Turla Trojan Removal Instructions — Restore Your Computer From 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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The Turla Trojan attacks are currently infecting users worldwide in an offensive campaign. The captured samples showcase that the threat can cause widespread damage on the compromised hosts. Our article provides an overview of the virus operations and it also may be helpful in attempting to remove the virus.

Threat Summary

Name	Turla Trojan
Type	Trojan
Short Description	The Turla Trojan is a utility malware that is designed to silently infiltrate computer systems, active infections will spy on the victim users.
Symptoms	The victims may not experience any apparent symptoms of infection.
Distribution Method	Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Scripts and others.
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by Turla Trojan Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss Turla Trojan.

Turla Trojan – Distribution Methods

The Turla Trojan is the collective name of which a group of backdoors and malware led by the hacking group bearing the same name is known. Over the years several active campaigns bearing modified versions of it.

The recent attacks carrying the threat use a classic infiltration technique which depends on the interaction with a Adobe Flash installer. This means that the hackers can leverage several different distribution techniques:

• Fake Download Sites — The hackers can construct fake copies of legitimate vendor sites and download portals. They might use stolen web design elements and layout, as well as domain names. This can fool a large part of ordinary web users that can get redirected via search engine results or scripts such as pop-ups, banners, ads and in-line links.
• Scam Email Messages — Another popular technique is the coordination of mass email SPAM messages. They are created using graphics and text taken from well known sites or Internet services. This can confuse the users into thinking that they have received a software update message from Adobe for instance. The dangerous file can be directly attached or linked in the body contents.
• Installer Bundles — In some specific cases the virus can be made part of the legitimate Adobe Flash player installer.
• Document Scripts — The hackers behind the Turla Trojan can embed the installation code into macros. This means that infections can happen through interaction with all kinds of files: rich text documents, spreadsheets, presentations and databases. Once they are opened a notification prompt will pop-up asking the users to enable the built-in content. If this is done the infection will follow.

In certain cases the hackers can also deliver the threats via browser hijackers — malicious web browser extensions. They are usually spread on the relevant repositories using an elaborate description promising new feature enhancements. The use of fake developer credentials and use reviews can further coerce the victims into installing it. If this is done then their browser settings will be changed to redirect to a certain hacker-controlled page. The next actions will be to install the relevant Trojan code.

Some of the infections have been caused via vulnerability testing. The hackers use popular security audit tools to find weaknesses in computer hosts and networks. If an unpatched service software is found and they have the right exploit code the Turla Trojan code can be automatically deployed.

Turla Trojan – Detailed Description

Once the Turla Trojan has penetrated the computer’s security it will automatically launch a series of built-in commands. This Trojan uses a different approach in comparison to other threats. Instead of a traditional secure connection to a hacker-controlled server it depends on the delivery of files and email correspondence to automate the infection reports.

This means that the main malware engine can connect to an email inbox hat has been specially created for this purpose. Network administrators will not be able to trace down this specific stream as it appears just like any normal user behavior. The engine will report the data in a file, usually in the form of a PDF file, which is sent as an attachment and sent to the hacker operators. Upon receiving the message the remote administration client will read the data and then send specific instructions using the same mechanism back to the infected hosts.

The security analysis shows that the Turla Trojan have the ability to interact with email clients (Outlook and The Bat!). The malicious engine sets itself as a persistent dependency which allows it to start every time the applications are accessed.

The full analysis has revealed the commands that can be launched by the hackers. The full list of actions includes the following:

• Display a MessageBox — Allows the hackers to display a notification box on the victim’s desktop. This is widely used when orchestrating social engineering attacks.
• Sleep — Triggers a “sleep” power event.
• Delete File — Allows the hackers to choose a file on the users computer that will be deleted.
• Get File — Retrieves a chosen file from the infected machine.
• Set operator email address A(overriding the initial one hardcoded in the DLL) — Changes the controlling email address to another one.
• Put File — Deploys a hacker-specified file to the machines.
• Run Shell Command — Allows the hackers to execute commands of their choice — either in PowerShell or the command prompt.
• Create Process — The malicius engine will create a second process in a separate thread.
• Delete Directory — Deletes a chosen directory.
• Create Directory — Creates a directory under a provided name in a specified directory.
• Change timeout — Modifies the interval between the email correspondence monitoring.
• Run Powershell Command — Enables the hackers to execute PowerShell commands and scripts.
• Set Answer Mode — Modifies the return instructions mode.

Most of the Turla Trojan attacks can be configured using either built-in scripts or programmed by the hackers to carry out complex infiltrations. This includes a persistent installation. This means that it can modify the boot options and automatically start once the computer is booted up. This procedure can also disable access to the recovery menu which will render most manual recovery instructions worthless.

Use of the Turla Trojan can lead to sensitive information harvesting. This means that it can retrieve strings that can expose the victim’s identity — their name, address, phone number, interests, location and any stored account credentials. The other type of information that can be hijacked is metrics about the operating system and the installed hardware components that can be used to optimize the upcoming attacks.

The malicious algorithm can also be configured to delete any System recovery information such as backups and Shadow Volume Copies. This means that effective restore of the infected computers is only possible with a professional-grade recovery software, refer to our instructions for more information on the matter.

It is possible that the Turla Trojan can be modified to execute banking Trojan like behavior. Thanks to the remote control and spying capabilities the hackers can monitor when the victim users enter into certain services like email inboxes and online banks. When they access the relevant login pages the criminals can directly extract the mouse movement and keystrokes. The credentials will be automatically transferred to the hackers.

Remove Turla Trojan

If your computer system got infected with the Turla Trojan, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this Trojan as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the Trojan and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.

Note! Your computer system may be affected by Turla Trojan and other threats.
Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Turla Trojan.
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.

To remove Turla Trojan follow these steps:

1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Turla Trojan files and objects

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

Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode

1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.

For Windows XP, Vista and 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: Тhe 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 up the Start Menu.

Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.

Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.

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

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

Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.

Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.

Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.

2. Find files created by Turla Trojan on your PC

Find files created by Turla Trojan

1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.

For Newer Windows Operating Systems

Step 1:

On your keyboard press  + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.

Step 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.

Step 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 navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.

For Older Windows Operating Systems

In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:

Step 1:

Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs

3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

Scan your PC and Remove Turla Trojan with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Turla Trojan and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Turla Trojan. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.

Step 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.

Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.

Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.

Step 2: 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.

Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

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

IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup .

SOS Online Backup

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.

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:

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.

More Posts - Website

Follow Me: