SparkRAT, a malware developed in Go, poses a significant threat across Windows, Linux, and macOS systems. It spreads through malicious email attachments, compromised websites, and unsafe software downloads.
Once installed, SparkRAT Malware enables comprehensive control via features like process management, file exploration, and system command execution. Its capabilities extend from mere observation to direct system manipulation, making it a critical security concern.
SparkRAT Malware Overview
SparkRAT, developed using the Go programming language, is a versatile Remote Administration Trojan (RAT) that operates across different platforms. It enables operators to control infected devices via a web browser. This RAT boasts various features, including a process manager, file explorer, desktop monitor, and file editor. These tools provide complete control over compromised systems.
SparkRAT Malware on Virus Total site
| Name | SparkRAT |
| Threat Type | Remote Administration Trojan (RAT) |
| Symptoms | Remote Access Trojans are designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim’s computer and remain silent, and thus no particular symptoms are clearly visible on an infected machine. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, software ‘cracks’. |
| Similar Behavior | PySilonRAT, JanelaRAT, DarkVisionRAT |
| Detection | Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/GoRat.DA!MTB), Gridinsoft (Ransom.Win64.Wacatac.oa!s1) |
| Damage | Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, the victim’s computer added to a botnet. |
| Fix Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by SparkRAT Virus |
Technical Analysis of SparkRAT
SparkRAT operates on Windows, Linux, and macOS, but its features vary across these platforms. The malware’s process manager lets the operator oversee and manipulate running processes on the infected device. Operators can terminate processes to control the system’s resources. The network traffic feature monitors and analyzes data flow, providing insight into network activities. Also, SparkRAT’s file-related features enhance its system control capabilities. The file explorer offers a detailed view of the device’s file structure, enabling navigation and file access. The file transfer function allows the movement of files to and from the infected device and the control center, facilitating unauthorized data transfer. With its code highlighting ability, the file editor lets operators modify files on the compromised system, potentially injecting malicious code.
SparkRAT promoted on GitHub
The malware’s capability to gather system information and access the terminal strengthens its control over core system functionalities. SparkRAT also empowers the operator to execute various commands, including system shutdown, reboot, log off, sleep, hibernate, and lock screen. This level of control surpasses simple observation and file manipulation, giving operators extensive authority over the infected system.
Spreading methods
Computers can be infected with malware in several ways. A common method involves malicious email attachments or links. Threat actors send emails with infected attachments or links, which, when opened or clicked, inject malware into the system. Visiting compromised or malicious websites is another frequent infection route. These sites may contain malicious code that exploits browser or operating system vulnerabilities, causing malware to download and install unintentionally. Malicious ads can also lead to infections.
Downloading software or files from unreliable sources, like unofficial websites, third-party downloaders, or peer-to-peer networks, also poses a risk. This includes pirated software and cracking tools, which often harbor malicious software, increasing the likelihood of computer infection.
How to remove the SparkRAT Malware from my PC?
The most effective approach to malware removal from your device involves utilizing anti-malware software. I recommend GridinSoft Anti-Malware as it offers a rapid, lightweight, and highly efficient security solution capable of effectively thwarting a wide range of threats, including SparkRAT. You can explore its capabilities during a 6-day free trial period.
While manual removal of the threat is technically possible, I strongly discourage this method. In its pursuit of establishing persistence, Malware generates numerous instances of itself, making it exceedingly difficult to trace all its components manually. Consequently, manual removal can be time-consuming and often yield minimal to no results. Below, I have assembled a guide outlining the most effective removal practices for SparkRAT Malware.
Remove SparkRAT with Gridinsoft Anti-Malware
We have also been using this software on our systems ever since, and it has always been successful in detecting viruses. It has blocked the most common malware as shown from our tests with the software, and we assure you that it can remove SparkRAT as well as other malware hiding on your computer.
To use Gridinsoft for remove malicious threats, follow the steps below:
1. Begin by downloading Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, accessible via the blue button below or directly from the official website gridinsoft.com.
2.Once the Gridinsoft setup file (setup-gridinsoft-fix.exe) is downloaded, execute it by clicking on the file.
3.Follow the installation setup wizard's instructions diligently.
