Tasjoc Tools Quato: A Dangerous PUA and How to Remove It

After receiving multiple reports about a suspicious application called Tasjoc Tools Quato appearing on users’ systems, I conducted a thorough investigation to determine its nature and impact. What I discovered was troubling: this application is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) that serves as a dropper for the dangerous Legion Loader malware. While Tasjoc Tools Quato might appear harmless at first glance, it’s designed to compromise systems and facilitate the installation of additional threats. In this detailed analysis, I’ll explain exactly what Tasjoc Tools Quato is, the risks it poses to your system, and provide step-by-step instructions for its complete removal.

What is Tasjoc Tools Quato and Why is it Dangerous?

Tasjoc Tools Quato is a deceptive application that masquerades as legitimate software but serves no beneficial purpose for users. My analysis revealed that its primary function is to act as a delivery mechanism for the Legion Loader malware. This application is part of a growing trend of seemingly innocent software that conceals dangerous capabilities.

When installed on a system, Tasjoc Tools Quato creates numerous files and folders, as shown in this screenshot from an infected system:

The Legion Loader Connection

The most serious aspect of Tasjoc Tools Quato is its role as a dropper for Legion Loader malware. Once Legion Loader is active on a system, it can download and install various malicious payloads including:

• Information Stealers: Trojans designed to harvest sensitive data including passwords, banking credentials, and personal information
• Cryptocurrency Miners: Malware that silently uses system resources to mine digital currency for attackers
• Ransomware: Programs that encrypt files and demand payment for their recovery
• Malicious Browser Extensions: Extensions that collect browsing history, email contents, and can turn browsers into HTTP proxies

In my investigation of systems infected with Tasjoc Tools Quato, I found that Legion Loader often establishes persistence through multiple mechanisms, making it difficult to completely remove without a systematic approach. In several cases, users experienced significant performance degradation and discovered unauthorized access to their online accounts within days of the infection.

Malicious Browser Extensions

Legion Loader, installed through Tasjoc Tools Quato, is known to deploy malicious Chrome extensions with alarming capabilities:

• Data Collection: These extensions can gather your browsing history and monitor your online activities
• Email Access: Some variants can access the contents of your emails, potentially exposing sensitive information
• Proxyware Functionality: They can modify your browser to function as an HTTP proxy, allowing attackers to abuse your internet resources and potentially implicate your IP address in malicious activities
• Additional Malware Delivery: The extensions can serve as a persistent channel for delivering more malware to your system

These extensions often operate silently in the background, with users unaware of the data being collected or the resources being exploited until they notice significant performance issues or security breaches.

How Does Tasjoc Tools Quato Spread?

My research has identified several primary distribution methods used to spread Tasjoc Tools Quato:

Deceptive Websites

The primary distribution channel appears to be through suspicious websites like livecubewordopiafile[.]monster, which use misleading advertisements and download buttons to trick users into installing the application. These sites often appear legitimate at first glance but are designed to deliver potentially unwanted applications.

Software Bundling

A common technique used to distribute Tasjoc Tools Quato is bundling it with other software downloads. When users install freeware or shareware downloaded from unofficial sources, Tasjoc Tools Quato may be included as an “extra” component that gets installed alongside the main application. This method relies on users not carefully reviewing installation options and accepting default settings.

Deceptive Pop-up Advertisements

Intrusive advertisements on websites using rogue advertising networks can trigger downloads of Tasjoc Tools Quato. These ads often use social engineering tactics, such as fake system alerts or update notifications, to convince users to download and install the unwanted application.

Identifying Tasjoc Tools Quato on Your System

If you suspect your system may be infected with Tasjoc Tools Quato, look for these signs:

Complete Removal Guide for Tasjoc Tools Quato

If you’ve identified Tasjoc Tools Quato on your system, follow these steps for thorough removal:

Step 1: Uninstall Tasjoc Tools Quato from Windows

1. For Windows 11 users:
   • Right-click on the Start icon and select “Apps and Features”
   • In the search box, type “Tasjoc Tools Quato”
   • When found, click the three vertical dots beside the application and select “Uninstall”
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation
2. For Windows 10 users:
   • Click the Start menu and select “Settings” (gear icon)
   • Click on “Apps”
   • In the search box, type “Tasjoc Tools Quato”
   • Click on the application when found and select “Uninstall”
   • Follow the prompts to complete the removal

Note: Simple uninstallation is typically not enough to remove all components, as Legion Loader may have established persistence on your system. Continue with the following steps for complete removal.

