Stealc_v2 Malware

The digital threat landscape is continuously evolving, and cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated in their techniques. One of the newest and most dangerous additions to the malware world is Stealc_v2—a powerful and lightweight stealer-type malware that first emerged in April 2025. As a follow-up to the original Stealc, this variant introduces more advanced features for harvesting and exfiltrating sensitive data from infected systems.

Written in C++, Stealc_v2 is currently being sold on underground forums, indicating a growing interest among cybercriminals. Its design focuses on stealth, flexibility, and broad targeting—making it a serious threat for both individual users and organizations.

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What Is Stealc_v2?

Stealc_v2 is categorized as stealer malware, with capabilities that go far beyond just password theft. It is configurable and highly modular, enabling attackers to tailor its functions for different attack scenarios. The malware is only around 770 KB in size, yet it includes features such as:

• Obfuscation techniques to avoid antivirus detection
• The ability to harvest data from over 20 Chromium and Gecko-based browsers
• Extraction of autofill details, cookies, login credentials, and card data
• Targeting of over 100 browser extensions, including crypto-related ones
• Attacks on email clients, messaging apps, VPNs, gaming platforms, and over 15 cryptocurrency wallets

Moreover, Stealc_v2 includes a grabber for searching and exfiltrating files of interest and a built-in loader to download and execute additional payloads—potentially leading to further infections such as ransomware, trojans, or cryptominers.

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Threat Details Table

Attribute	Details
Threat Name	Stealc_v2 malware
Threat Type	Trojan, Stealer, Password-Stealing Virus
Associated Email	N/A
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:Agent-BEHY [Drp]), ESET (Win64/Agent.FQU), Kaspersky (Trojan-PSW.Win64.Stealer.algk), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml), Combo Cleaner (Generic.Shellcode.Loader.Marte.X.F58F664E)
Symptoms of Infection	No clear symptoms – designed to remain hidden
Distribution Methods	Malicious email attachments, fake ads, software cracks, social engineering
Damage Potential	Stolen credentials, financial losses, identity theft, secondary infections
Danger Level	Critical
Recommended Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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Why Stealc_v2 Is So Dangerous

What makes Stealc_v2 especially dangerous is its modularity and stealth. Unlike traditional malware, which may exhibit noticeable signs like sluggish performance or pop-ups, Stealc_v2 remains largely undetectable without specialized tools. It quietly infiltrates systems, grabs as much information as it can, and then exfiltrates that data to attacker-controlled servers.

Its loader functionality makes it a gateway to more serious infections. Once embedded, it can download more dangerous payloads—potentially allowing attackers to hold your system for ransom or incorporate it into a botnet.

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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.

Conclusion

Stealc_v2 is not just another stealer—it’s a sophisticated, all-in-one toolkit for cybercriminals. Its capability to extract personal, financial, and authentication data from a wide range of apps and services makes it one of the most critical threats of 2025. If you suspect your system might be infected, immediate action is necessary.
Use SpyHunter, a trusted anti-malware solution, to scan and eliminate Stealc_v2 and prevent further data compromise.