Quick Answer
ramnit-driver.sys is malicious. It is a kernel-mode driver used by the Ramnit malware to persist, hook OS routines, and exfiltrate data. Removal requires specialized malware remediation steps.
Is it a Virus?
YES
Kernel driver ramnit-driver.sys is a malware component used by Ramnit to maintain control of the system.
Warning
Kernel driver loaded at boot
Ramnit often installs persistence drivers that auto-start and evade detection.
Can I Disable?
NO
Disabling a kernel driver is risky and may destabilize the OS. Removal must be done via malware cleanup.
What is ramnit-driver.sys?
ramnit-driver.sys is a kernel-mode driver associated with the Ramnit malware family. It loads at startup, gains high privileges, and helps the malware persist, inject into processes, and exfiltrate data. Its stealth makes detection harder than typical user-mode malware.
Ramnit utilizes a kernel driver to interact with core OS components, enabling stealthy hooks and persistence. This driver works with user-mode loaders to coordinate actions while evading basic security checks.
Quick Fact: Kernel drivers like ramnit-driver.sys operate in ring-0, giving the malware deep access and making remediation notably more challenging.
Types of ramnit-driver Processes
- Driver Service: Kernel-mode service registered in the system and started at boot
- Driver File: SYS binary located in the drivers folder
- Persistence Modules: Registry-based or service-based components that ensure startup
Is ramnit-driver.sys Safe?
No, ramnit-driver.sys is not safe when associated with Ramnit malware. It is a malicious kernel driver used to persist and control an infected system.
Is ramnit-driver.sys a Virus or Malware?
The real ramnit-driver.sys is malware, specifically a kernel-mode driver used by the Ramnit family to achieve persistence and data theft.
How to Tell if ramnit-driver.sys is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\ramnit-driver.sys or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\drivers\ramnit-driver.sys. Any ramnit-driver.sys elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. If the signature is missing or not from a trusted vendor, it is suspicious.
- Resource Usage: Kernel drivers can be lightweight, but sudden spikes or persistent activity during idle can indicate compromise. Use specialized tools to verify.
- Behavior: A legitimate driver should not exhibit unexpected userland behavior. Look for hooks, process injection, or network exfiltration indicators.
Red Flags: If ramnit-driver.sys is located outside standard folders (e.g., Temp, AppData), unsigned or signed by an unexpected vendor, or shows persistent activity after a full scan, treat as malicious and isolate the system.
Why Is ramnit-driver.sys Running on My PC?
ramnit-driver.sys runs as part of the Ramnit malware to maintain control, enable persistence after reboots, and coordinate activities between kernel and user-mode components.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Malware Infection: A compromised host running Ramnit will load the kernel driver to perform privileged actions.
- Startup Persistence: The driver is registered to start at boot to survive restarts and maintain access.
- Kernel-Mode Hooks: The driver hooks system calls to monitor or intercept operations for theft or evasion.
- Data Exfiltration: Coordinated actions with user-mode components enable credential and data theft.
- Anti-Detection Tactics: Rootkit-like behavior hides its presence from basic antivirus and makes removal harder.
Can I Disable or Remove ramnit-driver.sys?
Yes, you can remove ramnit-driver.sys, but it requires a proper malware cleanup. Simply disabling the driver is not reliable and may destabilize the system; use dedicated malware remediation tools.
How to Stop ramnit-driver.sys
- Enter Safe Mode: Restart the system and boot into Safe Mode with Networking to prevent the driver from loading during startup.
- Run Malware Cleanup: Use an updated antivirus/antimalware tool capable of removing kernel drivers and Ramnit components.
- Perform Full System Scan: Run a deep scan, including memory and boot sectors; remove ramnit-driver.sys and related files.
- Check for Residual Artifacts: Search for related binaries and registry/service entries; remove leftovers to prevent reinfection.
- Consider OS Reinstallation: If infection persists, back up data and perform a clean OS reinstall to ensure thorough cleanup.
How to Uninstall ramnit-driver.sys
- ✔ Run a reputable malware cleanup tool and allow it to remove ramnit-driver.sys and associated components.
- ✔ Reboot into Safe Mode and perform a second scan to ensure all components are removed.
- ✔ If removal fails, perform a backup and reinstall the operating system to guarantee eradication.
Common Problems: Kernel Driver Conflicts or System Instability
When ramnit-driver.sys is present, you may see unusual system behavior, performance issues, or failed cleanups. The following problems and fixes help with typical Ramnit driver scenarios.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Rootkit persistence: Perform a full malware cleanup with a trusted tool and consider OS reinstall if remnants persist.
- Invalid or missing driver signature: Verify digital signatures and signatures from trusted vendors; remove unsigned components immediately.
- Conflicts with security software: Temporarily disable conflicting security tools in Safe Mode, then re-scan and remove malware.
- Multiple ramnit-driver.sys copies: Search and remove duplicate binaries from unusual locations; ensure only legitimate drivers exist after cleanup.
- Residual startup entries: Inspect startup items and services; disable or remove entries related to Ramnit driver.
- Partial cleanup leaving traces: Run multiple passes with updated malware definitions and perform a boot-time scan if available.
Quick Fixes:
1. Boot into Safe Mode and run a full malware scan with the latest definitions
2. Use a dedicated kernel-driver removal tool if available
3. Search for ramnit-driver.sys in C:\Windows\System32\drivers and C:\Windows\SysWOW64\drivers and delete suspicious copies
4. Check for startup entries and remove any Ramnit-related items
5. Perform OS reinstall if remnants remain after cleanup
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ramnit-driver.sys a real Windows driver?
No. ramnit-driver.sys is a kernel-mode driver used by the Ramnit malware. It is not a legitimate Windows driver and should be treated as malicious.
How do I remove ramnit-driver.sys?
Use a reputable malware cleanup tool with kernel-driver removal capabilities, boot into Safe Mode, and perform a full system clean. Consider OS reinstall if necessary.
Where is ramnit-driver.sys located?
Typically in C:\Windows\System32\drivers\ramnit-driver.sys or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\drivers\ramnit-driver.sys. Other locations indicate compromise.
Can ramnit-driver.sys come back after removal?
If the system is reinfected or backup copies persist, the driver may return. Ensure complete cleanup, update security tools, and patch any vulnerabilities.
What are signs of ramnit-driver.sys infection?
Unusual system slowdowns, frequent crashes, unexplained network activity, disabled security tools, and kernel-level processes that you cannot attribute to legitimate software.
Is it safe to disable ramnit-driver.sys?
Disabling a kernel driver is not reliable or safe. Removal should be performed via complete malware cleanup by a trusted tool or expert.