Neptune RAT: Windows Destruction and Password Exfiltration

Neptune RAT is a Remote Access Trojan targeting Windows systems with an extensive array of dangerous capabilities. Written in Visual Basic .NET and heavily obfuscated, this malware can exfiltrate credentials from over 270 applications, deploy ransomware functionality, monitor desktops in real-time, steal cryptocurrency, and even destroy system files. First identified in early 2025, Neptune RAT spreads through phishing emails, malicious GitHub repositories, Telegram channels, and YouTube videos promoting it as an “advanced RAT tool.” The malware employs sophisticated anti-analysis techniques, multiple persistence mechanisms, and uses PowerShell commands to download and execute its payload, often hosting encoded scripts on file-sharing platforms like catbox.moe. This comprehensive analysis examines Neptune RAT’s technical characteristics, infection methods, capabilities, and provides detailed removal instructions and prevention strategies to protect against this severe threat.

Technical Overview of Neptune RAT

Neptune RAT represents a serious evolution in Remote Access Trojans, combining advanced obfuscation techniques with an extensive array of malicious capabilities. Primarily targeting Windows systems, this malware is distributed as a heavily obfuscated Visual Basic .NET executable, making analysis challenging for security researchers. The RAT has been actively promoted on various platforms including GitHub, Telegram, and YouTube, where it’s marketed as the “Most Advanced RAT” despite the developer’s claims that it’s intended for educational purposes only. According to CYFIRMA’s analysis, this malware represents a significant threat due to its advanced evasion techniques and destructive capabilities.

What makes Neptune RAT particularly concerning is its deployment methodology. The latest version generates PowerShell commands that use irm (Invoke-RestMethod) to download content from a URL and iex (Invoke-Expression) to execute the downloaded content as a script. These obfuscated PowerShell commands download and execute a batch script and malware payload that is encoded in Base64 and typically hosted on file-sharing platforms like catbox.moe. VirusTotal behavioral analysis confirms the malware’s sophisticated persistence mechanisms and credential theft capabilities.

Obfuscation Techniques

Neptune RAT employs sophisticated obfuscation methods to evade detection and hamper analysis:

• High Entropy Sections: The executable contains code sections with entropy levels greater than 7, indicating heavy obfuscation or packing
• Custom String Heap: The malware uses a custom heap named “User String Heap(7)” to store sensitive strings and decryption keys
• Arabic Character Substitution: Original strings are replaced with Arabic characters (like “؋؊ٺـح؈؈؉ـىــ؈ٽـ”), creating additional confusion during analysis
• Emoji Obfuscation: The entry point of the executable is renamed using Arabic characters and emojis to further complicate understanding of the code flow
• Developer Attribution: Strings like “ObfuscatedByFreemasonry” suggest the malware may be associated with a group called “Freemasonry”
• Runtime String Encryption: Values like “OvFKngQwmcKYBBHvzmNnKstopbUZjdoh” and “cktXJyQELUjPDcYl” are used for runtime string encryption/decryption

These obfuscation techniques make static analysis extremely difficult and force researchers to rely on dynamic analysis to understand the RAT’s behavior.

Infection Vectors and Deployment Process

Neptune RAT is typically deployed through multiple infection vectors, with social engineering being the primary method. The attackers use a variety of platforms to distribute the malware, leveraging users’ curiosity and interest in “hacking tools” or similar applications. Once the initial access is achieved, the sophisticated deployment process begins, designed to bypass security measures and establish persistence.

