Bloom Virus Removal Guide

Concerned about the Bloom virus affecting your system? This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about the Bloom.exe malware, how to identify if you’re infected, and step-by-step removal instructions. Bloom is a sophisticated trojan that can compromise your system’s security while remaining largely undetected.

What Is Bloom Malware?

Bloom.exe is a malicious executable file associated with a sophisticated Trojan Horse variant. First discovered in late 2023, this malware is engineered to gain administrative privileges on infected systems without displaying obvious symptoms. Security researchers classify it as a multi-stage threat that combines elements of adware, spyware, and remote access capabilities.

Bloom Virus Technical Details
Classification	Trojan Horse / Adware / Spyware
Discovery Date	Q4 2023
Affected Systems	Windows 10, 11 (all versions)
Main Executable	Bloom.exe
Distribution Methods	Software bundling with freeware Misleading advertisements Fake update notifications Compromised download sources
Threat Level	Medium to High
Removal Difficulty	Moderate (requires multiple approaches)

The Bloom trojan operates stealthily in the background, establishing persistence mechanisms that allow it to survive system reboots. Μόλις ενεργοποιηθεί, it can perform various malicious activities, συμπεριλαμβανομένου:

• Collecting sensitive user information and browsing habits
• Displaying intrusive advertisements and pop-ups
• Redirecting web searches to sponsored or malicious sites
• Installing additional unwanted software without consent
• Creating backdoor access for remote attackers

How Bloom.exe Infects Your Computer

The Bloom malware uses several sophisticated distribution techniques to infiltrate systems. Understanding these infection vectors is crucial for both removal and future prevention:

Primary Infection Methods

1. Software Bundling: The most common distribution method (38% of infections) involves packaging Bloom with legitimate-looking free software. When users install the free application, Bloom is secretly installed alongside it.
2. Fake Update Notifications: Bloom may disguise itself as a critical system or software update. These deceptive notifications often mimic legitimate Windows or application updates.
3. Κακόβουλες διαφημίσεις: Clicking on compromised advertisements can trigger drive-by downloads that install Bloom without user consent.
4. Συνημμένα email: Similar to other trojans, Bloom can spread through malicious email attachments, often disguised as important documents.

Signs Your Computer Is Infected with Bloom Virus

Detecting Bloom can be challenging due to its stealthy nature, but watch for these telltale signs of infection:

• Unexpected website redirects while browsing
• Frequent pop-up advertisements, especially when no browser is open
• System slowdowns and performance issues
• Unknown processes in Task Manager, particularly “Bloom Tech Πνευματικά δικαιώματα © Με την επιφύλαξη παντός δικαιώματος” και “Bloom App © 2024“
• New browser extensions or toolbars installed without permission
• Increased network activity when the computer should be idle
• Antivirus programs being disabled or unable to update

Technical Analysis of Bloom Malware

Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)

Security professionals can identify Bloom infections through these specific indicators:

Indicator Type	Καθέκαστα
File Paths	%AppData%\Bloom\bloom.exe %AppData%\Bloom\config.dat %ProgramFiles%\BloomTech\BloomService.exe %Temp%\BL_[random characters].tmp
Registry Entries	HKCU\Software\Bloom HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\BloomStartup HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StartupApproved\Run32\Bloom
Network Indicators	Connections to bloom-stats.com (ντο&C server) HTTP POST requests to /metrics/collection endpoints Unusual DNS queries to randomly generated subdomains
File Hashes (SHA-256)	a8e7b2f9d25c4e6b87c936fb24a5d78e9e12c5b87d3c0f5a2e7b5b8a7c5b8a7c e5c9b8a7c6d5e4f3a2b1c0d9e8f7a6b5c4d3e2f1a0b9c8d7e6f5a4b3c2d1e0f

System Modifications

Once executed, Bloom makes several persistence and concealment modifications:

1. Multiple Component Installation: Bloom installs multiple components across the system to ensure survivability if one component is detected and removed.
2. Registry Modifications: The malware adds registry keys to ensure it starts automatically with Windows. It modifies Windows Defender settings to exclude its own files from scanning.
3. Scheduled Tasks: Creates scheduled tasks with misleading names like “WindowsUpdateCheck” to execute its components regularly.
4. DLL Injection: Uses DLL injection techniques to insert malicious code into legitimate processes, making detection more difficult.

