Geek's Advice

AZORult malware analysis: highly dangerous threat

AZORult is a malicious program which is categorized as a Trojan virus. In the past it was known to be based on Delphi programming language but later on it was redeveloped using C++ (AZORult++). Its main purpose is to collect various personal data, which is later used to gain certain benefit at victim’s expense, typically financial. Usually this virus spreads through spam email campaigns. These emails contain deceitful information to trick users into opening/downloading attached files. The files may come in various formats, even MS Office documents, therefore they might seem harmless. As soon as you open them, attachments execute certain commands which penetrate the virus into your system.

Malicious functionality explained

Immediately after the opening of the file, AZORult malware is installed into your system. This Trojan-Spyware develops a connection between its C&C (“command and control”) servers and your system – this linkage is used to leak your information later on. This virus is capable of stealing various data from victim’s computer, including, but not limited to:

Data that AZORult stealer is capable of capturing:

• Account information used in different File Transfer Protocol clients or file manager software;
• Machine’s globally unique identifier (GUID), also details about victim’s computer (system language, user name, OS version, installed software, etc.);
• Email credentials from all victim’s mail clients;
• Bitcoin wallets, including, but not limited to Monero or uCoin;
• Whole variety of usernames, passwords and hostnames from your browsers;
• Steam or Telegram login details;
• Recording, taking Skype screenshots, chat history, and the list goes on.

It is worth mentioning that redeveloping AZORult Trojan on C++ resulted in various flaws and deficiencies compared to previous versions, such as no loader functionality and no support for stealing passwords from certain browsers. In addition, researchers found flaws in virus’ string configuration but that might slipped through due to the fact, that project seems to be in early development stages – going forward, these bugs are expected to be resolved and the functionality of malware expanded.

On the other hand, the virus might be even more threatening than previous versions, since it collects stolen data in RAM instead of the hard drive, thus managing to hide its activity. It also possesses ability to establish a remote connection to the desktop by creating an additional administrator account in the system. So, this intrusion might leave ordinary user in unenviable position, since it might lead to substantial finance and private information losses. Therefore, if you suspect that your PC has been infected with this virus, remove AZORULT malware instantly. We recommend using RESTORO for repairing the mess left by the virus.

Threat Summary

How did I get infected?

As previously mentioned, the AZORult virus, just like Wacatac Trojan, typically spreads through emails and malicious files attached to them. Spam email campaign is a relatively simple social engineering construct, which is aimed at internet users who tend to read emails irresponsibly. The emails might trick the victim by really straightforward schemes (i. e. fake CV’s, business requests, offers, invoice documents, payment information requests etc.).

The fact that similar or same designs to hack internet users are being used for a long period of time means that this problem is still relevant and there are people who accidentally run into this issue. Of course, there is a chance of getting infected through other sources i. e. untrustworthy download sites, file sharing networks such as uTorrent, eMule, etc.

Any of these actions might jeopardize your system’s security. If you remember any instances of opening suspicious email attachments, or see “sAMsUNg” process in Windows Task Manager, there is a high chance that your system is infected already.

Trojan distributed via STOP/DJVU ransomware

AZORULT Trojan has been noticed to come as a bonus alongside DJVU ransomware variants. The ransomware, which currently has over 200 different variants, is known to hide in software cracks and keygens.

Once installed, the ransomware also downloads and runs the described password-stealer on the system. Therefore, all victims subject to this ransomware infection should check and delete the malware from their computers immediately.

The latest DJVU variants known to be distributing Azorult are VYIA, QBAA, FOPA, VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD (find full list here).

Fake coronavirus map infects victims with malware

Another known source of Azorult’s distribution is a fake coronavirus map. It appears that hackers have cloned a legitimate map created by Johns Hopkins University for malicious purposes. The fake downloadable map, instead of providing useful information about COVID-19 cases worldwide, installs a computer virus on the system instead.

It is believed that the malicious map version spreads via fake links on social media. Such social-engineering attack is extremely effective nowadays due to the panic and havoc the medical virus has caused worldwide.

Remove AZORULT malware completely

AZORULT malware removal is essential in order to protect your private data. In order to do it, you need to use trustworthy and legitimate antivirus or anti-malware software. To ensure that, we highly recommend checking out our reviews on them.

Bypass malware installation in the future by following these recommendations: browse through internet very cautiously and analyze every email, download or attachment (and its source) comprehensively before downloading/opening it. To remove AZORult stealer virus completely from your computer, follow the steps below.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:

STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS

REMOVE & PROTECT WITH INTEGO

Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7.. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs.

Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.

Read full review here.

STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

Read full review here.

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Norbert Webb

Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.