How to remove PNGPlug

What is PNGPlug

PNGPlug is a sophisticated malware loader primarily targeting Chinese-speaking regions such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China. This malware is typically disseminated through phishing websites, where users are tricked into downloading a malicious Microsoft Installer (MSI) package disguised as legitimate software. Once executed, the installer deploys an inconspicuous application to evade suspicion while extracting an encrypted file harboring the malware. A key component of PNGPlug is a file named “libcef.dll,” which serves as the loader, facilitating the execution of the malware. The malware cleverly utilizes fake .png files to conceal its malicious code, which is injected into the system’s memory, allowing it to operate undetected. PNGPlug’s main objective is to deliver ValleyRAT, a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) capable of executing additional malware, including ransomware, and mining cryptocurrencies. This RAT employs techniques such as shellcode execution, obfuscation, and privilege escalation to ensure its persistence and control over compromised systems, posing a severe threat to affected users.

How PNGPlug infected your system

PNGPlug infiltrates computers primarily through deceptive phishing tactics, where users are lured into downloading a malicious Microsoft Installer (MSI) package disguised as legitimate software. Once executed, this installer stealthily installs a seemingly innocuous application to avoid raising suspicion, while simultaneously extracting an encrypted file containing the malware. A critical component of PNGPlug is the “libcef.dll” file, which acts as a loader, facilitating the injection of malicious code into the system’s memory without detection. The malware further obscures its presence by using fake .png files, like aut.png and view.png, which are actually loaded with malicious code. These files are cleverly designed to appear harmless, yet they play a pivotal role in executing the malware’s payload, ValleyRAT, a Remote Access Trojan that can control the compromised system. Through this sophisticated method of infiltration and execution, PNGPlug effectively bypasses common security measures, making it a significant threat to targeted systems.

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

Remove PNGPlug manually

Manual removal of PNGPlug 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 PNGPlug 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 PNGPlug using Autoruns

PNGPlug 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 PNGPlug

PNGPlug files and folders


{randomname}.exe


PNGPlug registry keys


no information


Aliases of PNGPlug

How to protect from threats, like PNGPlug, in future

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