Common initial infection vectors include:

1. Phishing Emails: Messages containing malicious attachments or links to download the RAT
2. Malicious GitHub Repositories: Repositories that claim to offer hacking tools or educational resources but actually contain Neptune RAT
3. Telegram Channels: Distribution through cybercriminal channels promoting hacking tools
4. YouTube Tutorials: Videos demonstrating “hacking techniques” that actually guide viewers to download the malware
5. Compromised Websites: Legitimate websites that have been compromised to host the malware
6. Malvertising: Malicious advertisements that redirect to downloads of Neptune RAT

The deployment process typically follows this sequence:

• PowerShell Execution: The infection begins with a PowerShell command using irm and iex to download and execute content from a URL
• Base64 Encoded Payload: The downloaded content is typically a Base64-encoded payload hosted on file-sharing platforms like catbox.moe
• Dropper Execution: The decoded payload drops a batch script and the main NeptuneRat.exe into the AppData folder
• Persistence Establishment: The malware modifies the Windows Registry and adds scheduled tasks to ensure it runs at system startup
• C2 Connection: The RAT establishes a connection to the attacker’s command and control server
• Malicious Activities: Once fully deployed, Neptune RAT begins its malicious activities, including data theft, system monitoring, and potentially system destruction

Malware Capabilities and Damage Potential

Neptune RAT incorporates an extensive set of malicious capabilities that make it an exceptionally dangerous threat. The combination of data theft, system monitoring, and destructive features creates a versatile tool for attackers with various motivations, from financial gain to corporate espionage or even sabotage. Security researchers have identified numerous modules within the malware that enable these varied attack scenarios.

Key capabilities of Neptune RAT include:

1. Password and Credential Theft

• Mass Credential Harvesting: Can extract passwords from over 270 different applications
• Web Browser Targeting: Steals credentials from major browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera
• Email Client Extraction: Extracts login information from email clients like Outlook and Thunderbird
• FTP Credential Theft: Targets FTP clients such as FileZilla and WinSCP
• VPN Access Compromise: Extracts credentials from various VPN clients
• Password Manager Targeting: Attempts to extract data from password management applications

2. Financial Targeting

• Crypto Clipper: Monitors clipboard for cryptocurrency wallet addresses and replaces them with attacker-controlled addresses
• Banking Information Theft: Steals banking credentials and related financial information
• Credit Card Harvesting: Captures credit card details stored in browsers and applications
• Cryptocurrency Wallet Targeting: Specifically targets cryptocurrency wallet applications to steal private keys and access funds

3. System Control and Monitoring

• Live Desktop Monitoring: Provides real-time view of the victim’s screen
• Keylogger: Records all keystrokes to capture login credentials, messages, and other sensitive information
• Remote Command Execution: Allows attackers to execute commands on the infected system
• File Management: Enables browsing, uploading, downloading, and deletion of files
• Process Management: Lists, starts, and terminates processes running on the infected system
• Audio/Video Capture: Can activate webcams and microphones to spy on victims

4. Destructive Capabilities

• Ransomware Functionality: Can encrypt files and demand payment for decryption
• System Destruction: Contains capabilities to corrupt or destroy system files
• Anti-Recovery Measures: Implements techniques to prevent system recovery after an attack
• Data Wiping: Can permanently delete data from the infected system

5. Evasion and Persistence

• Anti-VM Techniques: Detects virtual machines to evade analysis environments
• Anti-Analysis Features: Implements measures to hamper malware analysis
• Registry Modification: Makes changes to the Windows Registry to ensure persistence
• Task Scheduler Abuse: Creates scheduled tasks for persistence
• Antivirus Disabling: Attempts to disable security software on the infected system

MITRE ATT&CK Framework Analysis

Neptune RAT’s capabilities align with numerous tactics and techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, a globally-accessible knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques based on real-world observations. This alignment helps security professionals understand the threat in a standardized way and develop appropriate detection and mitigation strategies.

Tactic	Techniques
Initial Access (TA0001)	Phishing (T1566), Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment (T1566.001), Phishing: Spearphishing Link (T1566.002)
Execution (TA0002)	Command and Scripting Interpreter (T1059), Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell (T1059.001), Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic (T1059.005), User Execution (T1204)
Persistence (TA0003)	Boot or Logon Autostart Execution: Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder (T1547.001), Scheduled Task/Job (T1053)
Privilege Escalation (TA0004)	Process Injection (T1055), Access Token Manipulation (T1134)
Defense Evasion (TA0005)	Obfuscated Files or Information (T1027), Virtualization/Sandbox Evasion (T1497), Impair Defenses (T1562)
Credential Access (TA0006)	Credentials from Password Stores (T1555), Credentials from Web Browsers (T1555.003), Input Capture (T1056), Keylogging (T1056.001)
Discovery (TA0007)	Account Discovery (T1087), Browser Information Discovery (T1217), File and Directory Discovery (T1083), System Information Discovery (T1082)
Collection (TA0009)	Audio Capture (T1123), Browser Session Hijacking (T1185), Clipboard Data (T1115), Data from Local System (T1005), Screen Capture (T1113), Video Capture (T1125)
Command and Control (TA0011)	Protocol Tunneling (T1572)
Exfiltration (TA0010)	Exfiltration Over C2 Channel (T1041)
Impact (TA0040)	Data Encryption for Impact (T1486), Data Destruction (T1485)

Detection and Indicators of Compromise

Detecting Neptune RAT requires a multi-layered approach, combining file-based indicators, behavioral analysis, and network monitoring. The sophisticated nature of this malware means that no single detection method is sufficient, and security professionals should implement comprehensive monitoring strategies to identify potential infections.

File-Based Indicators

• Main Executable: NeptuneRat.exe (SHA256: 8df1065d03a97cc214e2d78cf9264a73e00012b972f4b35a85c090855d71c3a5)
• File Size: 24.4 MB (25,648,128 bytes)
• File Location: Typically in the %AppData% directory
• Associated Batch Files: Look for suspicious .bat files with encoded commands
• Encoded Files: Base64-encoded text files, often downloaded from catbox.moe
• Language: Visual Basic .NET

Behavioral Indicators

• PowerShell Activity: Suspicious PowerShell commands using irm and iex, especially those connecting to unfamiliar domains
• Registry Modifications: Changes to Run keys for persistence
• Scheduled Tasks: Creation of new scheduled tasks with obfuscated names or commands
• Encrypted Files: Files with .ENC extension (ransomware component)
• Anti-VM Checks: Processes checking for virtualization environment indicators
• Security Software Tampering: Attempts to disable antivirus or security tools
• Clipboard Monitoring: Unusual processes accessing the clipboard, especially when cryptocurrency addresses are copied

Network Indicators

• Connections to File Hosting Services: Particularly catbox.moe
• Unusual TCP Communications: Suspicious TCP connections to unknown servers
• Data Exfiltration: Large amounts of data being sent to external servers
• DNS Queries: Unusual or newly registered domain names
• Encrypted C2 Traffic: Encrypted communications that don’t match normal patterns

Neptune RAT Removal Instructions

Removing Neptune RAT requires a systematic approach due to its sophisticated persistence mechanisms and anti-removal features. The following step-by-step instructions will help you eliminate the malware from an infected system. For maximum effectiveness, perform these steps in Safe Mode with Networking if possible.

Manual Removal Steps

IMPORTANT: Before attempting manual removal, back up important files to prevent data loss, as Neptune RAT may have ransomware capabilities that could trigger during removal attempts.

