Venom Loader: Understanding the Malware Threat and How to Remove It

Venom Loader is a newly identified malware loader that has been linked to the cybercriminal group known as Venom Spider. As a part of a broader malware-as-a-service (MaaS) operation, Venom Loader works as a delivery mechanism for more malicious payloads, including a JavaScript backdoor called More_eggs lite. This malware is capable of executing remote code on infected systems, giving attackers control over them and allowing them to deploy further malicious tools or steal sensitive information.

Venom Loader is an advanced piece of malware that operates covertly to avoid detection, often camouflaged as decoy images or other non-suspicious files. Its payload is tailored for each victim, making it harder to detect and neutralize. Once inside a system, Venom Loader enables attackers to carry out a wide range of activities, including spying on the victim, stealing money, deploying ransomware, and more.

How Venom Loader Works

Venom Loader primarily functions as a delivery tool, enabling the installation of more dangerous payloads on an infected machine. Cybercriminals commonly use it in conjunction with social engineering techniques, such as malicious shortcut files, decoy images, or cryptocurrency-related lures, to trick users into executing the malware.

One of the most common payloads delivered by Venom Loader is More_eggs lite, a JavaScript-based backdoor that allows remote code execution (RCE). This capability gives attackers control of the infected system, potentially enabling them to:

• Steal sensitive information, such as login credentials and banking details.
• Monitor and track the victim’s activities.
• Deploy additional malicious software, such as ransomware, on the victim's system.
• Use the infected machine as part of a botnet for launching further attacks.

Since Venom Loader is designed to remain undetected, it can run silently in the background, making it hard for victims to notice any changes to their system until significant damage has been done.

Threat Summary

Name: Venom malware loader
Threat Type: Malware Loader
Detection Names:

• Avast: Win64:Evo-gen [Trj]
• Combo Cleaner: Trojan.GenericKD.74312409
• ESET-NOD32: A Variant Of Win64/Agent.EOS
• Kaspersky: HEUR:Exploit.Win32.CVE-2020-1362.b
• Microsoft: Trojan:Win32/Bankinc

Symptoms: Venom Loader typically operates in stealth mode, making it difficult for victims to detect. As such, there are usually no immediate symptoms visible on an infected machine. However, once the malware has successfully deployed its payload, victims may notice system slowdowns, unusual network traffic, or the appearance of unknown processes in the system task manager.

Distribution Methods:

• Malicious shortcut files
• Decoy images
• Cryptocurrency-related lures

Potential Damage:

• Theft of passwords and banking information
• Identity theft
• Addition of the victim’s machine to a botnet
• Deployment of ransomware or other malicious payloads

Removing Venom Loader

If you suspect your system is infected with Venom Loader, immediate action is required to prevent further damage. SpyHunter is an effective tool for removing this and other types of malware. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to remove Venom Loader using SpyHunter:

Step 1: Install SpyHunter

1. Download SpyHunter.
2. Install the software by following the on-screen instructions.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter and allow it to update to ensure it has the latest definitions.

Step 2: Perform a System Scan

1. In SpyHunter, go to the "Scan" section and select "Full Scan" to ensure every part of your system is thoroughly checked.
2. Allow SpyHunter to scan for Venom Loader and other malware threats on your system.

Step 3: Review and Remove Threats

1. Once the scan is complete, review the list of detected threats.
2. Find Venom Loader in the results. It will likely appear under one of the detection names mentioned earlier (e.g., Trojan.GenericKD.74312409).
3. Select the threats to be removed and click "Fix" to clean your system.

Step 4: Restart and Perform a Second Scan

1. After the removal process, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
2. Perform a second scan to ensure Venom Loader and any associated malware are completely removed from your system.

Preventive Methods to Avoid Future Infections

Preventing malware infections like Venom Loader is crucial in maintaining system security. Here are some key preventive methods:

Use Antivirus Software

Ensure your system has reliable and up-to-date antivirus software that can detect and block malware before it has a chance to infect your machine.

Be Cautious with Email Attachments and Links

Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Attackers often use phishing emails or messages to deliver malicious payloads.

Enable Automatic Updates

Always keep your operating system and software up to date. Software vendors regularly release security patches that close vulnerabilities that malware could exploit.

Use Strong Passwords

Make sure you use strong, unique passwords for your accounts. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple sites, as this increases the risk of widespread compromise if one account is breached.

Be Cautious with Decoy Files and Shortcuts

Do not open files from unknown or untrusted sources, especially if they contain decoy images or shortcuts that could trigger the execution of malware.

Enable a Firewall

Activate a firewall to help block unauthorized incoming connections to your system, reducing the chances of an attack.

Conclusion

Venom Loader represents a serious threat to both individual and organizational security. Its ability to silently deliver malicious payloads and provide remote access to attackers makes it particularly dangerous. By understanding how Venom Loader works and following a comprehensive removal and prevention strategy, you can significantly reduce the risk of infection and protect your sensitive information.