Xeno RAT is a pernicious malware that infiltrates systems through phishing, exploiting software vulnerabilities, and dubious downloads from compromised websites or P2P networks.
Its extensive control features stand out, including surveillance capabilities like webcam and microphone access, keystroke logging, and system manipulation. This malware exemplifies the sophisticated blend of stealthy infiltration and comprehensive control in modern cyber threats.
Xeno RAT Overview
Xeno is a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) that enables threat actors to control computers remotely. It is written in the C# programming language, ensuring it operates seamlessly on Windows 10 and 11 operating systems. To mitigate risks, victims must promptly remove Xeno from any infected systems.
Xeno Malware on VirusTotal
| Name | Xeno |
| Threat Type | Remote Administration Trojan |
| Detection | VBS/TrojanDownloader.Agent.ZRZ |
| Damage | Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, additional infections, monetary loss, stolen personal accounts, system crashes, and more. |
| Similar Behavitor | SparkRAT, JanelaRAT |
| Fix Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by Xeno Virus |
Technical Analysis
Xeno RAT has a chat function, enabling direct communication between the attacker and the victim. It also features a Bluescreen (BSoD) function, allowing attackers to trigger system crashes, adding a disruptive twist. The malware’s message box function displays dialog boxes, such as pop-up windows, to the victim. Attackers can playfully assert control by toggling the monitor on/off and opening/closing the CD tray.
Xeno’s surveillance capabilities are extensive. It uses Hidden Virtual Network Computing (HVNC) for covert observation and control of the victim’s desktop. The webcam feature remotely activates the target’s camera, and the live microphone function allows for real-time audio monitoring. The RAT includes key logger and offline key logger features, capturing keystrokes and logging sensitive information for later retrieval. Its screen control feature enables manipulation and observation of the victim’s display.
System-wise, Xeno RAT offers attackers comprehensive control. Its Reverse Proxy capability hides the attacker’s identity by routing network traffic through the compromised system. The Process Manager enables the termination or manipulation of processes, further controlling system resources. It also has File, Registry, and Shell managers to explore and manipulate files and system configurations and execute commands.
An information-grabbing feature extracts sensitive data like cookies and passwords, which is crucial for attackers aiming to compromise user credentials. Its startup function ensures persistence, keeping the RAT active even after the system reboots. Xeno RAT can bypass User Account Control (UAC) using techniques like Cmstp, Windir, and Disk Cleanup, elevating privileges and sidestepping security measures. Client-oriented features control the RAT’s activity and presence, including close, relaunch, and uninstall options. Moreover, shutdown and restart functionalities give attackers control over the system’s operational state.
Spreading Methods
Your computer might have been infected with Xeno RAT through several deceptive tactics commonly used by cybercriminals. Phishing is a frequent method where attackers send convincing emails or messages with malicious links or attachments. When you unknowingly click on these links or open the attachments, the malware is downloaded and executed on your system.
Cybercriminals also exploit software vulnerabilities. They target outdated or unpatched software, using security flaws to gain unauthorized access and plant malware. Infections can also arise from pirated software, cracking tools, or encountering malicious advertisements. Other standard infiltration methods include drive-by downloads from compromised or untrustworthy websites, files from peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, third-party downloaders, and similar sources.
How To Remove Xeno RAT
While removing the threat manually is technically possible, I advise against it. Malware, aiming for persistence, multiplies its instances, making complete tracing challenging. Manual removals are often time-consuming and inefficient.
The most effective approach is using anti-malware software. I recommend GridinSoft Anti-Malware for its speed, light footprint, and effectiveness in repelling threats like this one. It offers a 6-day free trial, providing a good opportunity to assess its capabilities. Refer to the guide below for detailed removal practices for this specific threat.
Remove Xeno 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 Xeno 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 “Xeno” 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 Xeno 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 Xeno 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 Xeno 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.