1. Boot into Safe Mode with Networking:
   • Restart your computer
   • During startup, press F8 repeatedly (before the Windows logo appears)
   • Select “Safe Mode with Networking” from the boot options menu
2. Stop Malicious Processes:
   • Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager
   • Look for suspicious processes, particularly NeptuneRat.exe or processes with random names
   • Select each suspicious process and click “End Task”
3. Remove Malicious Files:
   • Open File Explorer and navigate to %AppData% (type %AppData% in the address bar)
   • Look for NeptuneRat.exe and any suspicious folders or files
   • Delete these files and folders
   • Also check %Temp% directory for suspicious files
4. Remove Registry Entries:
   • Press Windows+R, type “regedit” and press Enter
   • Navigate to the following locations and delete any suspicious entries:
     • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
     • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
     • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
     • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
5. Remove Scheduled Tasks:
   • Press Windows+R, type “taskschd.msc” and press Enter
   • In Task Scheduler, look for suspicious tasks, especially those with random names or those pointing to the deleted malware files
   • Right-click on suspicious tasks and select “Delete”
6. Check Startup Items:
   • Press Windows+R, type “msconfig” and press Enter
   • Go to the “Startup” tab
   • Disable any suspicious entries
7. Change All Passwords:
   • After removing the malware, change passwords for all your accounts, especially banking, email, and cryptocurrency accounts
   • Use a secure device not affected by the malware
   • Enable two-factor authentication where available
8. Restart Your Computer:
   • Restart in normal mode to verify that the malware has been removed

Automated Removal with Security Software

For more effective and comprehensive removal, we recommend using specialized security software:

1. Download and Install Trojan Killer:
   • Download Trojan Killer from a clean, uninfected computer
   • Transfer it to the infected computer using a USB drive
2. Run a Full System Scan:
   • Launch Trojan Killer and perform a full system scan
   • Allow the software to detect and quarantine all threats
3. Remove Detected Threats:
   • Review the scan results and remove all detected threats
   • Follow any additional recommendations provided by the software
4. Restart Your Computer:
   • Restart to complete the removal process
5. Run a Second Scan:
   • After restarting, run another scan to ensure all threats have been removed

Post-Removal Actions

• Change All Passwords: Since Neptune RAT can steal credentials from over 270 applications, change all your passwords from a clean device
• Check Financial Accounts: Review your bank statements and cryptocurrency wallets for unauthorized transactions
• Monitor Credit Reports: Watch for signs of identity theft
• Update Software: Update your operating system and all applications to the latest versions
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add this additional layer of security to your accounts
• Restore from Backup: If ransomware was activated, restore your files from a clean backup

Prevention Measures and Best Practices

Preventing infection by sophisticated threats like Neptune RAT requires implementing multiple layers of security and maintaining good cybersecurity hygiene. The following preventive measures will help protect your systems from this and similar threats.

System Security

• Keep Systems Updated: Regularly update your operating system, browsers, and applications with the latest security patches
• Use Comprehensive Security Software: Install and maintain reputable security software like Trojan Killer with real-time protection
• Enable Windows Security Features: Use Windows Defender, SmartScreen, and controlled folder access
• Implement Application Control: Use software restriction policies or application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized programs from running
• Configure PowerShell Security: Restrict PowerShell execution with appropriate policies to prevent abuse of irm and iex commands

Network Security

• Use Firewall Protection: Configure both hardware and software firewalls to block suspicious connections
• Implement DNS Filtering: Use DNS filtering to block access to known malicious domains
• Monitor Network Traffic: Implement network monitoring tools to detect unusual traffic patterns
• Secure Remote Access: Use VPN with multi-factor authentication for remote connections
• Segment Networks: Separate critical systems and data through network segmentation

User Education and Awareness

• Phishing Awareness: Train users to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious emails
• Download Caution: Only download software from official sources and verify authenticity
• Avoid Suspicious Links: Do not click on links from unknown sources, especially in emails or messages
• Verify Sources: Be skeptical of “hacking tools” or similar software shared on platforms like GitHub, Telegram, or YouTube
• Exercise Caution with Attachments: Never open email attachments from unknown senders

Data Protection

• Regular Backups: Maintain regular backups of important data, following the 3-2-1 rule (3 copies, 2 different media types, 1 off-site)
• Encrypted Storage: Use encryption for sensitive data storage
• Secure Password Management: Use a reputable password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords
• Multi-Factor Authentication: Enable MFA wherever possible, especially for sensitive accounts
• Data Access Controls: Implement principle of least privilege for data access

