e - Printable Version

e - Printable Version

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e - Sneakyone - 01-30-2025

Guide: Dealing with Malware Files with a '?' in the Name

1. Why Do Malware Files Have a '?' in Their Name?
Malware may use `?` in filenames to:

Evade detection by security software.
Appear as system files or corrupted filenames.
Exploit file system and shell limitations.

In Windows, `?` is an invalid character for filenames, so the malware might not actually have `?` in its name but could be displayed that way due to corruption or encoding tricks.

2. Identifying Malware Files with '?'
Use the following methods based on your operating system:

Windows (Command Prompt)

Code:
dir /x /a

This will list files, including hidden ones, and show their short names.

Windows (PowerShell)

Code:
Get-ChildItem -Path C:\Users\Public -Force

Use this to list all files in a suspicious directory.

Linux/macOS (Terminal)

Code:
ls -b

This command displays special characters in a readable format.

3. Removing Malware Files with a '?'

Windows: Safe Mode Method

Boot into Safe Mode (Hold Shift while clicking Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Enable Safe Mode).
Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Navigate to the suspected directory:

Code:
cd C:\Users\Public
Delete the file using:

Code:
del "\\?\C:\Users\Public\malwarefile"

Windows: Unlocking Malware Processes
If the file is locked, try:

Code:
taskkill /f /im malwarefile.exe

Or use PowerShell:

Code:
Stop-Process -Name malwarefile -Force

Linux/macOS: Removing Suspicious Files
To remove a file safely:

Code:
rm -f "malwarefile?"

Or force delete it:

Code:
shred -u "malwarefile?"

4. Checking If the Malware is Running

Windows: Using Task Manager & Autoruns

Open Task Manager (`Ctrl + Shift + Esc`).
Look for unknown or suspicious processes.
Use Sysinternals Autoruns to check startup locations:

Code:
autoruns.exe /accepteula

Linux/macOS: Checking Active Processes

Code:
ps aux | grep suspicious

To kill a process:

Code:
kill -9 PID

5. Preventing Future Malware Infections

Do not open unknown files or downloads.
Use an updated antivirus and malware scanner.
Monitor system logs and running processes.
Use Windows Defender Offline Scan:

Code:
powershell Start-MpWDOScan
Enable AppLocker or Software Restriction Policies to prevent execution of unknown files.

By following these steps, you can effectively detect, remove, and prevent malware files that try to disguise themselves using a `?` in their name.

Code:
https://pastebin.com/w6dqSnbu