CurlyComradesAPT Malware

The CurlyComradesAPT malware is a high-level espionage threat tied to state-sponsored cyber operations. Known for its stealthy behavior and multi-layered payloads, this threat uses advanced techniques to evade detection, persist within systems, and extract sensitive data. Its associations with North Korea-linked APT groups make it a serious concern for governments, defense contractors, and critical infrastructure sectors worldwide.

---

CurlyComradesAPT Malware – Threat Summary

Threat Type	Advanced Persistent Threat (APT), InfoStealer
Detection Names	CurlyComradesAPT, Kimsuky malware, BabyShark, ReconShark
Symptoms	Slow system performance, suspicious network traffic, unknown scheduled tasks
Damage & Distribution	Data theft, system compromise, spread via phishing emails with malicious documents
Danger Level	🔴 High – linked to cyber espionage and credential harvesting
Removal Tool →	Remove with SpyHunter

---

How Did CurlyComradesAPT Malware Get In?

CurlyComradesAPT primarily spreads through targeted spear-phishing attacks. Victims typically receive emails containing malicious Microsoft Word or Excel documents with embedded macros or remote template links. Once the victim enables content or macros, the malware installs silently in the background.

Recent campaigns have shown the use of LNK shortcut files, Windows Script Files (.wsf), and PowerShell payloads to bypass detection. The attackers often spoof government agencies, NGOs, or journalists to gain trust and trick users into opening infected attachments.

---

What CurlyComradesAPT Does on Your System

Once installed, CurlyComradesAPT executes a series of reconnaissance commands to fingerprint the infected system. It silently harvests:

• OS version, user info, running processes
• Installed security software
• Network configuration and open ports

This malware often acts as a loader for additional payloads like BabyShark, ReconShark, and custom RATs (Remote Access Trojans). It can:

• Capture keystrokes and clipboard content
• Take screenshots
• Exfiltrate documents and credentials
• Maintain persistence using scheduled tasks and registry modifications

In some cases, it connects to command-and-control servers via encrypted channels, allowing attackers to issue commands remotely and download more tools.

---

Is CurlyComradesAPT Dangerous?

Yes — extremely.

CurlyComradesAPT is not ordinary malware. It’s part of a toolkit used by a known nation-state group, likely associated with North Korea’s Kimsuky APT. It targets defense think tanks, government institutions, academia, and media outlets to extract sensitive or classified data.

Even if you’re not in a high-value target group, having this malware on your system means your device could be used as a foothold into a larger network. Infected systems are at risk of:

• Credential theft
• Lateral movement within corporate environments
• Unauthorized access to confidential files

Manual Trojan Malware Removal Guide

Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode

1. Restart your computer.
2. Before Windows starts, press the F8 key (or Shift + F8 on some systems).
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the Advanced Boot Options menu.
4. Press Enter to boot.

This prevents the Trojan from running and makes it easier to remove.

---

Step 2: Identify and Stop Malicious Processes

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Processes tab (or Details in Windows 10/11).
3. Look for suspicious processes using high CPU or memory, or with unfamiliar names.
4. Right-click on the suspicious process and select Open File Location.
5. If the file is in a temporary or system folder and looks unfamiliar, it is likely malicious.
6. Right-click the process and choose End Task.
7. Delete the associated file in File Explorer.

---

Step 3: Remove Trojan-Related Files and Folders

1. Press Win + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Also check these directories for unfamiliar or recently created files:
   • C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local\Temp
   • C:\Windows\Temp
   • C:\Program Files (x86)
   • C:\ProgramData
   • C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Roaming
4. Delete suspicious files or folders.

---

Step 4: Clean Trojan Malware from Registry

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the following paths:
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
3. Look for entries launching files from suspicious locations.
4. Right-click and delete any entries you don’t recognize.

Warning: Editing the registry can harm your system if done improperly. Proceed with caution.

---

Step 5: Reset Browser Settings

Google Chrome

1. Go to Settings > Reset Settings.
2. Click Restore settings to their original defaults and confirm.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Go to Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
2. Click Refresh Firefox.

Microsoft Edge

1. Go to Settings > Reset settings.
2. Click Restore settings to their default values.

---

Step 6: Run a Full Windows Defender Scan

1. Open Windows Security via Settings > Update & Security.
2. Click Virus & threat protection.
3. Choose Scan options, select Full scan, and click Scan now.

---

Step 7: Update Windows and Installed Software

1. Press Win + I, go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates and install all available updates.

---

Automatic Trojan Removal Using SpyHunter

If manually removing the Trojan seems difficult or time-consuming, using SpyHunter is the recommended method. SpyHunter is an advanced anti-malware tool that detects and eliminates Trojan infections effectively.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Use the following official link to download SpyHunter: Download SpyHunter

For full instructions on how to install, follow this page: Official SpyHunter Download Instructions

---

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Locate the SpyHunter-Installer.exe file in your Downloads folder.
2. Double-click the installer to begin setup.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

---

Step 3: Scan Your System

1. Open SpyHunter.
2. Click Start Scan Now.
3. Let the program detect all threats, including Trojan components.

---

Step 4: Remove Detected Malware

1. After the scan, click Fix Threats.
2. SpyHunter will automatically quarantine and remove all identified malicious components.

---

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

Restart your system to ensure all changes take effect and the threat is completely removed.

---

Tips to Prevent Future Trojan Infections

• Avoid downloading pirated software or opening unknown email attachments.
• Only visit trusted websites and avoid clicking on suspicious ads or pop-ups.
• Use a real-time antivirus solution like SpyHunter for ongoing protection.
• Keep your operating system, browsers, and software up to date.

---

Conclusion

If you suspect your system is infected with CurlyComradesAPT malware, treat it as a critical security breach. Do not rely solely on standard antivirus tools — use a professional-grade scanner like SpyHunter to detect and eliminate all components of this multi-stage threat. Disconnect the device from the network immediately to prevent further exfiltration, and consider a full forensic investigation if you work in a sensitive environment.