Organizational Security Measures

• Security Policies: Develop and enforce comprehensive security policies
• Regular Security Audits: Conduct periodic security assessments and penetration testing
• Incident Response Plan: Establish a clear incident response plan for malware infections
• User Access Management: Implement strict user access controls based on the principle of least privilege
• Security Awareness Training: Provide regular security training for all employees

Neptune RAT Modular Structure and Component Analysis

Neptune RAT employs a modular architecture comprising numerous specialized DLL files, each responsible for specific malicious functions. This modular design allows the malware to be highly customizable, with attackers able to include or exclude specific capabilities based on their objectives. Security researchers at CYFIRMA have identified multiple DLL modules that provide Neptune RAT with its extensive array of malicious capabilities.

Key DLL Modules and Their Functions

Neptune RAT’s functionality is distributed across several specialized DLL modules, each with specific malicious capabilities:

• BlockerAntiVirus.dll: Actively interferes with security software by terminating processes, disabling services, and modifying system settings related to antivirus applications. It targets over 30 different security vendors including Windows Defender, Avast, AVG, Kaspersky, and others.
• Clipper.dll: Implements the cryptocurrency clipper functionality that continuously monitors the clipboard for cryptocurrency wallet addresses. When detected, it replaces legitimate addresses with attacker-controlled ones, redirecting cryptocurrency transactions to the attacker’s wallets.
• Chromium.dll: Specializes in extracting saved credentials, cookies, autofill data, and browsing history from Chromium-based browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera). It can also extract payment information and download files from browser directories.
• Cmstp-Bypass.dll: Exploits the Microsoft Connection Manager Profile Installer (CMSTP.exe) to bypass User Account Control (UAC) and gain elevated privileges without user prompts.
• Microphone.dll: Contains functionality to access and record audio from connected microphones, enabling attackers to eavesdrop on conversations and capture audio without user awareness.
• Ransomware.dll: Implements file encryption capabilities, allowing attackers to encrypt victim files and demand payment for decryption. It uses a combination of AES-256 and RSA-2048 encryption algorithms to ensure files cannot be recovered without the attacker’s decryption key.
• UAC-Bypass.dll: Provides various techniques to bypass Windows User Account Control, enabling the malware to gain elevated privileges without triggering security prompts.

Additional Support Modules

• freemasonry: A folder containing the core obfuscation tools and potentially indicating the developer or group behind the malware.
• WebCam.dll: Enables unauthorized access to connected webcams for spying on victims.
• 7zip.dll: Provides file compression and archiving capabilities, used for packaging stolen data before exfiltration.
• bSOD.dll: Can trigger Blue Screen of Death errors on the victim’s system, used for disruption or to hide malicious activities.
• Computerdefaults.dll: Exploits the Windows Computer Defaults utility for persistence and privilege escalation.
• Destry.dll: Contains system destruction capabilities that can render the infected system inoperable.
• Email.dll: Monitors email clients and extracts email credentials and contents.
• Install.dll: Manages the installation process and ensures the malware is properly deployed on the victim system.
• KillProcess.dll: Identifies and terminates security-related processes to avoid detection.
• System.Management.Automation.dll: Provides PowerShell automation capabilities for executing complex commands and scripts.

The modular design allows the attacker to customize Neptune RAT based on specific objectives. For example, if the primary goal is credential theft, modules like Chromium.dll can be prioritized, while if system destruction is the objective, the Destry.dll and Ransomware.dll modules might be activated.

Neptune RAT Builder Interface Analysis

Neptune RAT is distributed with a customized GUI builder that allows attackers to configure and compile tailored versions of the malware according to their specific needs. This builder interface provides numerous options to customize the RAT’s behavior, persistence mechanisms, and evasion techniques. The existence of such a builder significantly lowers the technical barrier for deploying sophisticated malware, as even attackers with limited technical skills can create customized versions of Neptune RAT.

