How To Remove Shampoo ChromeLoader Malware?

  Category:  MALWARE | 21st January 2026 | Author:  CSI'S TEAM

Introduction Of Shampoo ChromeLoader Malware

Shampoo ChromeLoader Malware Is A Nasty Application. It Has Been Developed By The Cyber Criminal For Own Goal. However, Shampoo ChromeLoader Malware Has Been Facilitated With ChromeLoader Extension Called “Shampoo”. It Can Only Target The Chrome Web Browser, Because Many Of The Web Site Users Should Run Chrome Web Browser.

Shampoo ChromeLoader Malware Can Take The Help Of Deceptive Advertisement As Well As Convince You Through Lucrative Ads And Compel To Install Vicious Extension. Shampoo ChromeLoader Malware May Collect The Sensitive Information From The Web Browser Such As Personal Information Including IP Address, Credit Card, Debit Card, Social Security Number, History Details, And Cookies Data.

Infection Mechanism

Shampoo Spreads Through Malicious Websites That Promise Free, Pirated Content (games, Movies, Music).

Fake Downloads: Users Download What They Think Is A Legitimate File, But Instead Receive A VBScript File.

PowerShell Execution: Running This Script Triggers A PowerShell Command That Sets Up A Scheduled Task To Ensure The Malware Persists Even After A Reboot.

Persistence: The Malware Operates On A Loop, Executing A Script Every 50 Minutes To Maintain Its Presence.

Malicious Extension: The Script Installs A Malicious Chrome Extension (identified As "Shampoo").

Symptoms And Capabilities

Search Redirection: Searches On Yahoo, Google, And Bing Are Redirected To Malicious Sites (e.g., Ythingamgladt[dot]com).

Ad Injection: The Extension Injects Ads Into The Browser To Generate Revenue For Attackers.

Data Theft: It Collects Personal Information, Including Search Queries.

Blocks Removals: It Prevents Users From Accessing The Chrome Extensions Screen (chrome://extensions) By Redirecting Them To Settings, Making Manual Removal Difficult.

How To Remove Shampoo ChromeLoader Malware?

Due To Its Persistence, Removal Requires Quick, Manual Steps:

Remove Scheduled Tasks: Open Task Scheduler And Delete Any Tasks Prefixed With "chrome_" (e.g., Chrome_center).

Delete Registry Keys: Delete The Registry Key HKCU:\Software\Mirage Utilities\.

Delete Malicious Files: Remove Files From %LOCALAPPDATA% Related To Chrome_test, Chrome_display, Or Chrome_performance.

Restart & Scan: Reboot The Computer And Run A Scan With A Reputable, Up-to-date Antivirus Program.

Prevention

Avoid Pirated Software: Do Not Download Pirated Games, Music, Or Software, As These Are Primary Sources For This Malware.

Check Extensions: Regularly Review Installed Browser Extensions.

Update Browser: Keep Google Chrome Updated To The Latest Version.

Use Security Software: Employ Robust Anti-malware Solutions.

Summary Of Shampoo ChromeLoader Malware

Shampoo ChromeLoader Is A Malicious Software Campaign Associated With The ChromeLoader Malware Family, Which Is Primarily Known For Browser Hijacking, Intrusive Advertising, And Redirection-based Monetization. ChromeLoader Initially Emerged As A Browser-focused Threat That Abuses Google Chrome Extensions And Windows Shortcut Manipulation To Persist On Infected Systems. The “Shampoo” Variant Refers To A Specific Campaign Or Distribution Wave That Used Deceptive Marketing Themes, Fake Software Installers, And Search Engine Poisoning Techniques To Lure Users Into Downloading Malicious Files.

The Main Objective Of Shampoo ChromeLoader Is Not Direct Data Theft, But Aggressive Ad Fraud And Traffic Redirection. Once Installed, The Malware Alters Browser Behaviour To Inject Unwanted Advertisements, Redirect Users To Sponsored Or Malicious Websites, And Manipulate Search Results. These Activities Generate Revenue For Threat Actors Through Affiliate Marketing Schemes, Pay-per-click Fraud, And Potentially The Distribution Of Additional Malware.

Infection Typically Begins When Users Download Cracked Software, Fake Updates, Media Players, Or Game Mods Promoted Through Misleading Advertisements And Malicious Websites. These Downloads Often Contain ISO Or ZIP Files That Drop Malicious Scripts And Executable. A Common Persistence Technique Used By ChromeLoader Is The Modification Of Windows Shortcut (.LNK) Files. The Malware Appends Hidden PowerShell Commands To Browser Shortcuts So That Every Time The User Opens Chrome Or Another Browser, The Malicious Script Executes In The Background.

