How to remove DarkGate malware

What is DarkGate malware

DarkGate malware is a sophisticated and versatile malicious software designed to infiltrate computer systems, evade detection, and execute a variety of cyberattacks. First discovered in 2018, DarkGate has evolved significantly, becoming a prominent threat in the cybersecurity landscape. It operates as a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) with infostealer capabilities, allowing attackers to gain control over compromised systems and extract valuable information. The malware is distributed under a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) model, making it accessible to various threat actors for a hefty subscription fee. Once DarkGate infiltrates a system, it follows a complex infection chain to establish control and execute its malicious activities. The initial compromise typically occurs through a malicious attachment or link, which, upon execution, downloads additional payloads from remote servers using techniques like DLL side-loading or obfuscated PowerShell commands. To avoid detection and removal, DarkGate employs sophisticated evasion methods, such as obfuscating malicious code within AutoIt scripts, shellcode encryption, and detecting installed antivirus software. To maintain control over infected systems, DarkGate creates malicious registry keys, injects code into legitimate processes, and adds itself to the startup directory. The malware communicates with its command-and-control (C2) server using HTTP POST requests, often employing custom Base64 encoding to obfuscate data, allowing attackers to send commands and receive stolen data. DarkGate supports a wide range of malicious functionalities, including keylogging, credential theft, remote code execution, privilege escalation, and cryptocurrency mining.

How DarkGate malware infected your system

DarkGate employs multiple tactics to infiltrate systems, leveraging both social engineering and technical exploits. One of the primary methods is through phishing emails, where attackers trick users into downloading malicious attachments or clicking on harmful links. These emails may contain VBScript or MSI files disguised as legitimate documents. Additionally, attackers inject DarkGate into legitimate websites or use malicious advertisements to initiate the download or installation process without the user’s knowledge. The malware also exploits vulnerabilities in software, such as the Windows Defender SmartScreen bypass (CVE-2024-21412), to distribute fake software installers that carry the malware payload. Recent campaigns have utilized compromised Microsoft Teams and Skype accounts to send malicious attachments to unsuspecting users, often containing scripts that trigger the download and installation of DarkGate. Furthermore, DarkGate uses AutoIt and AutoHotkey scripts to execute its payload, helping the malware evade detection by security solutions.

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

Remove DarkGate malware manually

Manual removal of DarkGate malware 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 DarkGate malware 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 DarkGate malware using Autoruns

DarkGate malware 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 DarkGate malware

DarkGate malware files and folders


{randomname}.exe


DarkGate malware registry keys


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Aliases of DarkGate malware

How to protect from threats, like DarkGate malware, in future

Standard Windows protection or any decent third-party antivirus (Norton, Avast, Kaspersky) should be able to detect and remove DarkGate malware. However, if you got infected with DarkGate malware with existing and updated security software, you may consider changing it. To feel safe and protect your PC from DarkGate malware 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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