Sainbox Rat

Sainbox RAT is a type of malware, or malicious software, that poses a significant threat to computer systems and devices. This harmful program is designed to infiltrate your system, often through suspicious downloads, emails, or websites, without your knowledge. Once inside, it can steal personal information, disrupt operations, or even hold your data hostage for ransom. Sainbox RAT has been particularly active between December 2022 and May 2023, despite not being new or advanced. Alongside this, another malware called ValleyRAT has been emerging within Chinese-themed cybercrime activities. The delivery method for both Sainbox RAT and ValleyRAT primarily involves the use of Excel and PDF attachments in emails, which contain URLs linking to compressed executables. These emails typically originate from Outlook or other free email addresses. If the recipient clicks on the URL, it leads to a zipped executable file that installs the Sainbox RAT. This remote access trojan is then associated with a command-and-control (C2) structure with variations of "fakaka" in the domain. Chinese-language speakers have become an increasing target of multiple email phishing campaigns aiming to distribute various malware families such as Sainbox RAT, Purple Fox, and the newly observed ValleyRAT. The cybersecurity firm Proofpoint has noted that these campaigns share similar tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). Despite its age and relatively simple design, Sainbox RAT continues to pose a threat in 2023, alongside the emerging ValleyRAT.