Another Notable Technique Used By Shampoo ChromeLoader Is Abusing Scheduled Tasks And Registry Entries To Maintain Long-term Persistence. The Malware May Create Scheduled Jobs That Periodically Re-infect The Browser, Reinstall Malicious Extensions, Or Reconfigure System Settings If The User Attempts Manual Removal. It Also Downloads Browser Extensions From Attacker-controlled Servers, Bypassing Official Browser Stores And Security Warnings.

Although ChromeLoader Is Primarily Categorized As Adware Or A Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP), The Shampoo Campaign Poses Serious Security Risks. Redirected Websites May Host Phishing Pages, Scam Pop-ups, Fake Antivirus Alerts, Or Exploit Kits That Can Deliver More Dangerous Malware Such As Trojans, Ransomware, Or Information Stealers. Therefore, ChromeLoader Often Acts As A Gateway Infection That Weakens System Security And Exposes Users To Further Compromise.

From A Technical Standpoint, Shampoo ChromeLoader Uses Obfuscated PowerShell Scripts, Encoded Commands, And Fileless Execution Techniques To Evade Traditional Antivirus Detection. It Frequently Updates Its Payload And Distribution Domains, Making Signature-based Detection Less Effective. Some Variants Also Disable Browser Security Features, Modify Proxy Settings, And Manipulate DNS Configurations To Control Web Traffic.

Mitigation Of Shampoo ChromeLoader Requires Both User Awareness And Strong Endpoint Protection. Users Should Avoid Downloading Pirated Software, Fake Updates, Or Unknown Browser Extensions. Enterprises Should Implement Web Filtering, Application Control, And Behavioural Monitoring To Detect Abnormal Shortcut Modifications And Unauthorized Scheduled Tasks. Regular Patching And Browser Security Policies Can Further Reduce Exposure.

In Conclusion, Shampoo ChromeLoader Represents A Modern Evolution Of Browser-based Malware That Prioritizes Stealthy Persistence And Monetization Through Web Traffic Abuse. While It May Not Directly Steal Credentials Or Encrypt Files, Its Ability To Manipulate Browsers, Expose Users To Secondary Infections, And Resist Removal Makes It A Significant Cyber Security Threat. Its Continued Appearance In Multiple Campaigns Highlights The Importance Of Proactive Security Practices And Continuous Monitoring Of Endpoint Behaviour.

Malware Removal Guide For PC

Malware Removal Guide For Web Browsers

Prevent Future Malware

Summary - Malware Removal Guide

Guide For VPN Uses

Malware Removal Guide – PC And Web Browser

PART 1: Remove Malware From Your PC (Windows)

Step 1: Boot Into Safe Mode

• Restart Your PC And Press F8 (or Shift + F8 For Some Systems) Before Windows Loads.

• Choose Safe Mode With Networking.

Safe Mode Prevents Most Malware From Loading.

Step 2: Uninstall Suspicious Programs

1. Press Win + R, Type appwiz.cpl, And Press Enter.

2. Sort By Install Date And Uninstall Unknown Or Recently Added Programs.

Step 3: Run A Malware Scan

Use A Trusted Anti-malware Tool:

Malwarebytes – https://www.malwarebytes.com

Screenshot Of Malwarebytes - Visit Links

Microsoft Defender – Built Into Windows 10/11

HitmanPro, ESET Online Scanner, Or Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool

ZoneAlarm Pro Antivirus + Firewall NextGen

VIPRE Antivirus - US And Others Countries, | India

VIPRE Antivirus - Mac

F-Secure Total - Global

Run A Full Scan And Delete/quarantine Detected Threats.

Step 4: Delete Temporary Files

1. Press Win + R, Type temp → Delete All Files.

2. Press Win + R, Type %temp% → Delete All Files.

3. Use Disk Cleanup: cleanmgr In The Run Dialog.

Step 5: Reset Hosts File

1. Go To: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc

2. Open hosts File With Notepad.

3. Replace With Default Content:

Step 6: Check Startup Programs

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Open Task Manager

2. Go To Startup Tab

3. Disable Any Suspicious Entries.

Step 7: Reset Network Settings

1. Open Command Prompt As Administrator.

2. Run These Commands:

netsh Winsock Reset

netsh Int Ip Reset

ipconfig /flushdns

PART 2: Remove Malware From Web Browsers

? Common Signs Of Malware In Browser:

• Unwanted Homepage Or Search Engine

• Pop-ups Or Redirects

• Unknown Extensions Installed

Step 1: Remove Suspicious Extensions

For Chrome:

• Go To: chrome://extensions/

• Remove Anything Unfamiliar

For Firefox:

• Go To: about:addons → Extensions

• Remove Suspicious Add-ons

For Edge:

• Go To: edge://extensions/

• Uninstall Unknown Add-ons

Step 2: Reset Browser Settings

Chrome:

• Go To chrome://settings/reset → "Restore Settings To Their Original Defaults"

Firefox:

• Go To about:support → "Refresh Firefox"

Edge:

• Go To edge://settings/resetProfileSettings → "Reset Settings"

Step 3: Clear Cache And Cookies

All Browsers:

• Use Ctrl + Shift + Del → Select All Time

• Clear Cookies, Cached Files, And Site Data

Step 4: Check Search Engine & Homepage Settings

Make Sure They Are Not Hijacked.

