How to remove GuLoader malware

What is GuLoader malware

GuLoader is a notorious malware downloader that has been active since at least 2019. It is known for its sophisticated evasion techniques and its ability to distribute a wide range of payloads, including remote access trojans (RATs) and information stealers. This article provides an informative, preventive, and technical perspective on GuLoader, detailing what it is, how it infects computers, and how to remove it. GuLoader, also known as CloudEyE, is a shellcode-based downloader that is heavily used in mass malware campaigns. It is designed to infect users with popular stealer malware like Raccoon, Vidar, and Redline, as well as commodity RATs like Remcos. GuLoader is characterized by its use of advanced anti-analysis techniques, including control flow obfuscation, encryption, and the use of legitimate cloud services like Google Drive to host its encrypted payloads. GuLoader is a highly evasive and adaptable malware downloader that poses a significant threat to individuals and organizations alike. Understanding its infection mechanisms and employing robust security measures are essential for protection against such threats. If infected, following a systematic approach to removal and employing reputable security tools can help eradicate the malware from the system.

How GuLoader malware infected your system

GuLoader typically spreads through phishing campaigns, where victims are tricked into downloading and installing the malware through malicious email attachments or links. The infection process can be broken down into several stages:

Initial Delivery: GuLoader is often delivered via spam email campaigns containing malicious attachments or links. These attachments may be archived files that contain the GuLoader executable.
Shellcode Deployment: Upon execution, GuLoader deploys shellcode that is responsible for the next stages of the infection. This shellcode is often obfuscated and packed to evade detection.
Environment Check and Code Injection: GuLoader performs checks to ensure it is not running in an analysis environment. It then injects its shellcode into a legitimate process to avoid arousing suspicion.
Payload Download and Execution: The final stage involves downloading the actual payload from a remote server, decrypting it, and executing it in memory without dropping the decrypted data to the hard drive.

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

Remove GuLoader malware manually

Manual removal of GuLoader malware 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 GuLoader malware 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 GuLoader malware using Autoruns

GuLoader malware 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 GuLoader malware

GuLoader malware files and folders


{randomname}.exe


GuLoader malware registry keys


no information


Aliases of GuLoader malware

How to protect from threats, like GuLoader malware, in future

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