Moonrise RAT

Moonrise RAT is a Go-based Remote Access Trojan (RAT) designed to give attackers persistent control over infected Windows systems. Unlike noisy malware that crashes systems or displays obvious warnings, Moonrise operates quietly in the background. Once inside, it can steal sensitive data, manipulate processes, and deploy additional payloads.

This isn’t a nuisance-level infection. It’s a backdoor.

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Moonrise RAT Threat Summary

Threat Type	Remote Access Trojan (RAT)
Detection Names	Trojan.Generic, Win32/Wacatac, MalwareX-gen, Spy.Agent variants
Symptoms	Minimal visible symptoms, unusual outbound traffic, disabled security tools
Damage & Distribution	Credential theft, remote control, malware deployment; spread via phishing emails, cracked software, malicious downloads
Danger Level	High – Full system compromise possible
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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How Moonrise RAT Installs on Systems

Moonrise RAT doesn’t rely on exploits alone — it relies on user execution.

Common infection vectors include:

• Malicious email attachments disguised as invoices, reports, or shipping documents
• Fake software updates and trojanized installers
• Cracked programs and keygens
• Malvertising campaigns that redirect to weaponized downloads

Once executed, the payload establishes persistence mechanisms so it launches at startup. It may modify registry keys, create scheduled tasks, or drop additional components to ensure it survives reboots.

Because it’s written in Go, the binary can be relatively large and less recognizable to older detection engines — giving it more room to operate before being flagged.

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What Data Moonrise RAT Tries to Steal

Moonrise isn’t just about remote access — it’s about data exfiltration.

The Trojan can:

• Extract saved browser credentials
• Capture authentication tokens and session cookies
• Log keystrokes
• Monitor clipboard activity
• Access local files and system directories
• Execute arbitrary shell commands
• Upload/download files between victim and attacker

In business environments, that means VPN credentials, RDP access, and cloud authentication tokens are all at risk. Once attackers gain a foothold, lateral movement across a network becomes possible.

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Persistence Tactics Used by Moonrise RAT

Moonrise uses standard but effective persistence techniques:

• Registry Run key modifications
• Scheduled task creation
• Background process injection
• Potential disabling or tampering with security tools

Because it functions as a command-and-control (C2) client, it maintains communication with a remote server. That channel allows attackers to update functionality dynamically, deploy additional malware (including ransomware), or escalate privileges if needed.

In short: even if the initial infection looks minor, the second-stage payload might not be.

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

Moonrise RAT is a high-risk Trojan capable of full remote system control and credential theft. Its stealthy behavior makes it particularly dangerous for both home users and enterprise environments.

If you suspect infection:

1. Immediately disconnect the device from the network.
2. Perform a full system scan using a reputable anti-malware solution.
3. Remove all detected threats.
4. Change all passwords from a clean device.
5. Monitor financial and corporate accounts for suspicious activity.

For automatic detection and cleanup, use a professional anti-malware scanner: SpyHunter.