Remove WindowsUpdate.exe Gaming Trojan

by Ventsislav Krastev | November 13, 2015 | 0 Comments data theft, malware, trojan

WindowsUpdate.exe Gaming Trojan – How Did I Get It?Windows Update.exe Gaming Trojan – What Does It Do?Removing WindowsUpdate.exe Gaming Trojan Completely

A new trojan has surfaced, named Infostealer.Predet by Symantec researchers. The trojan modifies registry entries, logs keystrokes directly steals all types of important information from user PCs and even spreads to removable drives. But most importantly the trojan masks itself as WindowsUpdate.exe executable so that it runs on system start up. Users should be extremely careful since this is a very popular gaming malware that also steals Steam and Minecraft credentials as well as email passwords and is also reported to spread via games.

Name	Infostealer.Predet
Type	Gaming Trojan/Infostealer
Short Description	The trojan’s payload carrying executable resembles Windows Update.
Symptoms	The user may witness the symptoms outlined in the description in this article plus may see some other unexplained activities on the computer.
Distribution Method	Via Steam and Spam mail.
Detection Tool	Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
User Experience	Join our forum to discuss Gaming Malware.

WindowsUpdate.exe Gaming Trojan – How Did I Get It?

One way that this trojan may use to distribute itself is by utilising spam bots on gaming engines such as Steam which is widely used by PC games. The trojan is distributed mainly in Windows 7, Windows Xp and Vista computers.

Steam users may witness unfamiliar users adding them and promising them free game giveaways, as a part of a Black Friday or Christmas promotions. The message may feature a web link to the ‘giveaway’ which is actually the malicious link inserting the payload of the trojan.

Another way this trojan may use is via spam or spoof mails pretending to be from a website the user is registered in. Usually cybercriminals tend to collect user information via cookies or using other methods before actually infecting the computer itself.

Windows Update.exe Gaming Trojan – What Does It Do?

Symantec researchers report that once the trojan has been executed it modifies the following object:

→%System%\drivers\etc\hosts

It then creates a registry entry for the process WindowsUpdate.exe which is it`s payload to run every time the computer starts up. The registry key and its value is:

→“HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\Windows Update = “%AppData%\WindowsUpdate.exe”

This trojan then could try to run as Administrator on the computer.

Once done that, it starts deleting files:

→%AppData%:
WindowsUpdate.exe
pid.txt
pidloc.txt
.minecraft\lastlogin
Roaming\jagex_cache\reg\
Roaming\jagex_cache\regPin\PCNAME Pin.jpeg
%Temp%:
SysInfo.txt
PCNAME\_wallet.dat
wallet.dat
screens\screenshotDIGIT.jpeg
EBFile.exe
BFile
External Removable Drive:
\autorun.inf
\Sys.exe

The trojan also has the ability to terminate processes and clear user data. It also can interact with Steam and delete key steam files that may cause the user to log out.

This cyber threat may also delete or stop key system processes and services.

→Command interpreter
System configuration
Windows Task Manager
Windows Registry Editor

This infostealer then begins to gather info about the infected system:

→Computer name;CPU name;Server name;OS platform;OS version;.NET version;Predator version;Predator services status: keylogger, clipboard-logger, report frequency, stealers;Local date and time;Installed language;Installed AVs;Installed;Firewalls;Internal and External IPs

After doing so, the questionable cyber threat is reported to directly steal vital user information from the computer:

→Bitcoin wallet.dat;Email credentials;Browser credentials;Downloader credentials;Internet Downloader ;Manager credentials;Minecraft credentials;Steam credentials;PIN screenshots from RuneScape and EpicBot video games.

Also, symantec report that this trojan has the ability to perform other related tasks to its sole purpose which is to steal data:

→Display fake error messages;Log all keystrokes;Download and execute files;Visit websites;Delete cookies from IE and Firefox browsers;Block certain websites;Spread to removable drives

Since the severity of this threat it is highly advisable to take special precautions when some of the symptoms outlined above are seen and to immediately change all of the passwords on your accounts from a safe PC.

Removing WindowsUpdate.exe Gaming Trojan Completely

In order to remove this nasty threat it is important to isolate it first. You can do this by entering in safe mode without networking and scanning your computer with malware removing tool like shown in the step-by-step tutorial below. However the best method of isolating the threat is to boot your computer in a live operating system and then unlock and scan the file-systems with it, however it is a more tech-savvy solution, because you need to select the right OS that has file-unlocking features.

