This article has been created in order to explain what is the W32.Downuk worm, what does it do, how did you get it and how to remove it effectively from your computer.
A new worm has been detected to massively infect computers of victims and spread via compromised executable files that are legitimate. The worm infects executable files and it also infects files within external memory carriers. The main goal of the W32.Downuk worm is to replace bitcoin addresses with ones you have copied and make it so that if you transfer any BitCoins, they can go to the wallet of the cyber-criminals – a rather expensive forced mistake. If you see any detections or randomly created files on your computer, plus changed BitCoin addresses on your clipboard, we advise you to read the following article and learn how to remove the W32.Downuk worm completely from your computer.
Threat Summary
| Name | W32.Downuk |
| Type | Worm Infection |
| Short Description | Aims to steal information from your computer and redirect any BitCoins you may send to the wallet of the hacker, behind it. |
| Symptoms | When you copy a targeted BitCoin wallet to send funds to it, the address of the wallet you paste is different from the one you may have copied. |
| Distribution Method | Via infected flash drives, via malicious objects posted online. |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss W32.Downuk. |
W32.Downuk – Infection Method
The W32.Downuk worm may be spread in a lot of ways. The main method which the worm uses is similar to what most worms use to replicate – self-replication via infecting legitimate executable files. This method has been reported by Symantec researchers to be used by the Downuk worm as the infection scans for removable drives (flash drives, memory cards and others) and infects the legitimate or newly created .exe files by injecting malicious code in them.
When the victim executes the malicious executable file, the W32.Downuk worm drops an executable type of file, whose primary purpose is to infect the system it’s ran on by starting automatically as soon as it’s drop. And this cycle of activities helps the W32.Downuk worm to automatically spread from a computer to a computer. The malicious file is often randomly named and it’s dropped in the following directory:
→ %AppData%\Local\Temp\{random A-Z, a-z, 0-9 name}.exe
W32.Downuk Worm – Activity
Once an infection is done, the W32.Downuk worm executes it’s malicious file with a random name. The execution of the file, results in a randomly named folder being created on the victim’s computer. It has the following location:
→ %AppData%\Roaming\{Random name}
Beside creating the folder, the virus also creates the following malicious files in the compromised computer system:
→ %AppData%\Local\Temp\{random A-Z, 0-9}.exe
%AppData%\Roaming\Jqgimq\{random A-Z, 0-9}.exe
%AppData%\Roaming\Jqgimq\{random A-Z, 0-9}.exe
%AppData%\Roaming\Jqgimq\{random A-Z, 0-9}
%AppData%\Roaming\Jqgimq\ie.dll
Each of the randomly named malicious files is responsible for different activities that are performed, likely as a defensive techniques of the virus and obfuscation of the files from antivirus programs.
In addition to this, the virus executes malicious process to set one of the randomly named files to run automatically on Windows boot. This happens by targeting the following Windows registry sub key and adding a registry value string with the following data In it:
→ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\”P1UlCXoNlNJ” = “%AppData%\Roaming\Jqgimq\{random A-Z, 0-9, a-z}.exe”
In addition to this, the W32.Downuk worm also creates the following Windows registry sub key and entry:
→ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\{random}\”[DEFAULT]” = “{random}”
One of the purposes of the worm after it has done those activities is to wait for you to connect a removable drive and infect it to spread further.
The primary purpose of the infection, however is to scan your clipboard for any BitCoin addresses you may have copied and replace them with the following malicious BitCoin address:
→ 1BQZKqdp2CV3QV5nUEsqSg1ygegLmqRygj
Remove W32.Downuk Worm from Windows
The removal of this worm can be conducted by either following the manual or the automatic removal instructions below. If you lack experience in performing malware removal, be advised that experts recommend to use an advanced anti-malware program. Such program will not only help you remove the W32.Downuk worm from your computer, but will also detect and remove other malware in the process, if present and ensure that you have future protection against any intrusive programs and threats.
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 W32.Downuk.
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 W32.Downuk with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by W32.Downuk 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 W32.Downuk 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 W32.Downuk 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.
W32.Downuk FAQ
What Does W32.Downuk Trojan Do?
The W32.Downuk 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 W32.Downuk, 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 W32.Downuk 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 W32.Downuk 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 W32.Downuk Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this W32.Downuk 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 W32.Downuk?
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 W32.Downuk threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.