| Name | Trojan.MWZLesson |
| Type | PoS Malware, Trojan |
| Short Description | The Trojan is a sophisticated threat that targets PoS terminals. |
| Distribution Method | Through a backdoor or exploiting a vulnerability. |
| Detection tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By Trojan.MWZLesson |
We have seen multiple Trojans targeting PoS (Point-of-Sale) terminals. Some of them are quite sophisticated and unexpected, while others share similar features and attack tactics. Researchers at Dr Web have recently discovered a new Trojan of the PoS family that is a modification of another, previously known malware. Even though the malware shares characteristics with previous threats, it is still defined as refined and quite severe. The ‘new’ Trojan is dubbed Trojan.MWZLesson. In this article, we are going to describe its attack methods.
Trojan.MWZLesson Attack Description
Once the Trojan is executed, it will modify the registry branch that controls the autorun. Trojan.MWZLesson is also designed to check the RAM of the compromised device for credit and debit card data. All collected information is sent to a Command & Control server. The Trojan is quite similar to another threat of the same kind – Trojan.PWS.Dexter.
Trojan.MWZLesson Malicious Capabilities
It is designed to intercept GET and POST requests sent from the compromised system’s browsers (Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer). The requests are then navigated to the C&C server.
The malicious software is then capable of executing the following commands, as reported by the research team at Dr Web :
- CMD (cmd.exe). Forward the command to the command interpreter.
- LOADER. Download and run a file such as dll (using the regsrv tool), vbs (using the wscript tool), and exe (run directly).
- UPDATE. The threat can update itself.
- RATE. Set a time interval for communication sessions with the command and control server.
- FIND. Search and locate documents using a mask.
Trojan.MWZLesson C&C Communication
The Trojan interacts with the server via an HTTP protocol. However, the packages initiated by the malware are not encrypted, and packages that don’t have a specified cookie parameter will be ignored by the server.
Trojan.MWZLesson – Related to BackDoor.Neutrino.50
Researchers at Dr Web have referred to the PoS Trojan as a ‘crippled version of the BackDoor.Neutrino.50 version. Its code was used partially. This version of the Neutrino family is described as a multicomponent backdoor that is created to exploit the CVE-2012-0158 vulnerability.
BKDR_KASIDET.FD also known as Backdoor.Neutrino is a Backdoor Trojan that penetrates a system and steals valuable information.
Read More about BKDR_KASIDET.FD
How Can I Protect My Banking Information?
Unfortunately, one can never be sure when and how cyber criminals will initiate an attack against banking systems. What one can do, however, is make sure that his/her computer system and browser are protected against malicious attacks. First, users should improve the security settings of their browsers. Then, a strong anti-malware program should be sustained continuously on the system. Additionally, an external Firewall can also be used, in combination with the Windows firewall.
Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
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
Follow Me:
Preparation before removing Trojan.MWZLesson.
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 Trojan.MWZLesson with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by Trojan.MWZLesson 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 Trojan.MWZLesson 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 Trojan.MWZLesson 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.
Trojan.MWZLesson FAQ
What Does Trojan.MWZLesson Trojan Do?
The Trojan.MWZLesson 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 Trojan.MWZLesson, 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 Trojan.MWZLesson 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 Trojan.MWZLesson 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 Trojan.MWZLesson Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Trojan.MWZLesson 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 Trojan.MWZLesson?
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 Trojan.MWZLesson threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.