WinRAR’s VBS.EXE Malware: Threat Details, Removal Guide, and Prevention

WinRAR, a popular file archiving utility, is often exploited by cybercriminals to disguise malicious software and trick unsuspecting users. One such threat is WinRAR’s VBS.EXE malware, a dangerous file that pretends to be a legitimate component of the software. This malware typically infiltrates computers through malicious WinRAR files and is designed to execute malicious scripts that can compromise system security, monitor user activities, and facilitate other cybercrimes. With rising cases of malware using everyday software as a cover, it is essential to be vigilant and prepared to protect your computer.

Understanding WinRAR’s VBS.EXE Malware

The VBS.EXE file, when executed, activates a Visual Basic Script (VBS) designed to deploy a range of harmful functions. The malware often targets users who frequently download files from suspicious sources, including torrents, free software sites, and email attachments. Once active, this script malware can:

• Establish unauthorized access by opening backdoors, enabling hackers to remotely control the compromised device.
• Steal sensitive information by logging keystrokes or accessing personal files.
• Download additional malicious software by creating pathways for more serious malware like ransomware, Trojans, or spyware.
• Slow down system performance by running unnecessary background processes, leading to system lags, crashes, or freezes.

Detection Names for VBS.EXE Malware

Security vendors often use different names for VBS.EXE malware, which helps identify it in scans. Some common detection names for this threat include:

• VBS.Trojan.Agent
• VBS:Malware-gen
• WinRAR.VBS.Exploit
• VBS/Script. Malware
• VBS:Downloader

Similar Threats to WinRAR’s VBS.EXE

Malware like WinRAR’s VBS.EXE has multiple variants that exploit common applications. Similar threats include:

• VBS.Dinihou – A script malware known to install backdoors and download additional malicious files.
• VBS.Obfuscated – A malware type that hides its code to evade detection and execute harmful tasks.
• VBS.Freelink – A Trojan that leverages Visual Basic scripts to establish remote control over compromised systems.
• WinRAR Archive Exploits – Malware disguised in WinRAR files that deploy various types of infections when extracted.

Removal Guide for WinRAR’s VBS.EXE Malware

Removing WinRAR’s VBS.EXE malware requires a systematic approach to ensure that no traces of the infection remain. Follow these steps to eliminate the malware:

1. Disconnect from the Internet
   Unplug your device from the internet to prevent further communication between the malware and external servers.
2. Boot into Safe Mode
   Reboot your system into Safe Mode to limit the malware’s ability to launch automatically.
   • For Windows 10/11: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced Startup. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings, and select Safe Mode with Networking.
3. Check Installed Programs and Remove Suspicious Software
   • Open Control Panel > Programs and Features (or Add or Remove Programs).
   • Look for unfamiliar programs or those recently installed, especially ones related to WinRAR or any suspicious naming.
   • Right-click and select Uninstall for any software you suspect is associated with the malware.
4. Remove VBS.EXE from Startup and Scheduled Tasks
   • Press Win + R, type taskschd.msc, and press Enter to open Task Scheduler.
   • Look for suspicious scheduled tasks with unusual names, especially if they mention VBS.EXE, WinRAR, or unknown origins.
   • Right-click on the task and select Delete.
5. Delete Temporary Files
   • Press Win + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.
   • Select all files in the Temp folder and delete them to eliminate any remnants of the malware.
6. Scan and Remove the Malware with SpyHunter: Download and install SpyHunter, a professional anti-malware tool designed to identify and remove sophisticated threats.
   • Run a full scan of your system with SpyHunter. This scan will locate VBS.EXE and related threats.
   • Once the scan is complete, follow the tool’s prompts to remove all detected infections.
   • SpyHunter offers a free scan to identify potential threats on your device, and it effectively removes VBS.EXE malware along with other related infections.
7. Clear Browser Cache and Extensions
   • Open your browser settings, navigate to the cache section, and clear all stored data.
   • Go to your extensions or add-ons settings and remove any suspicious or unknown plugins.
8. Check Windows Registry (Advanced)
   • Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
   • Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software.
   • Look for any unfamiliar entries related to VBS, WinRAR, or other strange names.
   • Caution: Editing the registry can be risky. Only delete entries you are confident are linked to the malware.

Best Practices to Prevent Future Infections

1. Download Software from Official Sources
   Always use legitimate websites or app stores for downloading software to avoid bundled malware.
2. Use Strong Antivirus and Anti-Malware Protection
   Keeping SpyHunter or another trusted anti-malware tool active can help detect and block malicious files before they cause harm.
3. Avoid Suspicious Email Attachments
   Cybercriminals often use phishing emails with infected attachments. Avoid downloading attachments from unknown sources.
4. Disable Macros in Documents
   Some malware is embedded in macros within files. Disable macros for all documents unless they are from a trusted source.
5. Regularly Update Software and OS
   Ensure all software, including Windows, is updated to the latest version to benefit from security patches.
6. Be Wary of Pop-Up Ads and Unfamiliar Links
   Avoid clicking on random ads or links, which often lead to infected sites that distribute malware.

Conclusion: Protect Your System with SpyHunter

To protect yourself from persistent threats like WinRAR’s VBS.EXE malware, adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity is crucial. Regular scans with SpyHunter can help you detect and remove threats before they compromise your data and privacy. Download SpyHunter to scan your computer for free and safeguard your system from this and other harmful malware. Prevention, paired with reliable anti-malware protection, is the best way to keep your devices and data secure.