Quick Answer
subseven.exe is malware. It functions as a remote access trojan, enabling an attacker to control the infected machine, steal data, capture inputs, and issue commands.
Is subseven.exe a Virus?
YES - Malware
Most infections use subseven.exe in AppData\Roaming or ProgramData folders and often lack legitimate signatures.
Warning
Backdoor behavior detected
C2 communications, keylogging, and screen capture are common traits.
Can I Disable?
YES - But removal is required
Disabling alone won't remove the backdoor; follow removal steps below.
What is subseven.exe?
subseven.exe is the executable used by the SubSeven RAT to establish control over a Windows system. It runs as a stealthy background client, often masquerading as legitimate software, and communicates with a remote attacker to steal data, capture screenshots, log keystrokes, and execute commands.
SubSeven uses a client-server RAT model: an infected host runs a stealthy SubSeven client that maintains a persistent connection to a remote C2, enabling remote commands, file access, keylogging, and screen capture via plugins.
Quick Fact: SubSeven is one of the classic Windows RATs; its modular design allows attackers to load plugins for additional capabilities.
Types of SubSeven Processes
- Main Controller / Client: The primary SubSeven client that maintains the C2 connection and issues commands.
- Keylogger Module: Captures keystrokes and logs input data.
- Screen Capture Module: Captures screenshots on demand or on schedule.
- File Manager Module: Transfers files between infected host and attacker server.
- Registry / Persistence: Keeps the backdoor running across reboots via startup keys.
- Update / Downloader: Fetches updates or additional plugins from the C2 server.
Is subseven.exe Safe?
No, subseven.exe is malware that compromises system security and privacy.
Is subseven.exe a Virus or Malware?
The subseven.exe file is malware designed to give an attacker remote access to the host.
How to Tell if subseven.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Check for the file at C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\subseven.exe or C:\ProgramData\SubSeven\subseven.exe; legitimate software rarely resides there.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in the Task Manager or Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show no valid signature from a trusted publisher.
- Resource Usage: Persistent CPU/memory usage from the subseven.exe path indicates malicious activity; baseline is generally low when idle.
- Behavior: Unexpected outbound connections to unfamiliar hosts or ports, plus remote command capabilities, indicate malware.
Red Flags: If subseven.exe is running in the background without user consent, located in unusual folders (e.g., AppData, Temp), or shows no legitimate digital signature, treat as malware and run a full malware scan immediately.
Why Is subseven.exe Running on My PC?
subseven.exe runs to maintain remote access for attackers, enables data theft, and ensures persistence even after minor reboots. It can also reactivate after system cleanup if persistence is not removed.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Remote Access: The RAT maintains a persistent connection to the command-and-control (C2) server to receive instructions.
- Persistence Mechanisms: Startup keys, Run entries, and scheduled tasks ensure it restarts after reboots.
- Background Modules: Keylogger, screen capture, and file-transfer modules run in background to extract data.
- Command Execution: The malware executes commands on-demand from the attacker, often via a shell-like interface.
- Concealed Network Traffic: Encrypted or obfuscated traffic helps avoid easy detection while communicating with the C2.
Can I Disable or Remove subseven.exe?
Yes, you can disable and remove subseven.exe to stop backdoor access, but complete cleanup requires removing all related components and persistence entries.
How to Stop subseven.exe
- End SubSeven processes: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and end any processes named subseven.exe or related child processes.
- Block network activity: Add a firewall rule to block outbound connections to suspected C2 IPs or ports used by SubSeven.
- Remove startup entries: Check Run keys and Startup folders: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup; delete subseven entries.
- Scan and cleanup: Run a full system malware scan with Windows Defender or a reputable anti-malware tool; quarantine or remove detected SubSeven components.
- Credential and browser cleanup: Change passwords, revoke tokens, and reset browser sessions if any cookies or sessions were compromised.
How to Remove SubSeven
- ✔ Run a full system malware scan with updated antivirus software and remove all detected subseven.exe and related files.
- ✔ Delete associated files and folders from C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming\subseven.exe and C:\ProgramData\SubSeven\subseven.exe.
- ✔ Clear startup entries and scheduled tasks that reference subseven.exe and reset firewall rules.
- ✔ Check for additional plugins or modules loaded from C2 and remove them if present.
- ✔ Reboot the system and verify there are no subseven.exe processes running.
Common Problems: Infection Symptoms and Fixes
If subseven.exe is present, you may notice unusual network connections, new user accounts, unrecognized tasks, sudden performance drops, and data leakage indicators.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Persistence mechanisms: Remove startup entries and registry keys; ensure clean start on boot.
- Background keystroke logging: Disable or uninstall suspicious extensions and block the malware's keyboard hook.
- Screen capture / data exfiltration: Disconnect the device from the network and run a malware scan; remove captured data.
- Untrusted remote commands: Block the C2 server in firewall; monitor and block suspicious outbound traffic.
- Outdated antivirus: Update and run a full system scan with an up-to-date antivirus.
- Obfuscated/encoded payloads: Perform deep malware analysis or use specialized tools to deobfuscate payloads; remove all components.
Quick Fixes:
1. Run a full malware scan and remove detected subseven.exe files.
2. Terminate subseven.exe processes in Task Manager.
3. Block C2 domains/ports via firewall rules.
4. Remove startup entries and scheduled tasks referencing subseven.
5. Change compromised passwords and secure accounts after cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is subseven.exe?
subseven.exe is the executable used by the SubSeven RAT, a Windows remote access trojan that gives an attacker control over the infected system.
How did subseven.exe get on my PC?
SubSeven is commonly spread via phishing, bundled installers, or drive-by downloads. It can masquerade as legitimate software, but it should be treated as malware.
Can subseven.exe steal my data?
Yes, SubSeven can capture keystrokes, screenshots, and file contents, potentially exfiltrating credentials and sensitive data.
How do I remove subseven.exe from Windows?
Run a full malware scan with updated antivirus software, remove detected subseven.exe and related components, and check startup entries and Run keys to ensure persistence is removed.
Will removing subseven.exe fix all infections?
Removing the main executable is essential, but you should also scan for other malware components, reset credentials, and clean registry keys to ensure full cleanup.
Is SubSeven still used today?
SubSeven is an older RAT, but variants can still appear in targeted attacks; ensure up-to-date security practices to detect and remove such malware.