Is it a Virus?
✔ YES - FormBook is malware
Typically deployed by threat actors via phishing, bundled installers, or compromised software.
Warning
Multiple hooks and browser injections
FormBook often injects into browser processes to capture data in real-time.
Can I Disable?
✔ NO - Disabling alone won't stop data exfiltration
Disabling the process may stop immediate activity but removal is required to eliminate risk.
What is formbook.exe?
formbook.exe is the executable component of the FormBook credential grabbing toolkit. It runs on Windows to hook browsers, collect form data and keystrokes, and exfiltrate secrets to a remote server. It often hides in user directories and masquerades as legitimate processes.
FormBook operates via a modular loader that injects into browser processes, intercepts form submissions, extracts credentials, and uses network channels to exfiltrate data to an attacker-controlled server.
Quick Fact: FormBook leverages browser form data capture across multiple popular browsers and can adapt its payload to avoid simple detections.
Types of FormBook Processes
- Loader/Dropper: Installs FormBook components and establishes persistence
- Form Grabber Module: Intercepts and stores data from browser form submissions
- Credential Exfiltration Service: Exfiltrates stolen data to the C2 server
- Persistence Layer: Registry Run keys or startup folder to maintain presence
- Anti-Analysis/Obfuscation: Checks for sandbox/VM and hides activity
- Updater/Loader: Receives payload updates and re-injects components
Is formbook.exe Safe?
No, formbook.exe is not safe — it is a credential stealing malware.
Is formbook.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real formbook.exe is malware designed to steal credentials. When seen outside legitimate security programs, treat as malicious.
How to Tell if formbook.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Users\JohnDoe\AppData\Roaming\FormBook\formbook.exe or C:\ProgramData\FormBook\formbook.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show an attacker-supplied or missing signature; legitimate FormBook variants will not have a trusted signature.
- Resource Usage: Unusually persistent CPU or memory (beyond typical 0-20% and 40-180 MB) for a login form monitoring tool is a red flag.
- Behavior: If the executable runs at login without user initiation or attempts to exfiltrate data, it is likely malware.
Red Flags: If formbook.exe appears in AppData\Roaming or ProgramData with no legitimate software affiliation, runs at startup, or communicates with unknown hosts, scan the system and remove the file.
Why Is formbook.exe Running on My PC?
formbook.exe runs to capture form data from browsers, exfiltrate credentials, and maintain persistence. It may also run to check for evasion conditions or to wait for a next command from a threat actor.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Infection: A compromised system is actively running FormBook to harvest credentials from browsers.
- Background Data Capture: The malware monitors form submissions across multiple browsers even when the user thinks the browser is idle.
- Startup Persistence: FormBook may configure Run Keys so it starts automatically on login.
- Exfiltration Windows: Stolen data is prepared for and sent to a remote C2 server or drop point.
- Browser Injectors: FormBook injects code into browser processes to intercept inputs and bypass simple detections.
Can I Disable or Remove formbook.exe?
Yes, you should remove FormBook. Disabling alone won't stop data exfiltration; remove it and clean infected components.
How to Stop formbook.exe
- End Active FormBook Processes: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and terminate formbook.exe processes and related injectors.
- Boot to Safe Mode and Scan: Restart in Safe Mode and run a full malware scan with a reputable AV/EMR tool.
- Remove Startup Entries: Open Registry Run keys and startup folders and delete any FormBook references (e.g., HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run).
- Delete Infected Files: Delete C:\Users\JohnDoe\AppData\Roaming\FormBook\formbook.exe and C:\ProgramData\FormBook\formbook.exe if present.
- Reset Browser Data: Reset or reinstall affected browsers and clear cached data that may be used for data capture.
How to Uninstall FormBook
- ✔ Run a full antivirus/malware removal in Safe Mode and allow removal of all detected FormBook components.
- ✔ Delete related files in C:\Users\JohnDoe\AppData\Roaming\FormBook and C:\ProgramData\FormBook.
- ✔ Review Startup items and registry keys (Run, Startup folder) and remove FormBook entries.
- ✔ Reset network and browser settings, and ensure system protection tools are up to date.
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If formbook.exe is consuming resources or causing browser issues, review the following causes and fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active credential capture from many forms: Limit browser activity or stop suspicious tabs; run a malware removal tool.
- Persistence mechanisms: Remove startup entries and clean registry keys associated with FormBook.
- Injected browser processes: Reset affected browsers and disable malicious extensions; reinstall browsers if needed.
- Network exfiltration: Block outgoing connections to known C2 domains and run network monitoring.
- Obfuscated or packed binaries: Scan with multiple reputable scanners and use behavior-based detection.
- Outdated security protections: Update OS, security tools, and apply all critical patches; enable real-time protection.
Quick Fixes:
1. Run a full malware scan in Safe Mode to remove FormBook components.
2. End FormBook processes in Task Manager.
3. Delete FormBook files from C:\Users\JohnDoe\AppData\Roaming\FormBook and C:\ProgramData\FormBook.
4. Reset affected browsers and clear cached data.
5. Update Windows and security software to prevent reinfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is formbook.exe a virus?
Yes, formbook.exe is malware designed to steal credential data from browsers. It should be treated as a high-risk threat and removed with security tools.
How did FormBook get on my computer?
Common vectors include phishing emails with malicious attachments, bundled software, or drive-by downloads from compromised sites.
Can I delete formbook.exe from my system manually?
Manually deleting the file may not remove all components. Use a reputable antivirus/malware removal tool and follow steps to remove startup entries and registry keys.
Can I disable FormBook without removing it?
Disabling may stop current activity but won’t remove the underlying threat. It's essential to complete a full removal.
Why is FormBook so hard to detect?
FormBook uses obfuscation, random file paths, and browser injections to evade simple detections. Behavior-based detection and multi-tool scans are recommended.
How can I protect myself from FormBook?
Keep OS and apps updated, use reputable security software, avoid suspicious downloads, enable browser protections, and regularly review startup programs and browser extensions.