How to remove BugSleep Backdoor

What is BugSleep Backdoor

BugSleep Backdoor is a sophisticated malware classified as a backdoor-type Trojan, primarily used for initial system infiltration to pave the way for further malicious activities. Created by the threat actor MuddyWater, associated with the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), it has been active since early 2024. This malware is equipped with advanced anti-detection and anti-analysis features, allowing it to evade sandbox environments and persistently operate within infected systems. BugSleep Backdoor can execute various commands, manipulate files, and inject its code into legitimate processes such as PowerShell, Microsoft Edge, and Google Chrome. Typically distributed through malspam campaigns, it often arrives via email attachments or malicious links. Once executed, it connects to a command and control (C&C) server, enabling remote attackers to manage the compromised system. The presence of BugSleep Backdoor poses severe risks, including data theft, identity fraud, and potential financial losses.

How BugSleep Backdoor infected your system

BugSleep Backdoor malware primarily infiltrates computers through malicious spam campaigns, commonly known as malspam. These campaigns often involve emails that appear legitimate but contain harmful attachments or links. For instance, BugSleep has been distributed via PDF attachments that, when opened, lead to the download of a ZIP archive containing the malware executable. Once executed, BugSleep self-injects into legitimate processes and establishes persistence by setting itself as a scheduled task. Additionally, the malware can evade detection by employing anti-analysis features and hiding its activities within genuine system processes. This sophisticated approach allows BugSleep to execute commands, steal files, and prepare the system for further malicious activities, posing significant threats to infected devices.

1. Download BugSleep Backdoor Removal Tool
2. Use Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool to remove BugSleep Backdoor
3. Use Autoruns to remove BugSleep Backdoor
4. Files, folders and registry keys of BugSleep Backdoor
5. Other aliases of BugSleep Backdoor
6. How to protect from threats, like BugSleep Backdoor

Remove BugSleep Backdoor manually

Manual removal of BugSleep Backdoor by inexperienced users may become a difficult task because it does not create entries in Add/Remove Programs under Control Panel, does not install browser extensions, and uses random file names. However, there are pre-installed instruments in the Windows system, that allow you to detect and remove malware without using third-party applications. One of them is Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. It comes with Windows Update in Windows 11, 10, 8. 8.1. For older operating system you can download it here: 64-bit version | 32-bit version.

Remove BugSleep Backdoor using Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

1. Type mrt in the search box near Start Menu.
2. Run mrt clicking on found item.
3. Click Next button.
4. Choose one of the scan modes Quick scan, Full scan, Customize scan (Full scan recommended).
5. Click Next button.
6. Click on View detailed results of the scan link to view the scan details.
7. Click Finish button.

Remove BugSleep Backdoor using Autoruns

BugSleep Backdoor often sets up to run at Windows startup as an Autorun entry or Scheduled task.

1. Download Autoruns using this link.
2. Extract the archive and run Autoruns.exe file.
3. In Options menu make sure there are checkboxes near Hide Empty Locations, Hide Microsoft Entries, and Hide Windows Entries.
4. Search for suspicious entries with weird names or running from locations like: C:\{username}\AppData\Roaming.
5. Right-click on suspicious entry and choose Delete. This will prevent the threat to run at startup.
6. Switch to Scheduled Tasks tab and do the same.
7. To remove files themselves, click on suspicious entries and choose Jump to Entry…. Remove files or registry keys found.

Remove files, folder and registry keys of BugSleep Backdoor

BugSleep Backdoor files and folders


{randomname}.exe


BugSleep Backdoor registry keys


no information


Aliases of BugSleep Backdoor

How to protect from threats, like BugSleep Backdoor, in future

Standard Windows protection or any decent third-party antivirus (Norton, Avast, Kaspersky) should be able to detect and remove BugSleep Backdoor. However, if you got infected with BugSleep Backdoor with existing and updated security software, you may consider changing it. To feel safe and protect your PC from BugSleep Backdoor on all levels (browser, e-mail attachments, Word or Excel scripts, file system) we recommend a leading provider of internet security solutions – BitDefender. Its solutions both for home and business users proved to be one of the most advanced and effective. Choose and get your BitDefender protection via the button below:

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