Nodersok malware (Free Guide) - Removal Instructions

Nodersok malware Removal Guide

What is Nodersok malware?

Nodersok is the fileless malware that turns systems into proxies to perform click-fraud

Nodersok malwareNodersok malware is the virus used to attack thousands of machines in one attack. Nodersok malware is the Trojan already known for its malicious campaigns on thousands of computers. The malware named differently by various researchers, while Microsoft dubbed the strain Nodersok, Cisco Talos research team named this trojan Divergent.[1] Either way this malware is extremely dangerous and is designed to run on Windows computer to infect machines using various techniques. Each virus attack depends on specific tactics but, in most cases, threat focuses on infected files that can be installed form a macro-infected document or a hacker-altered installer.

The initial Nodersok Trojan malware campaign is focused on a copy of Node.js that once downloaded and installed, converts systems into proxies. Malware infected thousands of machines over the course of weeks in Europe and the U.S. This primary attack was focused on home users, although organizations and industries like education, businesses, professionals in finance, healthcare, retail also got affected.[2] However, recent reports state that the malware is still active and might get updates, so trojan can attempt to get on machines belonging to any user.

Name Nodersok malware
Alternate name Divergent
Type Trojan/ Fileless malware
Primary purpose This malware infects the machine to turn the computer into a proxy that can later run malicious activities an use the device to commit click-fraud by earning money through the infected system. Once malicious HTA files get launched on the system, other multi-staged processes get triggered
Possible symptoms You may encounter suspicious processes running on the machine, files added in the background. General slowness and system freezes also can indicate issues related to malware infections
Danger This virus can open a way to the infected system to potential malware infiltrations or even infect the machine with ransomware and other dangerous malware directly loading a payload dropper
Distribution Malicious files get delivered either with the help of spam email attachments or from software installers, maliciously lased websites that contain the infected components
Targets Home users mainly, but the biggest attack was also initiated on businesses and industries
Malicious files Node.js; Node.exe; MSHTA.exe
Elimination Get professional anti-malware tools that can detect and terminate the machine from various intruders, run other processes including Nodersok malware removal. Rely on FortectIntego for general system cleaning

Nodersok malware attack starts when an infected file comes to the machine because usually, such infections modify legitimate files, including malicious code. In most cases, these files are macro-infected documents or software installers made by hackers. The virus also takes advantage of system vulnerabilities, and other weaknesses, so direct attacks are successful. This trojan can launch multiple dangerous modules and install threats like cryptocurrency miners and run different tasks or processes in the background.

This Nodersok/ Divergent malware has many modules triggered on different infection stages:

  • PowerShell module that disables OS updates, antivirus tools, security functions;
  • A binary shellcode tries to perform elevation of privilege;
  • A shellcode that runs Windivert packet filtering engine;
  • JavaScript module that is written in Node.js framework that turns the machine into a proxy.

Unfortunately, Nodersok Trojan spreads via malicious sites and installs HTA files on the machine that once opened can lead to damage and other serious issues, so it is not intrusive enough to appear on the screen immediately. Although Mac users cannot be affected by this malware, trojan infects most of the devices based on Windows OS.

This fileless virus can relay malicious traffic for nefarious means, so once the Nodersok/ Divergent malware is on the system, earning money using your device for various fraudulent activities becomes the main goal of cybercriminals behind the threat. Two different names are based on different analyses and researches, but malware acts the same and can lead to numerous malware infections if left running on the system. Nodersok virusNodersok Trojan is the malware installing malicious files on the targeted computers to integrate necessary modules. Nodersok fileless malware is the type of threat that infects the site victims tend to visit. Outdated plugins or browser content are used, and the malware relies on particular vulnerabilities of those outdated parts. When this is achieved successfully, the virus starts running the payload in the memory of a targeted device and infects the system to achieve further goals.

