What is WmRAT
WmRAT is a sophisticated Remote Access Trojan (RAT) designed to infiltrate and control compromised systems remotely. Written in C++, this malware has been strategically deployed by cybercriminals to target high-profile sectors such as government, energy, telecom, defense, and engineering, primarily in regions like Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. By providing attackers with a wide array of functionalities, WmRAT enables the unauthorized access to sensitive files, the execution of system commands, and even the ability to take screenshots, gather geolocation data, and perform system reconnaissance. Its stealthy operation ensures that it often goes undetected, as it conceals itself among legitimate system processes. The malware’s delivery typically involves spearphishing emails containing RAR archives with embedded malicious scripts, which exploit NTFS alternate data streams to execute harmful payloads. Once activated, WmRAT establishes a connection with a command-and-control server, allowing cybercriminals to manipulate the infected machine and potentially inject additional malicious software. The implications of a WmRAT infection are severe, ranging from data theft and financial loss to reputational damage, highlighting the critical need for robust cybersecurity defenses and awareness to prevent such intrusions.
How WmRAT infected your system
WmRAT infiltrates computers primarily through sophisticated spear-phishing campaigns, often targeting organizations within the public sector. The malware is disseminated via emails containing a RAR archive, which includes a seemingly innocuous PDF document alongside a shortcut mimicking a PDF file. This archive cleverly conceals malicious code within NTFS alternate data streams, a technique that helps evade basic detection methods. When a victim opens the archive, they unwittingly execute a PowerShell script that establishes a scheduled task on the infected machine. This task then connects to a hacker-controlled server to download and activate WmRAT, granting the attacker remote access and control over the compromised system. Such infiltration methods highlight the importance of cybersecurity awareness and robust email security measures in protecting against advanced threats like WmRAT.
- Download WmRAT Removal Tool
- Use Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool to remove WmRAT
- Use Autoruns to remove WmRAT
- Files, folders and registry keys of WmRAT
- Other aliases of WmRAT
- How to protect from threats, like WmRAT
Download Removal Tool
To remove WmRAT completely, we recommend you to use SpyHunter 5. It can help you remove files, folders, and registry keys of WmRAT and provides active protection from viruses, trojans, backdoors. The trial version of SpyHunter 5 offers virus scan and 1-time removal for FREE.
Download Alternative Removal Tool
To remove WmRAT completely, we recommend you to use Norton Antivirus from Symantec. It detects and removes all files, folders, and registry keys of WmRAT and several millions of other malware, like viruses, trojans, backdoors.
Remove WmRAT manually
Manual removal of WmRAT 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 WmRAT using Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool
- Type
mrt
in the search box near Start Menu. - Run mrt clicking on found item.
- Click Next button.
- Choose one of the scan modes Quick scan, Full scan, Customize scan (Full scan recommended).
- Click Next button.
- Click on View detailed results of the scan link to view the scan details.
- Click Finish button.
Remove WmRAT using Autoruns
WmRAT often sets up to run at Windows startup as an Autorun entry or Scheduled task.
- Download Autoruns using this link.
- Extract the archive and run Autoruns.exe file.
- In Options menu make sure there are checkboxes near Hide Empty Locations, Hide Microsoft Entries, and Hide Windows Entries.
- Search for suspicious entries with weird names or running from locations like:
C:\{username}\AppData\Roaming
. - Right-click on suspicious entry and choose Delete. This will prevent the threat to run at startup.
- Switch to Scheduled Tasks tab and do the same.
- 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 WmRAT
WmRAT files and folders
{randomname}.exe
WmRAT registry keys
no information
Aliases of WmRAT
How to protect from threats, like WmRAT, in future
Standard Windows protection or any decent third-party antivirus (Norton, Avast, Kaspersky) should be able to detect and remove WmRAT. However, if you got infected with WmRAT with existing and updated security software, you may consider changing it. To feel safe and protect your PC from WmRAT 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: