How to remove TimbreStealer

What is TimbreStealer

TimbreStealer is a sophisticated and obfuscated information-stealing malware that targets users primarily in Mexico. It has been active since at least November 2023 and is known for its use of tax-themed phishing emails as a means of propagation. The malware exhibits a high level of sophistication, employing a variety of techniques to avoid detection, execute stealthily, and ensure persistence on compromised systems. It is important to note that manual removal might not be sufficient for sophisticated malware like TimbreStealer, and the use of professional-grade malware removal tools is often recommended. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing a robust cybersecurity strategy that includes user training and endpoint protection solutions. TimbreStealer is a highly targeted and persistent threat that requires a comprehensive approach to removal and prevention. Users and IT professionals should remain vigilant and employ a combination of technical solutions and user education to protect against such sophisticated malware campaigns.

How TimbreStealer infected your system

TimbreStealer is distributed through phishing campaigns that use financial lures, particularly those related to Mexican tax-related themes, to trick users into visiting compromised websites where the malware payload is hosted. The phishing emails often use Mexico’s digital tax receipt standard, known as Comprobante Fiscal Digital por Internet (CDFI), as a lure. The infection process is multi-staged and highly modularized, involving several layers of obfuscation and anti-analysis measures. The initial dropper is heavily packed and includes an embedded DLL that scans for system calls and decrypts the next stage payload. The orchestrator layer checks the victim’s system language, timezone, and other factors to determine if the target is suitable before launching the payload installer component. The final payload is designed to harvest a wide range of data, including credentials, system metadata, and URLs accessed.

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

Remove TimbreStealer manually

Manual removal of TimbreStealer 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 TimbreStealer 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 TimbreStealer using Autoruns

TimbreStealer 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, folders and registry keys of TimbreStealer

TimbreStealer files and folders


{randomname}.exe


TimbreStealer registry keys


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Aliases of TimbreStealer

How to protect from threats, like TimbreStealer, in future

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