Sainbox

Sainbox, also known as FatalRAT, is a variant of the Gh0st RAT trojan malware that has been increasingly deployed in cybercrime activities, particularly those associated with suspected Chinese cybercrime operations. Proofpoint researchers have observed over 30 separate campaigns leveraging this malware since April 2023, with at least 20 of these delivering Sainbox. The source code for Gh0stRAT is publicly available, allowing various threat actors to modify and create forked variants like Sainbox, which is being distributed through phishing campaigns primarily targeting Chinese-language speakers. The campaigns distributing Sainbox and other malware families, such as Purple Fox and a novel trojan called ValleyRAT, are facilitated through varied infrastructure and payloads, suggesting the involvement of different threat operations. These phishing campaigns often employ Excel and PDF attachments containing URLs linking to compressed executables to deliver the malware. The distribution of Sainbox and other malware types is typically done via email, with an increase in such malicious activity noted by Proofpoint researchers. The rise of Sainbox malware marks a significant shift in the cybercrime threat landscape. It's capable of exploiting and damaging computer systems, potentially stealing personal information or disrupting operations. The fact that it's associated with a range of different threat operations indicates a broad and potentially coordinated effort among cybercriminals. Thus, it represents a major cybersecurity concern that requires robust countermeasures and heightened awareness among potential targets.