Nodersok Trojan is working in the background of your computer and disrupts the usage of the machine this way, but you cannot notice that since it is not invasive. Virus downloads HTA files on the computer before starting the infection process, and then various applications start running malicious scripts injected by the malware.

This is the method used particularly for persistency because using safe and legitimate applications for malicious processes keeps Nodersok malware removal difficult. Anti-malware tools cannot indicate the process or the program as malicious since the app is initially safe. Unfortunately, this malware uses files associated with Windows Defender itself, so it appears especially safe for the system and security tools.

However, although you need to remove Nodersok malware as soon as possible, it is more difficult to spot the infection on time. According to initial versions and sample analysis, this virus is yet to get extremely dangerous, but right now, it is not that notorious of malware. It is possible that trojan is used to proliferate more advanced malware on the machine further once the scrips start running on the device.

It is extremely important to delete the Nodersok Trojan as soon as possible, so the virus doesn't escalate to the even worse stage. However, there are not many symptoms that can be observed by the victim. You may potentially notice some system slowdowns, but this is not that typical when the PC is usually fast. An anti-virus scan is the best method that can show issues and detect malware on the machine. Get FortectIntego or a different tool designed for fighting threats. Nodersok trojan malwareNodersok malware belongs to a trojan category due to the silent processes and using of the denial of service attacks.

Ways to avoid getting infected by malware and virus script delivery methods

This malware involves malicious files and multiple tactics that get used to delivering those infected materials. Malware can rely on security flaws and vulnerabilities that help hackers to spread their products directly on the targeted machine. Pop-ups and banners are mainly associated with intrusive commercial content, but clicking on them can expose you to malicious sites that are laced with malicious scripts or trigger automatic downloads of apps and data.

These are the tips for your behavior online when you want to avoid infiltrations of such malicious trojans:

  • Don't click on commercial banners without considering the malware possibility. Experts[3] always note that intrusive ads have more to them besides annoying you.
  • Stay cautious when installing programs and applications. Less reliable sites tan include add-ons with security flaws.
  • Visit trustworthy sites and stay away from torrent pages.
  • Update your security tools and anti-malware protection apps. Malware gets updates and new versions, so your tools should get updated too.

Get rid of any contents that can be associated with Nodersok malware by scanning the PC fully

Typically, Nodersok trojan malware arrives on the system via malicious content injected on websites. That includes advertisements and other material found on suspicious pages, not reputable pages. It is common that banners or push notifications contain the script of this malware.

Once the victim clicks on such content, the virus downloads malicious files, and once those get opened, scripts spread the virus on the device. This is how trojan affects the security of your device, and spreads other malware, exposes the system to vulnerabilities. From there, time is a very important factor for Nodersok malware removal.

The sooner you detect this trojan, the better because you can remove Nodersok malware completely from the machine. When malware lands other files or programs on the device, it makes the initial trojan persistent and more difficult to terminate. Rely on FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes and try tips below to fully clean the machine.

Offer
do it now!
Download
Fortect Happiness
Guarantee
Download
Intego Happiness
Guarantee
Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of Nodersok malware. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

You may need to reboot the machine in a Safe Mode with Networking before you scan the system using your AV tool. This way, it is easier for the program to find the virus and remove Nodersok malware completely

Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.

Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking

Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment. 

Windows 7 / Vista / XP
  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list. Windows 7/XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot. Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options. Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings. Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable safe mode

Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes

Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

Step 4. Delete virus files

Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):

    %AppData%
    %LocalAppData%
    %ProgramData%
    %WinDir%

After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.

Remove Nodersok malware using System Restore

System Restore feature can help with Nodersok malware elimination because this you can recover the machine in a previous state

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Nodersok malware. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that Nodersok malware removal is performed successfully.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Nodersok malware and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting trojans

Access your website securely from any location

When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.

If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.

 

Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks

While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.

Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection. 

 

About the author
Gabriel E. Hall
Gabriel E. Hall - Passionate web researcher

If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.

Contact Gabriel E. Hall
About the company Esolutions

References