4. Access the "Scan Tab" on the application's start screen and launch a comprehensive "Full Scan" to examine your entire computer. This inclusive scan encompasses the memory, startup items, the registry, services, drivers, and all files, ensuring that it detects malware hidden in all possible locations.
Be patient, as the scan duration depends on the number of files and your computer's hardware capabilities. Use this time to relax or attend to other tasks.
5. Upon completion, Anti-Malware will present a detailed report containing all the detected malicious items and threats on your PC.
6. Select all the identified items from the report and confidently click the "Clean Now" button. This action will safely remove the malicious files from your computer, transferring them to the secure quarantine zone of the anti-malware program to prevent any further harmful actions.
8. If prompted, restart your computer to finalize the full system scan procedure. This step is crucial to ensure thorough removal of any remaining threats. After the restart, Gridinsoft Anti-Malware will open and display a message confirming the completion of the scan.
Remember Gridinsoft offers a 6-day free trial. This means you can take advantage of the trial period at no cost to experience the full benefits of the software and prevent any future malware infections on your system. Embrace this opportunity to fortify your computer's security without any financial commitment.
Trojan Killer for “SparkRAT” removal on locked PC
In situations where it becomes impossible to download antivirus applications directly onto the infected computer due to malware blocking access to websites, an alternative solution is to utilize the Trojan Killer application.
There is a really little number of security tools that are able to be set up on the USB drives, and antiviruses that can do so in most cases require to obtain quite an expensive license. For this instance, I can recommend you to use another solution of GridinSoft - Trojan Killer Portable. It has a 14-days cost-free trial mode that offers the entire features of the paid version. This term will definitely be 100% enough to wipe malware out.
Trojan Killer is a valuable tool in your cybersecurity arsenal, helping you to effectively remove malware from infected computers. Now, we will walk you through the process of using Trojan Killer from a USB flash drive to scan and remove malware on an infected PC. Remember, always obtain permission to scan and remove malware from a computer that you do not own.
Step 1: Download & Install Trojan Killer on a Clean Computer:
1. Go to the official GridinSoft website (gridinsoft.com) and download Trojan Killer to a computer that is not infected.
2. Insert a USB flash drive into this computer.
3. Install Trojan Killer to the "removable drive" following the on-screen instructions.
4. Once the installation is complete, launch Trojan Killer.
Step 2: Update Signature Databases:
5. After launching Trojan Killer, ensure that your computer is connected to the Internet.
6. Click "Update" icon to download the latest signature databases, which will ensure the tool can detect the most recent threats.
Step 3: Scan the Infected PC:
7. Safely eject the USB flash drive from the clean computer.
8. Boot the infected computer to the Safe Mode.
9. Insert the USB flash drive.
10. Run tk.exe
11. Once the program is open, click on "Full Scan" to begin the malware scanning process.
Step 4: Remove Found Threats:
12. After the scan is complete, Trojan Killer will display a list of detected threats.
13. Click on "Cure PC!" to remove the identified malware from the infected PC.
14. Follow any additional on-screen prompts to complete the removal process.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer:
15. Once the threats are removed, click on "Restart PC" to reboot your computer.
16. Remove the USB flash drive from the infected computer.
Congratulations on effectively removing SparkRAT and the concealed threats from your computer! You can now have peace of mind, knowing that they won't resurface again. Thanks to Gridinsoft's capabilities and commitment to cybersecurity, your system is now protected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Reformatting your storage device should only be considered as a last resort for removing SparkRAT malware. Prior to taking such drastic action, it is advisable to perform a comprehensive scan using trustworthy antivirus or anti-malware software.
Malware poses a significant risk to the security and privacy of sensitive information, potentially leading to identity theft, financial loss, and unauthorized access to personal accounts. Furthermore, it can disrupt the normal operation of a system, causing performance issues, system crashes, and data corruption.
The purpose of SparkRAT is to enable remote access and control of compromised devices. It allows threat actors to perform various malicious activities, such as unauthorized access, data theft, system manipulation, and disabling security measures, potentially causing significant harm to individuals and organizations.
Gridinsoft Anti-Malware has the ability to identify and eliminate most malware infections. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that sophisticated malware can remain hidden deep within the system. Consequently, conducting a complete system scan is imperative to detect and eradicate malware.