• Chrome: chrome://settings/search

• Firefox: about:preferences#search

• Edge: edge://settings/search

Step 5: Use Browser Cleanup Tools (Optional)

• Chrome: chrome://settings/cleanup

• Use Malwarebytes Browser Guard For Real-time Browser Protection.

FINAL TIPS: Prevent Future Malware

• Always Download Software From Trusted Sources.

• Keep Windows, Browsers, And Antivirus Updated.

• Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links Or Ads.

• Use ad Blockers And reputable Antivirus Software.

• Backup Your Files Regularly.

Short Summary: Malware Removal Guide (PC & Web Browser)

To Remove Malware From Your Windows PC, Start By Booting Into Safe Mode, Uninstalling Suspicious Programs, And Scanning With Trusted Anti-malware Tools Like Malwarebytes. Clear Temporary Files, Reset Your Network Settings, And Check Startup Apps For Anything Unusual.

For web Browsers, Remove Unwanted Extensions, Reset Browser Settings, Clear Cache And Cookies, And Ensure Your Homepage And Search Engine Haven’t Been Hijacked. Use Cleanup Tools Like Chrome Cleanup Or Browser Guard For Added Protection.

?? Prevention Tips: Keep Software Updated, Avoid Suspicious Downloads, And Use Antivirus Protection Plus Browser Ad Blockers. Regular Backups Are Essential.

VPN - How To Use IT

1. Choose A Trusted VPN Provider

• Why It Matters: Not All VPNs Offer Malware Protection.

• What To Look For: Providers With built-in Malware/ad/tracker Blockers (e.g., NordVPN’s Threat Protection, ProtonVPN’s NetShield).

• Nord VPN
• Hide.me VPN

2. Enable Kill Switch

• Purpose: Prevents Data Leaks If Your VPN Connection Drops.

• Benefit: Ensures Your Real IP And Browsing Activity Aren’t Exposed To Malware-distributing Websites.

3. Use VPN With DNS Leak Protection

• Why It Matters: DNS Leaks Can Expose Your Online Activity To Attackers.

• Solution: Enable DNS Leak Protection In Your VPN Settings Or Use A Secure DNS Like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).

4. Avoid Free VPNs

• Risk: Free VPNs Often Contain Malware, Sell User Data, Or Lack Security Features.

• Better Option: Use Reputable Paid VPNs That Offer security Audits And Transparent Privacy Policies.

5. Use VPN With Anti-Phishing Tools

• Some VPNs Block Known Phishing And Malicious Sites.

• Example: Surfshark’s CleanWeb, CyberGhost’s Content Blocker.

6. Keep Your VPN App Updated

• Reason: Security Patches Fix Known Vulnerabilities.

• Tip: Enable Auto-updates Or Check For Updates Weekly.

. Use VPN On All Devices

• Scope: Malware Can Enter Through Phones, Tablets, Or IoT Devices.

• Solution: Install VPN Apps On Every Internet-connected Device.

8. Don’t Rely On VPN Alone

• Fact: VPNs Do Not Remove Or Detect Malware On Your System.

• Complement It With:

  • Antivirus Software

  • Firewall

  • Browser Extensions For Script Blocking

9. Avoid Clicking Unknown Links While VPN Is On

• VPN Encrypts Traffic But Can’t Stop Malware From Executing If You Download Infected Files.

10. Use VPN With Split Tunneling Cautiously

• Split Tunneling Allows Certain Apps/sites To Bypass VPN.

• Tip: Never Exclude Browsers, Email Clients, Or Download Managers From VPN Tunneling.

Short Note - VPN Uses

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) Enhances Your Online Privacy By Encrypting Your Internet Traffic And Masking Your IP Address. It Protects Your Data On Public Wi-Fi, Hides Browsing Activity From Hackers And ISPs, And Helps Bypass Geo-restrictions. VPNs Also Add A Layer Of Defense Against Malware By Blocking Malicious Websites And Trackers When Using Advanced Features. However, A VPN Does Not Remove Existing Malware Or Act As Antivirus Software. For Full Protection, Combine VPN Use With Antivirus Tools, Regular Software Updates, And Cautious Browsing Habits. Always Choose A Reputable VPN Provider With Strong Security And Privacy Policies.