Do you know what DNSMessenger is?
DNSMessenger is a Trojan that might be a complementary part of some other infection. This malicious infection doesn’t have any files itself, but it works because it has a code that is injected in your system. What’s more, it could work for some other infection that could seriously jeopardize your cybersecurity. In this description, we look at what this intruder can do, and how it is possible to remove DNSMessenger from your computer. Please note that the removal method may differ according to what other programs are associated with this Trojan. Thus, you definitely need to find out if you have more infections on-board.
It is very unfortunate that users allow DNSMessenger to enter their systems, but they obviously are not aware of the fact that they launch this malicious program. In fact, this Trojan makes use of the probably the most common method of malware distribution: spam emails. The program comes in a spam email attachment, and users open it because they think it is a legitimate document. What’s more, these crooks make use of reliable trade marks to convince users that the document they are about to open is safe. So it clearly shows that you have to be very careful whenever you encounter new files in your inbox.
The file that carries DNSMessenger looks like your average MS Word document file. The file comes with the McAfee logo, and this logo makes it seem as though the file is reliable. After all, McAfee is a well-known company that developers computer security products, so why would anyone find it suspicious? However, the MS word document comes with a macro that, once enabled, launches the infection. It opens a VBA script that is executed using Windows Management Instrumentation. This WMI code that is exploited to launch the infection is obfuscated, and then it is passed to PowerShell, and it gets launched.
DNSMessenger screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Normally, the MS Office blocks macro commands to protect users from various infections. However, if users enable macros manually, not much can be done to stop DNSMessenger and other similar infections from entering their system. So what can be done about it? For one, you should definitely be more careful about the emails you open and the files you download. As mentioned, DNSMessenger employs McAfee imagery to make users think that the document is safe. But let’s think about it: Would McAfee really secure a random document you receive from unfamiliar senders? Most probably not. So you should always double-check whether the message you have received comes from legitimate sources.
So now that DNSMessenger is on your computer, what happens to the system? Needless to say, you will not notice this infection at first because it works in the background. The Trojan creates a Point of Execution that allows it to run automatically each time the user turns on their computer. After that, the infection is able to open a backdoor in the system. Depending on who is making use of DNSMessenger, this backdoor can be used to download more malware or steal information from your system.
In other words, if you have DNSMessenger on your system, it is also possible to get infected with ransomware and other dangerous programs. It is essential to understand that such infections seldom travel alone, and if there is one intruder in your system, you are bound to have several others as well.
Here you might say that it is virtually impossible to notice DNSMessenger unless it is already too late, but we would like to remind you that you should always run regular system scans. Regular system scans with a reliable antispyware tool should be enough to inform you about your PC’s status. And if some malicious activity is detected, you can take care of it immediately.
As for DNSMessenger, you can use the instructions below to fix whatever this Trojan has inflicted on your system. However, for a full damage control, you should definitely invest in a security application that would locate all the malicious components and terminate them automatically. What’s more, you should be more careful in the future because you can never know when similar intruders might barge on your doorstep again. So you have to be ready.
How to Remove DNSMessenger
- Press Win+R and type %PROGRAMDATA%. Click OK.
- Go to the Windows folder and delete the kernel32.dll file.
- Press Win+R again and type %Windir%. Click OK.
- Check the following directories for the kernel32 tasks:
System32/Tasks
Tasks - If the kernel32 tasks are present, delete them.
- Press Win+R again and enter regedit. Click OK.
- Access the following registries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run - Locate and delete Trojan values (including kernel32).
- Exit Registry Editor and delete the most recently downloaded files.
- Scan your system with SpyHunter.
In non-techie terms:
DNSMessenger might not seem like much, but this Trojan could be easily used as a tool for more dangerous infections. Users often are not aware that they have this malicious intruder on their systems, so it clearly shows how important it is to run regular PC scans. If you happen to have this Trojan on-board, remove DNSMessenger immediately, and then safeguard your PC against other threats. If necessary, address a professional who could offer you more insights on the issue.