How to remove StaryDobry

What is StaryDobry

StaryDobry is a malware campaign that has been targeting gamers by embedding itself in pirated versions of popular video games. Distributed primarily through torrent sites, the malicious software has been found hiding within cracked installers for games like Garry’s Mod, BeamNG.drive, and Dyson Sphere Program. Once a user downloads and executes these compromised game installers, StaryDobry delivers a payload that includes the XMRig cryptocurrency miner. This miner exploits the powerful processors of gaming PCs to mine Monero, a type of cryptocurrency, without the user’s consent. The campaign has been notably active during holiday seasons when torrent activity peaks, allowing it to reach a large number of users in a short time. It primarily targets countries such as Germany, Russia, Brazil, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. To avoid detection, StaryDobry employs sophisticated evasion techniques, such as spoofing file names and manipulating timestamps. Users are strongly advised to avoid pirated software and ensure their systems are protected with robust anti-malware solutions.

How StaryDobry infected your system

The StaryDobry malware campaign operates by embedding malicious code within pirated game installers, commonly distributed through torrent sites. When users download these cracked versions of popular games like Garry’s Mod and BeamNG.drive, they inadvertently execute a malware dropper disguised within the installer package. This dropper operates stealthily, first checking for virtual machines or security software to avoid detection. If the environment is deemed safe, it registers itself for persistence using regsvr32.exe, and subsequently collects system information such as OS details and CPU specifications, which are sent to a command and control server. Following this, a secondary loader disguised as a Windows system file is installed, which initiates the XMRig cryptocurrency miner if the system meets certain hardware requirements, specifically targeting systems with at least eight CPU cores to maximize Monero mining efficiency. The malware employs sophisticated evasion techniques, including file name spoofing and encrypted communications, making it challenging to detect and remove.

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

Remove StaryDobry manually

Manual removal of StaryDobry 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 StaryDobry 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 StaryDobry using Autoruns

StaryDobry 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 StaryDobry

StaryDobry files and folders


{randomname}.exe


StaryDobry registry keys


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Aliases of StaryDobry

How to protect from threats, like StaryDobry, in future

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