StyleServ, a backdoor malware, operates in stealth mode and likely serves as an initial reconnaissance tool for advanced, targeted cyberattacks. While its functionality remains undisclosed, StyleServ utilizes covert distribution tactics, including phishing, deceptive attachments, and malicious links.
This malware poses a significant risk, potentially leading to data breaches, system failures, and privacy violations. Its elusive nature highlights the need for stringent security measures to counteract emerging cyberattack threats.
StyleServ Overview
StyleServ is classified as a backdoor-type malware. Backdoors are a category of malicious software that serves as an entry point for attackers, allowing them to gain unauthorized access to a compromised system. While the precise intentions behind StyleServ’s deployment may vary, it’s typically utilized as a preparatory tool to facilitate additional stages of infection or the download and installation of other malicious components. The ultimate objectives of the attackers deploying StyleServ can range from data exfiltration to system control, depending on their malicious intent.
Detection results of vendors on virustotal
| Name | StyleServ |
| Detection | Trojan.Win32.Injector.dd!s1, Trojan:Win32/Injector!MSR (Microsoft) |
| Threat Type | Trojan, backdoor, loader. |
| Similar Behavitor | WhiskerSpy, MQsTTang |
| 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 StyleServ Virus |
Technical Analysis
As previously mentioned, StyleServ’s specific functions remain unclear at present. However, this malware is likely used in a preparatory role during targeted attacks, primarily focusing on scanning infiltrated networks for critical information that can advance the attack. This information may include identifying system vulnerabilities and security weaknesses. Such preparatory tools are instrumental in targeted attacks, providing flexibility as they adapt to the target’s unique security environment.
One notable technique associated with StyleServ infections is the use of DLL side-loading. This method exploits the Windows DLL search to utilize a legitimate program to execute a malicious payload. StyleServ is often involved in passive attacks, focusing on system monitoring, including scanning vulnerabilities and open ports. Passive attacks may involve minimal interaction with the compromised system, or they can engage in active reconnaissance, such as port scanning, to identify potential weaknesses and points of entry within the network.
In StyleServ infections, the malware creates multiple threads, each assigned to a different port, to monitor network activities. These threads periodically check for a file named “stylers.bin” and, if valid, serve it in network requests. This process effectively establishes encrypted connections on these ports for remote access and control. It’s worth noting that StyleServ has been tentatively associated with the Cur malware group. A sample of StyleServ was submitted by the same user who uploaded a variant of the CurLu loader, potentially linking both with the same threat actor operating within the Cur malware family.
The risks associated with StyleServ and similar infections depend on the malware’s capabilities and the attackers’ objectives. Typically, these infections pose threats, including diminished system performance, data loss, severe privacy breaches, financial losses, and potential identity theft. However, the consequences can be far more heavy when targeting high-value or sensitive entities.
StyleServ Overview
StyleServ often conceals itself within seemingly innocuous files or software packages in these covert operations. These can take on multiple forms, such as executable files, archives, Microsoft Office documents, or PDF files. Various cunning tactics characterize the distribution techniques favored by cybercriminals who deploy StyleServ. These include leveraging malicious attachments and deceptive links within spam, direct, private, and SMS emails. Drive-by downloads, designed to ensnare victims without their knowledge or consent, are also part of the repertoire. In addition, online scams, deceptive advertisements (malvertising), and questionable download sources, particularly on unofficial and free file-hosting websites and peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing networks, are commonly utilized.
Furthermore, StyleServ may be disseminated through illegal software activation tools known as “cracks” and counterfeit software updates that deceive users. In some instances, StyleServ can self-propagate via local networks and removable storage devices, like USB flash drives and external hard drives, thereby multiplying its presence across systems. This malware’s sophisticated nature underscores the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures and an unwavering vigilance against evolving threats.
Remove StyleServ 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 Stealers as shown from our tests with the software, and we assure you that it can remove StyleServ 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 “StyleServ” 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 StyleServ 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 StyleServ 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 StyleServ 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.
How to Remove StyleServ Malware
Name: StyleServ
Description: StyleServ, a backdoor malware, operates in stealth mode and likely serves as an initial reconnaissance tool for advanced, targeted cyberattacks. While its functionality remains undisclosed, StyleServ utilizes covert distribution tactics, including phishing, deceptive attachments, and malicious links. This malware poses a significant risk, potentially leading to data breaches, system failures, and privacy violations. Its elusive nature highlights the need for stringent security measures to counteract emerging cyberattack threats.
Operating System: Windows
Application Category: Malware
