers (those that have not applied security updates) are the most likely targets and victims of the malware.
Trojan-type viruses like the NuggetPhantom malware are primarily distributed using common tactics and mechanisms, including the following:
- Phishing Methods — These are social manipulation techniques that are devised to make the users download and run the virus code or virus-infected files. Most often this is done by hosting sites on similar-sounding domain names to well-known companies and services. This can also be done by preparing email messages, it can contain links to the malware files or have them directly attached.
- Payload Carriers Creation — The NuggetPhantom Trojan code can be integrated in a wide range of files. This means that when launched they will install the malware as part of their execution process. Typically this is done in the background, without the users knowing. Common types are the macro-infected documents and application installers. The documents are created in the most popular formats that are opened by office programs. On the other hand, application installers are programs that are frequently downloaded by Internet users.
- Direct Attacks — By taking advantage of the network exploits, the NuggetPhantom Trojan can be directly deployed to the target systems.
NuggetPhantom Trojan files can also be distributed to the target users as part of the execution of other viruses, this is the case with advanced planned attacks. This is done when the other virus has disabled the security measures and prepared the environment accordingly.
The virus analysis shows that this particular malware works in a modular way. This means that there is the main engine that will “call” the integrated modules and setup their interactions with the host system. There are advantages to using this approach, as this is the way most modern services work. The operating system may be fooled into thinking that this is a legitimate process by not following the typical virus activity patterns.
Along with everything else advanced copies of this malware may be programmed to start a security software bypass process that scans the local contents and searches for installed programs that may interfere with the malware installation. They can be anti-virus programs, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and virtual machine hosts. Depending on the exact configuration they can be either disabled or removed.
The virus analysis of the collected samples of this malware shows that the typical infection runs the following modules:
- Miner Script Deployment — One of the main actions done by the Trojan is the persistent installation of a cryptocurrency miner script. While most of them are run when web browser windows are opened, this script will be installed in memory and run when the computer is active and powered on. It is installed as a persistent infection, meaning that it will start when the operating system loads and prevent tampering with its processes. It is programmed to download, run, and report complex and performance-intensive mathematical tasks. They will place a heavy burden on the usability of the computers and may make it even impossible to use them in a normal manner. For every completed task the hackers will be awarded digital cryptocurrency assets directly in their wallets.
- Botnet Recruitment — The NuggetPhantom Trojan is devised to recruit the target hosts to a worldwide botnet network. It is used to launch devastating DDoS attacks against given targets. The more computers there are recruited on a given network, the more powerful and capable these attacks will be. Typically the botnet infrastructure is used or leased by hacking groups for the duration of a given campaign.
- Other Viruses Installation — NuggetPhantom Trojan instances can be programmed to install other viruses onto the victim hosts. They can be file-encrypting ransomware which is a popular “drop”.
- Trojan Functionality — This particular malware can also start the standard Trojan functions that are expected from such a virus. This allows hackers to spy on the victims, steal files, and conduct other actions on the affected computers.
Due to the fact that the NuggetPhantom Trojan can be used by different hacking groups and further modified with other functionality, we strongly advise that detected instances are removed as soon as found.
NuggetPhantom Trojan – Virus Removal GUIDE
In order to fully remove this infection from your computer system, recommendations are to try the automatic removal guidelines below. They are particularly created in order to assist you to separate this malware first of all and after that remove, it’s destructive files. If you lack experience in malware removal, the best method and most reliable one according to safety professionals is to use an innovative anti-malware software program. Such will not just immediately get rid of the NuggetPhantom infection from your computer system, yet will certainly additionally ensure that your computer system remains shielded versus future infections.
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 NuggetPhantom 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 NuggetPhantom Trojan with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by NuggetPhantom 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 NuggetPhantom 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 NuggetPhantom 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.
NuggetPhantom Trojan FAQ
What Does NuggetPhantom Trojan Trojan Do?
The NuggetPhantom 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 NuggetPhantom 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 NuggetPhantom 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 factory reset.
Can NuggetPhantom 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 NuggetPhantom Trojan Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this NuggetPhantom 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 NuggetPhantom 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 NuggetPhantom Trojan threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.