Matanbuchus 3.0 is a powerful Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) loader emerging in July 2025 that delivers advanced threats such as Cobalt Strike beacons, QakBot, DanaBot, and ransomware payloads. Priced between $10,000–$15,000 per month, this malware is favored by cybercriminals for its stealth, persistence, and flexible deployment methods.
Overview: Threat Type
Threat type: Multi-stage loader (MaaS platform) with capability to deploy ransomware and remote-control backdoors
Threat Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Threat type | Loader / Malware‑as‑a‑Service |
| Detection names | Heuristics vary by vendor; likely generic loader detection (“Matanbuchus”, “Loader.Matanbuchus”) |
| Symptoms of infection | – Slow system performance – Unusual network traffic – Suspicious scheduled tasks – Presence of renamed MSI/DLL files – Active PowerShell or CMD reverse shells |
| Damage | Deploys remote-control tools and ransomware; enables data theft, system takeover |
| Distribution methods | Phishing emails with Drive‑by/Malvertising, MSI installers, compromised websites, social engineering on Teams/Zoom |
| Danger level | High – used by advanced operators to initiate ransomware or targeted intrusions |
| Removal tool | SpyHunter – download link: https://purchase.enigmasoftware.com/?sid=tapf-jmi-ywuxmtf&ref=ywuxmtf |
In-Depth Threat Evaluation
How I got infected
Cybercriminals often send phishing emails containing malicious Google Drive links, host malware on compromised sites, or leverage malvertising. A sophisticated campaign in July 2025 even used live social engineering via Microsoft Teams—posing as IT support to trick users into running a PowerShell script under the guise of Quick Assist, enabling Matanbuchus’s installation.
What it does
Once executed, a renamed Notepad++ updater (GUP), XML configs, and a malicious DLL are deployed. The loader:
- Gathers system details and privilege info
- Performs anti-analysis checks
- Executes reverse shells via CMD/PowerShell
- Downloads and executes additional payloads (MSI, EXE, shellcode)
- Injects for persistence using scheduled tasks and COM hijacking
These capabilities enable threat actors to move laterally, steal data, and stage ransomware or remote-control tools.
Should you be worried?
Yes. Matanbuchus 3.0 is highly dangerous—best suited for advanced threat actors. Its use of in-memory execution, OS-native load points (LOLBins), and live social engineering indicates high operational maturity. Victims could face full-scale ransomware encryption or chronic data theft. Only robust endpoint detection, user training, and proactive incident response can counter it.
Manual Trojan Malware Removal Guide
Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode
- Restart your computer.
- Before Windows starts, press the F8 key (or Shift + F8 on some systems).
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Press Enter to boot.
This prevents the Trojan from running and makes it easier to remove.
Step 2: Identify and Stop Malicious Processes
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Processes tab (or Details in Windows 10/11).
- Look for suspicious processes using high CPU or memory, or with unfamiliar names.
- Right-click on the suspicious process and select Open File Location.
- If the file is in a temporary or system folder and looks unfamiliar, it is likely malicious.
- Right-click the process and choose End Task.
- Delete the associated file in File Explorer.
Step 3: Remove Trojan-Related Files and Folders
- Press Win + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.
- Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Also check these directories for unfamiliar or recently created files:
- C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local\Temp
- C:\Windows\Temp
- C:\Program Files (x86)
- C:\ProgramData
- C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Roaming
- Delete suspicious files or folders.
Step 4: Clean Trojan Malware from Registry
- Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Navigate to the following paths:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunHKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- Look for entries launching files from suspicious locations.
- Right-click and delete any entries you don’t recognize.
Warning: Editing the registry can harm your system if done improperly. Proceed with caution.
Step 5: Reset Browser Settings
Google Chrome
- Go to Settings > Reset Settings.
- Click Restore settings to their original defaults and confirm.
Mozilla Firefox
- Go to Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
- Click Refresh Firefox.
Microsoft Edge
- Go to Settings > Reset settings.
- Click Restore settings to their default values.
Step 6: Run a Full Windows Defender Scan
- Open Windows Security via Settings > Update & Security.
- Click Virus & threat protection.
- Choose Scan options, select Full scan, and click Scan now.
Step 7: Update Windows and Installed Software
- Press Win + I, go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install all available updates.
Automatic Trojan Removal Using SpyHunter
If manually removing the Trojan seems difficult or time-consuming, using SpyHunter is the recommended method. SpyHunter is an advanced anti-malware tool that detects and eliminates Trojan infections effectively.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
Use the following official link to download SpyHunter: Download SpyHunter
For full instructions on how to install, follow this page: Official SpyHunter Download Instructions
Step 2: Install SpyHunter
- Locate the SpyHunter-Installer.exe file in your Downloads folder.
- Double-click the installer to begin setup.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Step 3: Scan Your System
- Open SpyHunter.
- Click Start Scan Now.
- Let the program detect all threats, including Trojan components.
Step 4: Remove Detected Malware
- After the scan, click Fix Threats.
- SpyHunter will automatically quarantine and remove all identified malicious components.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Restart your system to ensure all changes take effect and the threat is completely removed.
Tips to Prevent Future Trojan Infections
- Avoid downloading pirated software or opening unknown email attachments.
- Only visit trusted websites and avoid clicking on suspicious ads or pop-ups.
- Use a real-time antivirus solution like SpyHunter for ongoing protection.
- Keep your operating system, browsers, and software up to date.
Conclusion
Matanbuchus 3.0 is a cutting-edge MaaS loader, enabling multi-stage intrusions and ransomware deployment. With its sophisticated evasion, stealth tactics, and social engineering capabilities, this threat targets both individual users and enterprises. Remove it without delay using SpyHunter, and review your security posture—especially on employee awareness and anomaly detection.
