Chihuahua Stealer

A Sophisticated .NET-Based Infostealer Targeting Browsers and Cryptocurrency Wallets

Chihuahua Stealer is a newly identified .NET-based information-stealing malware that poses a significant threat to user privacy and digital assets. This advanced infostealer is designed to silently harvest sensitive data from web browsers and cryptocurrency wallet extensions, making it a formidable tool in the hands of cybercriminals.

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Overview of Chihuahua Stealer

Chihuahua Stealer operates by extracting a wide range of sensitive information from web browsers, including login credentials, stored cookies, autofill data, browsing history, active sessions, and stored payment information. Additionally, it specifically targets browser extensions used for managing cryptocurrency wallets, aiming to access private keys, seed phrases, and wallet credentials. Once the data is collected, it is compressed into a .zip file with a .chihuahua extension, encrypted, and transmitted to a remote server controlled by the attackers.

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Threat Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Information Stealer
Detection Names	Win32:MalwareX-gen [Pws], IL:Trojan.MSILZilla.164415, A Variant Of MSIL/Spy.Agent.EWA, HEUR:Trojan-PSW.MSIL.Stealer.gen, Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml
Symptoms of Infection	Typically silent; no clear symptoms. Potential indicators include unusual browser behavior, unauthorized account access, or unexpected financial transactions.
Damage	Theft of personal and financial information, unauthorized access to online accounts, identity theft, and loss of cryptocurrency assets.
Distribution Methods	Malicious PowerShell scripts via cloud storage links, infected email attachments, malicious online ads, social engineering tactics, and pirated software downloads.
Danger Level	High
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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In-Depth Analysis

How Did I Get Infected?

Chihuahua Stealer often infiltrates systems through deceptive means. One common method involves malicious PowerShell scripts embedded in documents shared via cloud services. These scripts initiate a multi-stage infection process that includes downloading additional payloads, establishing persistence through scheduled tasks, and ultimately executing the stealer payload. Other common distribution methods include infected email attachments, malicious advertisements, social engineering ploys, and pirated software installers.

What Does It Do?

Once executed, Chihuahua Stealer performs the following malicious activities:

• Data Extraction: Harvests sensitive information from web browsers such as stored credentials, cookies, autofill entries, and browsing history.
• Cryptocurrency Wallet Targeting: Actively searches for and extracts data from crypto wallet extensions to gain access to users’ digital assets.
• Data Exfiltration: Compresses the stolen data into a .zip file with a .chihuahua extension, encrypts it, and sends it to a remote server under the attacker’s control.
• Stealth Techniques: Uses in-memory execution, code obfuscation, and removal of execution traces to avoid detection.

Should You Be Worried?

Yes—Chihuahua Stealer is a high-risk threat with the capability to compromise both personal privacy and financial security. It can silently harvest credentials and cryptocurrency wallet data without raising any alerts. If you are infected, your personal accounts, financial information, and crypto holdings are at serious risk. Swift removal is essential to prevent further damage.

Manual Removal of Info-Stealers (For advanced users)

Step 1: Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Since info-stealers may resist removal while active, booting into Safe Mode helps disable their execution.

1. Windows 10/11:
   • Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab and check Safe boot → Network.
   • Click Apply → OK and restart your PC.
2. Windows 7/8:
   • Restart your PC and keep pressing F8 before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

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Step 2: End Malicious Processes in Task Manager

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., randomized names, high CPU usage, or unknown apps).
3. Right-click on them and select End Task.

Common info-stealer process names include StealC.exe, RedLine.exe, Vidar.exe, or generic system-like names.

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Step 3: Uninstall Suspicious Programs

1. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. Look for unknown or recently installed suspicious software.
3. Right-click the suspect entry and select Uninstall.

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Step 4: Delete Malicious Files and Registry Entries

Info-stealers leave behind hidden files and registry keys to ensure persistence.

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to:
   • C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local
   • C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\ProgramData
   • C:\Windows\Temp
   Delete any unfamiliar folders with random names.
2. Open Registry Editor:
   • Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
   • Navigate to:
     • 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
   • Look for randomized or suspicious registry keys (e.g., StealerLoader, Malware123).
   • Right-click and delete any malicious entries.

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Step 5: Clear Browser Data and Reset DNS

Since info-stealers target browsers, you need to clear stored credentials.

Clear Browsing Data

1. Open Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
2. Go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Clear Browsing Data.
3. Select Passwords, Cookies, and Cached files and click Clear Data.

Reset DNS

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:bashCopyEditipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew
3. Restart your computer.

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Step 6: Scan for Rootkits

Even after manual removal, some info-stealers may hide as rootkits.

1. Download Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit or Microsoft Safety Scanner.
2. Run a deep scan and remove any detected threats.

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Step 7: Change All Passwords & Enable MFA

Since info-stealers extract credentials, immediately update passwords for:

• Email accounts
• Banking and finance sites
• Social media
• Cryptocurrency wallets
• Business and work logins

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to prevent unauthorized access.

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Method 2: Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter (Recommended)

(For users who want a fast, hassle-free solution)

SpyHunter is a professional anti-malware tool capable of detecting and removing info-stealers, trojans, keyloggers, and spyware.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Click here to download SpyHunter

Step 2: Install and Launch SpyHunter

1. Locate the SpyHunter-Installer.exe file in your Downloads folder.
2. Double-click to start the installation.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions and launch SpyHunter after installation.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click “Start Scan” to analyze your system.
2. SpyHunter will detect any info-stealers, trojans, or keyloggers.
3. Click “Remove” to delete all detected threats.

Step 4: Enable Real-Time Protection

• Go to Settings and enable Real-Time Malware Protection to prevent future infections.

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Prevention Tips: How to Stay Safe from Info-Stealers

• Avoid Cracked Software & Torrents – They are a major infection source.
• Use Strong, Unique Passwords – Utilize a password manager.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Reduces the risk of stolen credentials being misused.
• Keep Software & OS Updated – Patches fix security vulnerabilities.
• Be Wary of Phishing Emails – Do not open attachments from unknown senders.
• Use an Antivirus or Anti-Malware Tool – A good tool like SpyHunter helps detect and remove threats.

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Conclusion

Chihuahua Stealer exemplifies the growing sophistication of modern infostealers. Its dual focus on browser-stored credentials and cryptocurrency wallets makes it uniquely dangerous. Detecting and eliminating it promptly using a reputable anti-malware tool is crucial to protect your data and financial assets.

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