Here is a tutorial on how to boot into a live OS to scan your PC:

https://sensorstechforum.com/forums/malware-removal-questions-and-guides/safe-way-to-scan-your-computer-and-detect-malware/

And here is a more automatic solution via booting in safe mode to remove the WindowsUpdate.exe Trojan:

1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Infostealer.Predet

1. Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode

1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista.

2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.

For 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: Òhe 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.

Step 1: Open the Start Menu

Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.

Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.

Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.

Step 6: Click on Restart.

Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.

2. Remove Infostealer.Predet with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Infostealer.Predet.

2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove Infostealer.Predet.

Step 1:Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.

It is highly recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter.

Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.

Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.

Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any Infostealer.Predet files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.

Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.

3. Remove Infostealer.Predet with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

3. Remove Infostealer.Predet with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

1. Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to scan for and remove Infostealer.Predet.

2. Scan your PC with MalwareBytes to remove all Infostealer.Predet associated files automatically.

Step 1: Download Malwarebytes by clicking here.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.

Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.

Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.

Step 6: Review and click on ‘Next’ on the following 4 steps that will appear afterwards and after that click on the ‘Install’ button.

Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button and check the ‘Launch MalwareBytes AntiMalware’ check box.

Step 1: Launch MalwareBytes if you havent launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to update and then click on the blue ‘Scan Now’ button. If it doesnt start updating automatically, click on the blue ‘Update Now’ highlighted text.

Step 3: At this point, after clicking the ‘Scan Now’ button, the system should start scanning your PC. It may take a while but be patient – it is worth it.

Step 4: After the scan has been complete and all of the threats have been identified, click on the ‘Remove Selected’ button to detelete them permanently.

Step 5: Once the scan has completed, MalwareBytes will prompt you to restart your computer. It is recommended to save all your data you are working on before restarting.

4. Remove Infostealer.Predet with STOPZilla AntiMalware

1. Install STOPZilla Anti Malware to scan for and remove Infostealer.Predet.

2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all Infostealer.Predet associated files completely.

Step 1: Download STOPZilla by clicking here.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.

Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.

Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.

Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button.

Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.

Step 1: Launch STOPZilla if you havent launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button.

Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.

5. Back up your data to secure it against infections by Infostealer.Predet in the future

5. Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future

Security engineers recommend that you back up your files immediately, preferably on an external memory carrier in order to be able to restore them. In order to protect yourself from Infostealer.Predet (For Windows Users) please follow these simple steps:

1. For Windows 7 and earlier

1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10

1. Enabling the Windows Defense Feature (Previous Versions)

1-Click on Windows Start Menu

2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup

4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.

5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.

6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by Infostealer.Predet.

1-Press Windows button + R

2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter

3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’

4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.

5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from Infostealer.Predet.

1- Press Windows button + R keys.

2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.

3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.

5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from Infostealer.Predet is on.

Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.

2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.

3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by Infostealer.Predet should be restored.

NOTE! Substantial notification about the Infostealer.Predet threat: Manual removal of Infostealer.Predet requires interference with system files and registries. Thus, it can cause damage to your PC. Even if your computer skills are not at a professional level, don’t worry. You can do the removal yourself just in 5 minutes, using a malware removal tool.

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.

How to Remove Infostealer.Predet from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Infostealer.Predet

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall Infostealer.Predet and related software from Windows

Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Infostealer.Predet 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 Infostealer.Predet there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Scan for Infostealer.Predet with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of Infostealer.Predet from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Infostealer.Predet and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Infostealer.Predet:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Infostealer.Predet. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Infostealer.Predet. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

Go to Finder.
In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.

In case you cannot remove Infostealer.Predet via Step 1 above:

In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Infostealer.Predet. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:

→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.

Step 2: Scan for and remove Infostealer.Predet files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Infostealer.Predet, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for Infostealer.Predet:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove Infostealer.Predet from Google Chrome.

Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Erase Infostealer.Predet from Mozilla Firefox.

Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window

Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Uninstall Infostealer.Predet from Microsoft Edge.

Step 1: Start Edge browser.

Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.

Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".

Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.

Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove Infostealer.Predet from Safari.

Step 1: Start the Safari app.

Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.

Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".

Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.

Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.

Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Infostealer.Predet will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Eliminate Infostealer.Predet from Internet Explorer.

Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.

Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'

Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.

Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.

Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.