How to remove WolfsBane Backdoor

What is WolfsBane Backdoor

WolfsBane Backdoor is a newly identified Linux-based malware linked to the China-aligned Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group known as Gelsemium. This sophisticated backdoor is a Linux adaptation of the previously utilized Gelsevirine, which has targeted Windows systems since 2014. Designed to conduct cyber espionage, WolfsBane can harvest sensitive data such as system details, credentials, and files, while maintaining prolonged access to compromised systems. Its introduction marks Gelsemium’s first documented use of Linux-targeted malware, signaling a strategic expansion of their operational scope. The initial access method for WolfsBane remains uncertain, but it is suspected to involve exploiting unpatched web application vulnerabilities. Once deployed, it utilizes a modified open-source BEURK rootkit to execute commands from a remote server, making its activities difficult to detect. This development highlights the growing trend among threat actors to focus on Linux environments, necessitating enhanced security measures to counter such advanced threats.

How WolfsBane Backdoor infected your system

WolfsBane Backdoor is a sophisticated piece of malware linked to the China-aligned Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group known as Gelsemium. It primarily targets Linux systems, marking a significant shift in the group’s focus from Windows-based operations. The initial infection vector for WolfsBane remains uncertain; however, it is suspected that the attackers exploit unpatched web application vulnerabilities to deploy web shells, which then act as conduits for delivering the backdoor via a dropper. Once installed, WolfsBane utilizes a modified open-source BEURK rootkit to conceal its presence and maintain long-term access to compromised systems. This allows the attackers to execute commands remotely, harvest sensitive data, and conduct prolonged cyber espionage activities. The emergence of WolfsBane underscores the growing trend of targeting Linux environments, necessitating robust security measures to detect and mitigate such advanced threats.

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

Remove WolfsBane Backdoor manually

Manual removal of WolfsBane 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 WolfsBane 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 WolfsBane Backdoor using Autoruns

WolfsBane 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 WolfsBane Backdoor

WolfsBane Backdoor files and folders


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WolfsBane Backdoor registry keys


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Aliases of WolfsBane Backdoor

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

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