This blog post has been created to help explain what is the WebCobra miner app and how you can try and remove it and prevent it from mining ZCash or Monero cryptocurrencies on your Mac.
A new, very dangerous cryptocurrency miner virus has been detected by security researchers. The malware, called WebCobra comes as an app, which experts believe to be installed as a result of software bundling. The main idea behind the WebCobra miner is to employ cryptocurrency miner activities on the computers of victims in order to obtain Monero and ZCash tokens at victims’ expense. The outcome of this miner is the elevated electricity bills and if you leave it for longer periods of time WebCobra may even damage your computer’s components.
Threat Summary
| Name | WebCobra Miner Virus |
| Type | Cryptocurrency Miner Virus |
| Short Description | A crypto miner that aims to use the resources of your computer to mine for cryptocurrencies. |
| Symptoms | Your computer may experience slow-downs, overheating, suspicious processes running and other types of unwanted side effects.. |
| Distribution Method | Bundled downloads. Web pages which may advertise it. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss WebCobra Miner Virus. |
WebCobra – Distribution Methods
The primary methods of distribution used by WebCobra have been reported by users to be via either fake Microsoft websites or software bundling.
If the installer of WebCobra is spread via a fake site, the virus may pretend to be a Microsoft installer package that will check the computer’s runtime environment. In the same time, the installer may start to check and execute the miner codes.
Another method of infection with WebCobra is if the program pretends to be a legitimate type of program, that is bundled in the setups of other free apps downloaded from suspicious websites. Such seemingly free apps may be useful apps that are used in a very often basis. These applications often have their installers modified by users with various different purposes, the outcome of which is to get them to accept the installation of WebCobra with the hopes to miss it’s installation prompt. This prompt is usually located in the “Advanced” or “Custom” installation options, the main idea of which is to get users to skip it’s install steps. But if the user sees it, the program is advertised as “an optional offer” or “a free extra” to the current installation and this is how it ends up on their computers.
WebCobra Miner – Analysis
Similar to other [wplinkpreview url=”https://sensorstechforum.com/bitcoin-miner-virus-detect-remove-it/”]crypto miners we have detected over the years, the WebCobra miner performs multiple malicious activities on the computers of victims. Once an initial infection has commenced, the malware drops a .zip file, called ERDNT.LOG.zip. This .zip file extracts a password-protected Cabinet archive to unzip it. The procedure is done via command prompt by entering the following Windows command:
→ “cmd” /c “CD [WindowsFolder]\{A0BB5888-2851-4724-9666-8998623D6EA7}\&unzip –o –P iso100 ERDNT.LOG.zip
The Cabinet (.CAB) file unpacks two types of files:
- A LOC file which is a DLL file that decrypts the second file.
- A .bin file which is decrypted by the LOC file and executes the malicious payload.
The CAB file also uses the following commands in order to execute ERDNT.LOC:
→ “cmd” /v:on /c “set rnd=%random%&mkdir [WindowsFolder]\{DE03ECBA-2A77-438C-8243-0AF592BDBB20}\!rnd!&cd
[WindowsFolder]\{DE03ECBA-2A77-438C-8243-0AF592BDBB20}\!rnd!&move /y
[WindowsFolder]\{DE03ECBA-2A77-438C-8243-0AF592BDBB20}\*.*
[WindowsFolder]\{DE03ECBA-2A77-438C-8243-0AF592BDBB20}\!rnd!\&RundLL32ERDNT.LOC,TModuleEntry u”
After it’s executed, this script of command directly executes the malicious ERDNT.LOG (DLL) file and DATA.BIN file to begin it’s mining operation of Monero and Zcash, where it does the following:
To mine Monero (on x86 machines), the virus injects a script in Svchost.exe where it runs a cryptonight miner by connecting to emergency.fee.xmrig.com and miner.fee.xmrig.com pools.
To mine for ZCash (on x64 machines), the virus executes a direct connection to saarnio.ru/ln.zip and downloads Claymore’s ZCash Miner configuration file which then connects to the eu.zec.slushpool.com mining pool.
The outcome of these mining activities on your computer are the following:
- It may immediately start to slow down in terms of performance.
- Your PC may start to freeze at time.
- Internet connection on your network may freeze.
- Your components (CPU, GPU) may overheat.
Once the WebCobra miner has been executed, it immediately starts to check if it’s running in a isolated environment. If not, then the miner virus may connect to the following IP addresses:
- 149.249.13:2224
- 149.254.170:2223
- 31.92.212
The WebCobra malware is also identified by McAfee with the following SHA256 hashes:
→ 5E14478931E31CF804E08A09E8DFFD091DB9ABD684926792DBEBEA9B827C9F37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, WebCobra can also perform the following malicious activities on your PC, besides mining:
- Locate and read your files.
- Interact with Windows via Command Prompt.
- Extract data from your local system.
- Discover what processes are running.
- Read your system information.
- Inject processes.
- Encrypt data.
- Obfuscate data.
- Delete files.
Removal of WebCobra miner is strongly recommended, since you risk not only a big electricity bill if it’s running on your PC, but the miner may also perform other unwanted activities on it and even damage your PC permanently.
Remove WebCobra Miner from Your PC
If you want to remove this miner from your Mac, be advised that it can delete your files. This is why, we advise you to backup all your important files if on your PC before removing this virus.
To remove WebCobra miner automatically from your PC, we advise you to follow the removal manual below. It is separated In manual and automatic removal, since this will effectively help delete the virus files permanently. If manual removal does not help, however, we recommend what most researchers advise and that is to download an advanced anti-malware software to run a scan with it on your infected PC. Such program will automatically take care of the WebCobra miner virus from your computer and will make sure that it’s removed completely plus your PC stays protected in the future too.
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.
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Preparation before removing WebCobra Miner Virus.
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 WebCobra Miner Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by WebCobra Miner Virus 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 WebCobra Miner Virus 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 WebCobra Miner Virus 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.
WebCobra Miner Virus FAQ
What Does WebCobra Miner Virus Trojan Do?
The WebCobra Miner Virus 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 WebCobra Miner Virus, 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 WebCobra Miner Virus 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 WebCobra Miner Virus 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 WebCobra Miner Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this WebCobra Miner Virus 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 WebCobra Miner Virus?
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 WebCobra Miner Virus threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.