MaksStealer is a stealthy information-stealing Trojan that masquerades as a performance enhancement tool or cheat modification for Hypixel SkyBlock, a popular Minecraft server. Once executed, it silently operates in the background, harvesting sensitive information from the victim’s system. This includes login credentials, Discord tokens, and cryptocurrency wallet data. The malware targets commonly used web browsers and applications, making it a significant threat to both casual users and cryptocurrency holders.
MaksStealer Malware Summary
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Threat Type | Information Stealer (Trojan) |
Detection Names | Arcabit (Trojan.Generic.D48E5C04), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.76438532), ESET-NOD32 (Java/MaksRat.B), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-PSW.Java.Stealer.gen), VIPRE (Trojan.GenericKD.76438532) |
Symptoms of Infection | Typically silent; no clear symptoms. Potential signs include unauthorized account access, missing cryptocurrency funds, or unusual system behavior. |
Damage | Theft of login credentials, Discord tokens, and cryptocurrency wallet data; potential financial loss and identity theft. |
Distribution Methods | Disguised as performance mods or cheat tools on gaming forums, Discord servers, and shady websites; also spread via infected email attachments, malicious ads, and software cracks. |
Danger Level | High |
Removal Tool | SpyHunter |
In-Depth Analysis of MaksStealer
How Did I Get Infected?
MaksStealer often infiltrates systems through deceptive means. Cybercriminals distribute it disguised as legitimate performance enhancement tools or cheat modifications for popular games like Hypixel SkyBlock. These malicious files are commonly found on gaming forums, Discord servers, and unofficial websites. Additionally, the malware can be bundled with pirated software, cracks, or key generators. Users may also encounter it through infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, or social engineering tactics.
What Does MaksStealer Do?
Once installed, MaksStealer operates silently in the background, extracting sensitive information from the victim’s system. Its capabilities include:
- Credential Theft: Harvests saved login credentials from web browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera, Vivaldi, and Yandex.
- Discord Token Extraction: Targets locally stored data associated with the Discord app, allowing attackers to hijack accounts and impersonate users.
- Cryptocurrency Wallet Targeting: Attempts to access data from wallets such as Armory, Bytecoin, Coinomi, Exodus, Ethereum, Electrum, Atomic Wallet, Guarda Wallet, and Zcash.
The stolen data is then transmitted to the attackers, who can use it for financial gain, identity theft, or further dissemination of malware.
Should You Be Worried?
Absolutely. MaksStealer poses a significant threat to your digital security and privacy. By silently extracting sensitive information, it can lead to unauthorized access to your accounts, financial loss, and identity theft. Its ability to target cryptocurrency wallets adds another layer of risk, as stolen funds are virtually impossible to recover due to the irreversible nature of blockchain transactions. Immediate action is essential to mitigate these risks.
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.
- 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.
- Windows 7/8:
- Restart your PC and keep pressing F8 before Windows loads.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
Step 2: End Malicious Processes in Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look for suspicious processes (e.g., randomized names, high CPU usage, or unknown apps).
- 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.
Step 3: Uninstall Suspicious Programs
- Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
- Look for unknown or recently installed suspicious software.
- Right-click the suspect entry and select Uninstall.
Step 4: Delete Malicious Files and Registry Entries
Info-stealers leave behind hidden files and registry keys to ensure persistence.
- Open File Explorer and navigate to:
C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local
C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Roaming
C:\ProgramData
C:\Windows\Temp
- 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.
Step 5: Clear Browser Data and Reset DNS
Since info-stealers target browsers, you need to clear stored credentials.
Clear Browsing Data
- Open Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
- Go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Clear Browsing Data.
- Select Passwords, Cookies, and Cached files and click Clear Data.
Reset DNS
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:bashCopyEdit
ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew
- Restart your computer.
Step 6: Scan for Rootkits
Even after manual removal, some info-stealers may hide as rootkits.
- Download Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit or Microsoft Safety Scanner.
- Run a deep scan and remove any detected threats.
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.
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
- Locate the SpyHunter-Installer.exe file in your Downloads folder.
- Double-click to start the installation.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and launch SpyHunter after installation.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Click “Start Scan” to analyze your system.
- SpyHunter will detect any info-stealers, trojans, or keyloggers.
- 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.
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.
Conclusion
MaksStealer is a dangerous piece of malware designed to extract sensitive data by disguising itself as a legitimate performance mod or cheat tool. It tricks users, especially gamers, into executing it, leading to serious privacy breaches and financial losses. Its range of capabilities makes it a significant threat to both casual users and cryptocurrency holders.