TrickBot Trojan Latest Variant Resilient to Disable Windows Defender

by Milena Dimitrova | July 31, 2019 | 0 Comments Banking Trojan

Threat Summary TrickBot Trojan – Technical Details

TrickBot is a banking Trojan that has been around since 2016. The threat it poses is quite disastrous as it is designed to steal online banking and other credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, browser information.

The Trojan has a new variant that is currently circling the web, which again attempts to disable Windows Defender on affected systems as seen in previous versions. However, the latest variant of TrickBot has added new methods to ensure that the security program is disabled.

The new variant was discovered by MalwareHunterTeam and Vitali Kremez, and the security researchers succeeded in reverse-engineering its code.

Threat Summary

Name	TrickBot also known as Trojan.TrickBot GA
Type	Banking Trojan
Short Description	The TrickBot Trojan has a new variant which attempts to disable Windows Defender on compromised systems.
Distribution Method	The TrickBot banking Trojan is mostly distributed in malicious spam campaigns. It’s also known to leverage the EternalBlue exploit (MS17-010) as a distribution technique.
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss TrickBot.

TrickBot Trojan – Technical Details

Upon execution, TrickBot Trojan will start a loader to prepare the system by disabling Windows services and processes that belong to security programs. Then, the Trojan will elevate its privileges and will load its core component by injecting a DLL. This DLL downloads other modules deployed for credentials and information theft. It also contains the layer needed for communication with its command and control server.

In August 2018, a stealth code injection was introduced to TrickBot’s code. It will sleep the infection for 30 seconds. This is a technique that can evade signature scans used by security software such as anti-virus solutions, sandbox environments, and virtual machine hosts. Their real-time engines can be bypassed or entirely removed by the malicious code.

The actual decryption of the obfuscated Trickbot Trojan is run after the stealth protection code has complete. The 2018 version of the malware uses direct system calls which is similar to Flokibot, a variant of Zeus. This shows that the hackers behind the new Trickbot banking Trojan might have used several different code sources.

The latest variant of the banking Trojan has added the following methods to ensure that Windows Defender and Windows Defender and Microsoft Defender APT are disabled, as reported by Bleeping Computer. It should be noted that these methods are blocked by TamperProtection if it is enabled:

Add policies to SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Real-Time Protection for the following:
DisableBehaviorMonitoring: Disables behavior monitoring in Windows Defender.
DisableOnAccessProtection: Disables scanning when you open a program or file.
DisableScanOnRealtimeEnable: Disabled process scanning.
Configures the following Windows Defender preferences via PowerShell:
-DisableRealtimeMonitoring: Disables real time scanning.
-DisableBehaviorMonitoring: Same as above, except as a Windows Defender preference.
-DisableBlockAtFirstSeen: Disables Defender’s Cloud Protection feature.
-DisableIOAVProtection: Disables scans of downloaded files and attachments.
-DisablePrivacyMode: Disables privacy mode so all users can see threat history.
-DisableIntrusionPreventionSystem: Disables network protection for known vulnerability exploits.
-DisableScriptScanning: Disables the scanning of scripts.
-SevereThreatDefaultAction: Set the value to 6, which turns off automatic remediation for severe threats.
-LowThreatDefaultAction: Set the value to 6, which turns off automatic remediation for low threats.
-ModerateThreatDefaultAction: Set the value to 6, which turns off automatic remediation for moderate threats.

When the Trojan detects security software on the compromised system, it is set to configure a debugger via the Image File Execution Options registry key. Through this action the debugger will launch prior to the program that is executed. In case the debugger is not found, the program will not be able to launch, the researchers explained.

Milena Dimitrova

An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim

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Guide 1: How to Remove TrickBot from Windows.
Guide 2: Get rid of TrickBot on Mac OS X.
Guide 3: Remove TrickBot in Google Chrome.

Guide 4: Erase TrickBot from Mozilla Firefox.
Guide 5: Uninstall TrickBot from Microsoft Edge.
Guide 6: Remove TrickBot from Safari.
Guide 7: Eliminate TrickBot from Internet Explorer.
Guide 8: Disable TrickBot Push Notifications in Your Browsers.

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

How to Remove TrickBot from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove TrickBot

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 TrickBot 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 TrickBot 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 TrickBot 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 TrickBot 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 TrickBot from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall TrickBot 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 TrickBot:

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 TrickBot. 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 TrickBot. 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 TrickBot 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 TrickBot. 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 TrickBot files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as TrickBot, 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 TrickBot:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

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

Remove TrickBot 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 TrickBot 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 TrickBot 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 TrickBot 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 TrickBot 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 TrickBot 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.