False Chat-GPT installer with Trojan.Win64.Agent.smghrh

Herbert Hart 56 Reputation points
2026-05-26T15:08:09.7933333+00:00

I accidentally installed a Chat-GPT installer that was infected with the above Trojan.Win64.Agent.smghrh in its payload. Defender didn't detect it, nor did Google download scanner. Defender did detect and quarantined the Trojan after I installed it, but many processes weren't detected. I used Kaspersky and Virus Total online to scan the exe file and only four actually detected the file as a malicious Trojan; Kaspersky, ESET, Symantec and one other. I used Malware Bytes to scan the computer, and it did find some of the Trojan, but not all. I scanned the exe file with Malware Bytes, and it didn't show it as malicious.

Knowing my computer is now infected, I decided to wipe the NVMe and reinstall Windows. That's when I discovered how bad this Trojan was. When I attempted to reinstall Windows, my USB boot drive allowed the deletion of all the partitions, allowed installation and when it rebooted, I was met with my BIOS screen showing my Windows 11 install media was now disabled... I had to disable Secure Boot to finally get the Windows 11 media to install properly.

I only use Microsoft Defender, and this is the first time it has failed for me.

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Defender | Other
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  1. AI answer

    2026-05-26T15:08:32.99+00:00

    Trojans such as Trojan.Win64.Agent.smghrh behave like other trojan malware: they rely on the user or another program to install them and can then download additional malware, alter system behavior, or give an attacker control of the device.

    In this scenario, the installer was obtained from a non‑official source and only some security products detected it. This is expected behavior for new or uncommon malware: different engines use different signatures and heuristics, so detection can vary. Trojans also often reuse names and masquerade as legitimate applications, which makes it easy to install them unintentionally.

    Once installed, trojans can:

    1. Download and install other malware.
    2. Record keystrokes and browsing activity.
    3. Send device information, passwords, and sign‑in details to an attacker.
    4. Give an attacker remote control of the device.

    If malware interferes with boot media or installation, wiping the drive and performing a clean Windows installation from trusted media is an appropriate response. When malware is particularly persistent or hides from the running OS, Microsoft guidance is to use tools that run outside the main Windows environment, such as Microsoft Defender Offline or Microsoft Safety Scanner, to detect and remove difficult threats.

    For future protection:

    1. Use only official sources (for example, the Microsoft Store or official vendor websites) to download software and installers.
    2. Keep Microsoft Defender Antivirus enabled and up to date on Windows 10/11 for real‑time protection.
    3. Use Microsoft Edge with Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to block known malicious or unwanted software sites and suspicious downloads.
    4. If unwanted or malicious software is suspected, submit the file to Microsoft for analysis and use additional tools such as Microsoft Safety Scanner or Microsoft Defender Offline when recommended.

    These measures reduce the risk of trojans and other malware bypassing protection and help detect new threats more quickly.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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