Quick Answer
darkcomet.exe is malware. It is a remote access Trojan used by threat actors to control an infected Windows PC, steal data, and spy on the user.
Is it a Virus?
YES - Malware
Typically masquerades as legitimate software and establishes a C2 channel to remote operators
Warning
Active C2 beacon and data-exfiltration behavior
Look for outbound traffic to unknown hosts and unusual process activity
Can I Remove?
YES
Terminate the process and remove all DarkComet components from disk and startup entries
What is darkcomet.exe?
darkcomet.exe is the launcher and main component of the DarkComet RAT, a Windows backdoor that gives an attacker remote control over an infected machine. It often masquerades as a legitimate file and hides in system folders to evade detection, coordinating with a command-and-control server.
DarkComet implements a multi-feature backdoor: remote shell, file access, keylogging, and webcam capture, typically communicating over encrypted channels. It uses registry persistence and scheduled tasks to survive reboots and maintain access.
Quick Fact: DarkComet is infamous for stealthy persistence and comprehensive spying capabilities, making it a favored tool for attackers in past campaigns.
Types of DarkComet Components
- Main Client: darkcomet.exe - the primary backdoor executable
- Persistence Mechanism: Registry Run keys and scheduled tasks to survive reboots
- C2 Channel: Command-and-control beacon used to receive instructions
- Data Exfiltration: Modules for stealing files and credentials
- Screen/Keystroke Capture: Features to monitor user activity in real time
- Update/Loader: Modules to receive new payloads or updates
Is darkcomet.exe Safe?
No, darkcomet.exe is not safe when it is the DarkComet RAT or any similar variant. It is a malicious backdoor used by attackers to compromise and control systems.
Is darkcomet.exe a Virus or Malware?
The legitimate file is malware. If found on a system without authorization, treat it as malware and isolate the host.
How to Tell if darkcomet.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\DarkComet\darkcomet.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\DarkComet\darkcomet.exe. Any other location is highly suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should be unsigned or show a suspicious signer; compare with known signs of the author.
- Resource Usage: Normal DarkComet instances are unlikely to run in legitimate contexts; watch for persistent CPU spikes or unusual outbound network traffic.
- Behavior: If the process establishes C2 connections or captures screen/ keystrokes without user consent, it is malware.
Red Flags: Unknown startup entries, dark comets communicating with unfamiliar hosts, unexpected registry keys, or file paths like C:\Users or AppData with darkcomet.exe should trigger an immediate security scan.
Why Is darkcomet.exe Running on My PC?
darkcomet.exe runs when the malware maintains a presence on the host, often to receive commands, exfiltrate data, or maintain persistence. It can run at startup or as a background beacon to stay connected with a C2 server.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Operator Session: A connected attacker issues commands in real time via the DarkComet C2.
- Background Beacon: The RAT periodically pings its C2 server to await new instructions.
- Startup Persistence: Auto-start entries or scheduled tasks bring darkcomet.exe back after reboots.
- Data Harvesting: Keylogging, clipboard capture, and file access keep the data flowing to the operator.
- Lateral Movement Readiness: The malware may prepare to spread or enumerate other devices from the host.
Can I Disable or Remove darkcomet.exe?
Yes, you can disable darkcomet.exe and remove it from the system. However, a fully clean system requires removing persistence, artifacts, and scanning for related components.
How to Stop darkcomet.exe
- End Active Sessions: Use Task Manager to end the darkcomet.exe process if safe to terminate.
- Disable Startup: Open Task Manager > Startup and disable any DarkComet entries; remove scheduled tasks if present.
- Remove Registry Keys: Edit or delete Run keys under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
- Remove Malicious Payload: Run a full malware scan with a reputable security tool and remove all associated DarkComet components.
- Review Network Activity: Check for unknown outbound connections and block C2 IPs or domains in firewall settings.
How to Uninstall DarkComet
- ✔ Use a trusted security tool to remove the binary and its components, then restart the system.
- ✔ Remove DarkComet directories: <code>C:\Program Files\DarkComet</code> and <code>C:\Program Files (x86)\DarkComet</code> if present.
- ✔ Clean startup and registry traces: disable startup entries and remove related Run keys.
Common Problems: High CPU or Network Activity
If darkcomet.exe is causing performance issues or suspicious network activity, investigate the root cause and remove the malware promptly.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active operator session or beaconing: Terminate the process, block C2 addresses, and run a full system malware scan.
- Background data exfiltration: Disable any data-harvesting modules, inspect network traffic, and remove the RAT payload.
- Startup persistence: Remove startup entries and scheduled tasks related to DarkComet.
- Malicious extensions or loaders: Remove suspicious extensions and loaders; ensure no additional malware components remain.
- Outdated antivirus detection: Update antivirus definitions and perform a thorough scan with removal tools.
- Unknown or spoofed processes: Isolate the host and perform forensic checks to confirm the presence of DarkComet.
Quick Fixes:
1. Terminate darkcomet.exe in Task Manager if safe to stop
2. Run a full system malware scan with an updated engine
3. Review and remove startup entries and Run keys
4. Block C2 domains/IPs in firewall rules
5. Consider using an endpoint detection and response tool for cleanup
Frequently Asked Questions
Is darkcomet.exe malware?
Yes. darkcomet.exe is the main backdoor for the DarkComet RAT, typically used by attackers to gain remote control of infected Windows machines.
Why is darkcomet.exe running on my PC?
DarkComet often runs to maintain persistence, receive commands from a remote operator, or harvest data. Look for startup entries and C2 traffic.
How do I remove DarkComet RAT?
Run a reputable anti-malware scan, terminate darkcomet.exe, remove startup items and registry traces, and delete DarkComet folders from disk. Reboot and re-scan.
Can DarkComet steal my data?
Yes. DarkComet can log keystrokes, capture screenshots, access files, and exfiltrate data to a remote C2 server.
Can I prevent infection or protect myself?
Maintain up-to-date security software, avoid downloading executables from untrusted sources, disable remote access tools, and practice network segmentation and user education.
Is there a legitimate use for darkcomet.exe?
No legitimate consumer software uses a DarkComet RAT executor. It is widely treated as malware; only security researchers in controlled labs might study it.