Step 2: Remove Malicious Browser Extensions

Legion Loader, delivered by Tasjoc Tools Quato, may have installed malicious browser extensions. These need to be removed from all browsers:

For Google Chrome:

1. Click the Chrome menu (three dots in the upper right corner)
2. Select “Extensions” → “Manage Extensions”
3. Review all installed extensions, looking for any suspicious or unfamiliar ones
4. Click “Remove” for each suspicious extension
5. Optionally, reset Chrome:
   • Go to Chrome menu → Settings → Advanced
   • Scroll to the bottom and click “Reset settings to their original defaults”
   • Confirm by clicking “Reset settings”

For Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click the menu button (three lines in the upper right)
2. Select “Add-ons and themes” → “Extensions”
3. Review all extensions for anything suspicious or recently installed without your knowledge
4. Click the three dots next to each suspicious extension and select “Remove”
5. Optionally, refresh Firefox:
   • Click the menu → Help → Troubleshooting Information
   • Click the “Refresh Firefox” button
   • Confirm by clicking “Refresh Firefox” in the popup

For Microsoft Edge:

1. Click the Edge menu (three dots in the upper right)
2. Select “Extensions”
3. Review all extensions and remove any suspicious ones
4. Click “Remove” below their names
5. Optionally, reset Edge:
   • Go to Edge menu → Settings → Reset settings
   • Select “Restore settings to their default values”
   • Confirm by clicking “Reset”

Step 3: Perform a Complete Malware Scan

To ensure all components of Legion Loader and any additional malware are removed, a thorough security scan is essential:

Step 4: Check for Persistence Mechanisms

Legion Loader often creates multiple persistence methods to survive reboots and basic removal attempts. Check these key locations:

1. Startup Folders:
   • Press Win+R, type shell:startup and check for suspicious files
   • Also check shell:common startup for system-wide startup items
2. Task Scheduler:
   • Press Win+R, type taskschd.msc and look for recently created unusual tasks
   • Pay special attention to tasks with random names or those running from temporary directories
3. Registry Run Keys:
   • Run Registry Editor (Win+R, type regedit)
   • Check the following locations for suspicious entries:
     • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
     • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
     • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StartupApproved\Run

Step 5: Secure Your Accounts

Since Legion Loader is known to deploy data stealers, it’s crucial to secure your accounts after removing the infection:

1. Change Passwords: Update passwords for all important accounts, especially email, banking, and social media
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add this additional security layer wherever possible
3. Check Account Activity: Review recent account activity for any unauthorized access or suspicious transactions
4. Monitor Financial Statements: Keep a close eye on bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges

Preventing Future Infections

To minimize the risk of future infections from threats like Tasjoc Tools Quato, implement these preventive measures:

Safe Download Practices

• Official Sources Only: Download software exclusively from official websites or legitimate app stores
• Research Before Downloading: Investigate software before installation to verify its legitimacy
• Avoid Suspicious Websites: Be wary of sites with excessive advertisements or those that redirect frequently
• Check Reviews and Ratings: Look for user feedback and professional reviews before downloading unknown software

Installation Best Practices

• Choose Custom Installation: Always select “Custom” or “Advanced” installation options instead of “Quick” or “Recommended” settings
• Review All Options: Carefully read each installation screen and uncheck any offers for additional software
• Be Wary of Pre-checked Boxes: Pay special attention to pre-selected options that might install unwanted applications
• Read Terms and Agreements: While tedious, reviewing terms can reveal important information about bundled software

System Security

• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, browsers, and applications
• Use Reputable Security Software: Maintain updated antivirus and anti-malware protection
• Enable Browser Security Features: Use built-in protections like pop-up blockers and safe browsing options
• Be Cautious with Advertisements: Avoid clicking on suspicious ads, especially those with urgent messages or too-good-to-be-true offers
• Regular System Scans: Schedule periodic security scans to detect potential threats early

Similar Threats to Watch For

Tasjoc Tools Quato is part of a family of similar potentially unwanted applications that deliver Legion Loader. Be vigilant for these related threats:

• Heizer Kroop Sortic – Similar unwanted application that deploys Legion Loader
• Temeliq Ultra Touch – Another PUA in the same family with similar behavior
• Crowq Utils Sol – Related threat that delivers Legion Loader malware
• Tao Raiqsuv Utils – Another PUA with similar distribution and infection patterns

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Tasjoc Tools Quato represents a significant security risk due to its role as a delivery mechanism for Legion Loader malware. While it may appear as just another unwanted application, its connection to a sophisticated malware dropper capable of causing chain infections makes it particularly dangerous. The combination of data theft, resource abuse, and potential financial loss from associated malware underscores the importance of promptly removing this threat.

Complete removal requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses not just the main application but also any browser extensions, persistence mechanisms, and secondary infections that may have been established. By following the detailed removal steps outlined in this guide and implementing strong preventive measures, you can protect your system from Tasjoc Tools Quato and similar threats.

As always, prevention is the best defense. Being cautious about download sources, carefully reviewing installation options, and maintaining robust security measures will significantly reduce your risk of infection from potentially unwanted applications and the more serious threats they often deliver.