GHOSTPULSE Loader

A recent case showed GHOSTPULSE infiltrating corporate networks via ClickFix scam campaigns, ultimately delivering the Sectop RAT directly into memory. Victims remain unaware of its presence as it silently prepares the ground for additional malware infections, posing severe risks to data integrity and privacy.

Threat Overview

GHOSTPULSE (also known as IDATLOADER or HIJACKLOADER) is a loader-type Trojan designed to facilitate chain infections. Once on a system, it leverages DLL side-loading and an intermediate .NET-based loader to unlock and execute further malicious payloads, such as remote access Trojans or cryptocurrency miners.

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Key Details

Threat type	Loader / Trojan
Detection names	Avast (Win32:Malware-gen); Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.76291137); ESET-NOD32 (Win32/TrojanDownloader.Rugmi.ARU); Malwarebytes (Trojan.PyengyLoader); Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Rugmi!MTB)
Symptoms	No visible symptoms; stealthy persistence
Damage	Stolen credentials, identity theft, botnet enlistment
Distribution methods	Infected email attachments; malicious advertisements; social engineering; software “cracks”
Severity	High

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In-Depth Analysis

Infection Vector

• ClickFix Scam Campaigns: Victims encounter a fake Cloudflare CAPTCHA that executes a malicious script when approved.
• Script Downloader: Initial script pulls a ZIP archive containing encrypted GHOSTPULSE components.
• Manual Distribution: Other methods include phishing emails, malvertising, untrusted freeware sites, and pirate “cracks.”

Behavioral Profile

1. Download & Decrypt: Encrypted loader files arrive via ZIP and are decrypted on disk.
2. DLL Side-Loading: Exploits Windows DLL search order to spawn a genuine application that loads the malicious DLL.
3. .NET Intermediate Loader: A lightweight .NET stub orchestrates in-memory payload deployment.
4. Payload Execution: Sectop RAT or other stealer modules execute entirely in memory, evading disk-based detection tools.

Risk Assessment
GHOSTPULSE’s stealth and modular nature elevate it to a High-risk threat. By chaining multiple malware families, it can:

• Compromise credentials and banking data.
• Enlist devices into botnets for coordinated attacks.
• Facilitate further ransomware or cryptomining campaigns.

What happens if files become encrypted? In past Emotet-driven loader campaigns (2018), victims faced widespread data loss before detection, demonstrating the urgent need for early interception.

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Artifact Text

No ransom note or phishing email is directly associated with loader-only threats like GHOSTPULSE; its actions remain covert until secondary payloads activate.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Step 3: Scan Your System

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

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Step 4: Remove Detected Malware

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

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Step 5: Restart Your Computer

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

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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.

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Conclusion

GHOSTPULSE Loader exemplifies modern loader malware: elusive, modular, and primed for scalable attacks. Early detection—through behavior-based monitoring and robust endpoint protection—is crucial to halt chain infections before critical data and systems fall under adversary control.