Neptune RAT Builder interface with various configuration options for customizing the malware

Connection Configuration Options

The builder interface provides several options for configuring how the RAT connects to its command and control (C2) server:

• Host: Allows the attacker to specify the IP address of the C2 server. The example shows “127.0.0.1”, which is likely a placeholder or used for testing.
• Port: Defines the network port for communication (1417 in the example).
• Raw: Provides an option to use raw Pastebin links for command and control communications, allowing attackers to hide their infrastructure behind legitimate services. The interface shows a field for a URL from pastebin.com.

Attack Customization Options

The builder offers multiple options to customize the malware’s behavior and enhance its stealth capabilities:

• ShellCommand: When enabled, allows the RAT to execute shell commands on the infected system, providing complete control over the command line.
• Rootkit(HideProcess): Implements rootkit functionality to hide the malware’s processes from Task Manager and other system monitoring tools.
• StartupRegistry: Establishes persistence by modifying Windows Registry keys to ensure the malware runs automatically when the system starts.
• StartupScheduler: Uses Windows Task Scheduler to create scheduled tasks for persistence, an alternative method that can evade detection by security solutions focused only on registry modifications.
• AntiVirtualMachine: Implements checks to detect if the malware is running in a virtual machine or analysis environment, and can terminate execution if such environments are detected, complicating analysis by security researchers.
• SpreadUSB: Enables self-propagation via USB drives. The interface shows “USB.exe” as the target file, suggesting the malware can copy itself to USB devices to infect additional systems.
• Assembly: Allows customization of the .NET assembly information to make the malware appear legitimate.
• Icon: Enables the attacker to set a custom icon for the executable file, potentially disguising it as a legitimate application.

Security Implications of the Builder

The existence of this builder interface has several serious security implications:

1. Lowered Barrier to Entry: Even attackers with limited technical knowledge can create sophisticated malware by simply selecting options in a user-friendly interface.
2. Highly Adaptable Threats: Attackers can quickly adjust their malware to bypass specific security measures or target specific environments.
3. Rapid Development Cycle: New variants of Neptune RAT can be generated quickly, making it difficult for security vendors to keep signature-based detection up to date.
4. Targeted Attacks: The ability to customize the malware allows for more targeted attacks designed for specific victims or organizations.
5. Malware-as-a-Service Model: The builder facilitates a business model where the malware developer can sell access to the builder, allowing others to create their own customized versions.

The options visible in the builder interface align with the capabilities observed in VirusTotal’s behavioral analysis of Neptune RAT samples. Security professionals should be aware of these customization options when developing detection and mitigation strategies, as they must account for the wide variety of possible configurations and behaviors.

Conclusion

Neptune RAT represents a significant threat in the evolving landscape of malware, combining sophisticated obfuscation techniques with an extensive array of malicious capabilities. Its ability to exfiltrate credentials from over 270 applications, deploy ransomware functionality, monitor desktop activities in real-time, steal cryptocurrency, and potentially destroy system files makes it a versatile tool for cybercriminals with various motives.

The malware’s distribution through platforms like GitHub, Telegram, and YouTube, often marketed as an “advanced RAT tool,” highlights the continued challenge of malicious software being disguised as educational resources. Despite the developer’s claims of legitimate purposes, the destructive capabilities and sophisticated evasion techniques clearly indicate malicious intent, as documented in both CYFIRMA’s research and VirusTotal’s behavioral analysis.

Protecting against threats like Neptune RAT requires a multi-layered security approach combining technical controls, user education, and robust security policies. Organizations and individuals should implement comprehensive security measures, including keeping systems updated, using reputable security software, implementing network security controls, training users to recognize phishing attempts, maintaining regular backups, and practicing good password hygiene. By adopting these preventive measures and remaining vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of infection and minimize potential damage from this sophisticated threat.

For more information about protecting against malware and other cyber threats, explore our guides on ransomware prevention, credential theft protection, and securing Windows systems.