How to remove PupkinStealer

What is PupkinStealer

PupkinStealer is a powerful information-stealing malware developed using the .NET framework, specifically designed to siphon sensitive data from compromised systems. Upon execution, it initiates multiple tasks targeting saved browser passwords, desktop files, Telegram sessions, Discord tokens, and even captures screenshots of the victim’s screen. Exfiltration of stolen information is typically carried out through Telegram, which is commonly used by cybercriminals for its convenience and privacy features. Unlike some persistent threats, PupkinStealer does not attempt to remain active after a system reboot; instead, it performs its data theft operations swiftly and then exits. This malware is often distributed through malicious email attachments, pirated software, and deceptive online advertisements, making it a significant risk for inattentive users. Victims face the potential for identity theft, financial loss, and further compromise of their online accounts due to the broad range of data targeted. Since it operates silently, most users will not notice any visible symptoms until their credentials or personal information have already been misused. Prompt detection and removal are critical to minimizing the damage caused by PupkinStealer infections.

How PupkinStealer infected your system

PupkinStealer, an information-stealing malware, infiltrates computers primarily through deceptive tactics that exploit user trust and software vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals often distribute PupkinStealer via phishing emails containing malicious attachments disguised as legitimate documents or via bundled downloads with pirated software. Unsuspecting users, believing these files to be safe, execute them, triggering the malware’s installation. Additionally, attackers may use compromised websites, malicious advertisements, or social engineering techniques to trick users into downloading and running the malware. Once executed, PupkinStealer operates stealthily, bypassing typical detection methods, to harvest sensitive information such as passwords and session tokens, which are then transmitted to attackers via channels like Telegram. To minimize infection risk, users should maintain vigilant browsing habits, avoid downloading from untrusted sources, and ensure their systems and security software are regularly updated.

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

Remove PupkinStealer manually

Manual removal of PupkinStealer 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 PupkinStealer 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 PupkinStealer using Autoruns

PupkinStealer 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 PupkinStealer

PupkinStealer files and folders


{randomname}.exe


PupkinStealer registry keys


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Aliases of PupkinStealer

How to protect from threats, like PupkinStealer, in future

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