Do you know what Gh0st RAT is?
Gh0st RAT is one of those threats that can slither in without your notice, perform in a highly malicious and intrusive manner, and then hide from you to evade removal. This threat is extremely malicious, and although it was first discovered in 2008, different versions of it continue emerging. Our research team found that a builder for this Trojan is now publically available, which means that anyone can create and use it in their own malicious way. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that this infection will seize invading Windows operating systems any time soon. If this threat has not slithered into your system yet, you might have time to protect it against this infection. In case you already need to figure out how to delete Gh0st RAT, this is the report you need to read. We explain the workings of this malicious threat, and we also discuss the methods that can be employed to erase it from the operating system.
The first version of the malicious Gh0st RAT was released in May of 2008. This infection was created by “C.Rufus Security Team,” and it was created for the purposes of attacking state institutions and making money. The threat was primarily targeted at Tibetan institutions, and it was believed that the Chinese government was somehow involved. Ultimately, it ended up infecting 1295 computers in 103 countries. The third of this number represented governmental organizations, military, and big companies. This malware was spread using corrupted spam emails with the malicious URL represented via them. If the link was clicked, the computer was connected to a C&C server to download a Trojan dropper. Once activated, the threat would steal information and use the system to grow the Gh0stNet network. We are now dealing with a different kind of Gh0st RAT, and this one can be distributed in all kinds of ways. This makes it more difficult to protect against and remove the infection.
The builder of Gh0st RAT can be downloaded from hxxps://github.com/sincoder/gh0st. As long as this builder is available, new versions of this malware will continue emerging. Unfortunately, because it can be built in different ways, it is hard to predict how exactly it would work on your operating system. Our malware researchers warn that the Trojan could be used to hijack the webcam and microphone to spy on you, log keystrokes to steal data, download and run malicious files, or terminate processes (e.g., to terminate anti-malware software that could remove the infection). More noticeably, the infection could disable the mouse and keyboard or even hijack the screen. Unfortunately, the victim is likely to uncover the threat and realize that it requires removal only after the damage is done. Needless to say, once you remove Gh0st RAT, you need to call your bank to check what can be done to protect your accounts. You also should change passwords to all sensitive accounts.
When Gh0st RAT enters the operating system, it is likely to slither in as an .EXE or .DLL file. A point of execution is created as well, and this one could be placed in the Startup folder, RUN or RUNONCE registry, or as service. Needless to say, the launcher file could be placed anywhere as well. The samples tested in our internal lab showed that the Trojan can hide in %WINDIR%, %WINDIR%\SysWOW64\, %PROGRAMFILES%\ %PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\[random]\, and %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\ directories. Even if you manage to terminate the malicious process and delete Gh0st RAT file linked to it, you need to remove the point of execution file. This is why manual removal is not recommended. Instead, installing anti-malware software capable of finding and erasing malicious files is advised. If you are determined to erase the Trojan yourself, we provide you with a list of steps that must be performed.
Remove Gh0st RAT
- Tap keys Ctrl+Alt+Delete and select Start Task Manager.
- Click the Processes tab.
- Identify the malicious {random name} process, right-click it, and select Open File Location.
- Go back to the process and click End Process.
- Move to the malicious {random name}.exe file, right-click it, and select Delete.
- Find and Delete the malicious {random name} point of execution file linked to the malicious {random name}.exe file.
- Empty Recycle Bin to eliminate the components.
- Install a trusted malware scanner to inspect your operating system for malicious threats.
In non-techie terms:
Gh0st RAT is no joke, and if it slithers into your operating system, you are in big trouble. This malicious Trojan can steal information, drop malware, hijack your computer, use it to spread malware, and do other malicious things. Prevention is key when dealing with this infection, and, hopefully, you can still reinforce your virtual protection. You need to think about full-time protection even if the devious Trojan has already invaded your operating system. In this case, it is imperative that you remove Gh0st RAT as soon as possible. Erasing this malware manually can be extremely difficult even if you are experienced, which is why we suggest installing an anti-malware program to take care of this threat, and, potentially, all other undetected infections that might be active on your operating system. Note that by installing this program you will also take care of full-time protection, which is why you should not postpone it.