How to Remove Bloom.exe Virus from Windows

Removing Bloom requires a multi-staged approach due to its various persistence mechanisms. Follow these methods to completely eliminate the infection from your system:

Method 1: Manual Removal Process

Βήμα 1: Απεγκαταστήστε το Bloom από τον υπολογιστή σας με Windows

Πρώτα, remove any visible Bloom components through the standard Windows uninstallation process:

1. Ανοιξε Πίνακας Ελέγχου στα Windows 11/10 by typing “Πίνακας Ελέγχου” in the search box and select “View by: Category”
2. Κάντε κλικ Απεγκαταστήστε ένα πρόγραμμα σύμφωνα με το Προγράμματα και χαρακτηριστικά Ενότητα
3. Look for any entries containing “ανθίζω”, “BloomTech”, or other suspicious recently installed programs
4. Right-click the suspicious entries and select Uninstall
5. Follow the uninstallation prompts to completion

Βήμα 2: Remove Bloom Components from File System

1. Τύπος Νίκη + R to open Run dialog
2. Τύπος %appdata% και πατήστε Enter
3. Look for a folder named “ανθίζω” and delete it permanently
4. Return to Run dialog, τύπος %programfiles% και πατήστε Enter
5. Look for and delete any “BloomTech” or similar suspicious folders
6. Open Run again, τύπος %temp% and delete any files beginning with “BL_”

Βήμα 3: Remove Bloom from the Registry

WARNING: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause serious system problems. Proceed with caution.

1. Τύπος Νίκη + R, τύπος regedit, and press Enter to open Registry Editor
2. Τύπος Ctrl + φά, τύπος “ανθίζω”, and click Find Next
3. Delete any entries related to Bloom that are found
4. Navigate to and check these specific registry locations for malicious entries:

           HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Bloom
           HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
           HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
           HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
           

5. Remove any suspicious startup entries referring to Bloom or BloomTech

Βήμα 4: Remove Bloom Scheduled Tasks

1. Τύπος Νίκη + R, τύπος taskschd.msc, and press Enter to open Task Scheduler
2. Browse through the Task Scheduler Library, looking for any suspicious tasks, especially those created recently
3. Right-click on suspicious tasks and select Delete

Method 2: Remove Bloom Using Trojan Remover

For a more thorough and automated removal process, Trojan Remover is highly effective at eliminating the Bloom malware and all its components:

Βήμα 1: Boot into Safe Mode with Networking

To prevent Bloom from interfering with the removal process, boot your system in Safe Mode with Networking:

1. Click the Start menu and select the Power button
2. Hold down the Shift key while clicking Restart
3. Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart
4. After your computer restarts, press 5 or F5 to select “Ασφαλής λειτουργία με δικτύωση”

Βήμα 2: Install and Run Trojan Remover

Once in Safe Mode, download and run Trojan Remover to scan for and remove the Bloom infection:

1. Download Trojan Remover from the official website
2. Install the program and activate the free trial for full functionality
3. Launch Trojan Remover and select “Full System Scan” from the main interface

Βήμα 3: Complete the Removal Process

After the scan completes, Trojan Remover will identify all Bloom-related threats:

1. Review the list of detected threats, which should include Bloom components
2. Ensure all detections are selected for removal (this is usually the default action)
3. Κάντε κλικ “Remove Selected” to eliminate all Bloom-related files and registry entries
4. Restart your computer when prompted to complete the removal process

Μετά τη σάρωση, you’ll see a list of detected threats with recommended actions. The program will suggest removal for all Bloom-related components. You can customize these actions if needed.

Βήμα 4: Verify Complete Removal

To ensure Bloom has been completely removed from your system:

1. Restart your computer in normal mode (not Safe Mode)
2. Run another full system scan with Trojan Remover
3. If no additional threats are detected, your system is clean
4. If more threats are found, remove them and repeat the verification process

How to Prevent Bloom Virus and Similar Infections

To protect your system from Bloom and similar malware in the future, implement these security practices:

Prevention Strategy	Implementation
Software Sources	Only download software from official websites or reputable sources. Be wary of “free” versions of paid software.
Custom Installation	Always choose “Custom” ή “Advanced” installation options to decline additional bundled software.
Update Management	Only update software through official channels. Be suspicious of update notifications that appear outside of applications.
Ad Blockers	Use reputable ad-blocking extensions in your browsers to prevent malvertising infections.
Email Safety	Never open attachments from unknown senders and verify the sender before opening attachments from known contacts.
System Protection	Keep Windows and security software updated. Create system restore points before installing new software.

Related Threats

Bloom is part of a broader ecosystem of trojans and potentially unwanted applications. Understanding these related threats can help improve your overall security posture:

• γενναίο και φιλεργό άτομο:Win32/Wacatac – Another sophisticated trojan with similar behavior patterns that targets user data
• γενναίο και φιλεργό άτομο:Win32/Casdet!rfn – A related threat that employs similar persistence techniques
• DWM Crashes in Windows – Performance issues that may result from malware infections like Bloom

Σύναψη

The Bloom virus represents a significant threat to Windows users due to its stealthy nature and multiple attack vectors. By following the comprehensive removal steps outlined in this guide, you can eliminate this malware from your system. Remember that prevention is always preferable to removal – implementing good security practices will help protect your computer from future infections.

If you encounter difficulties removing Bloom or suspect that your system remains infected despite following these steps, consider seeking professional assistance or using specialized removal tools like Trojan Remover.