PyLangGhost RAT

A recent campaign showcased PyLangGhost’s cunning delivery via job-offer scams, luring cryptocurrency professionals into running a simple PowerShell command—only to unleash a Python-based Remote Access Trojan on their systems. Victims remained unaware as the malware silently harvested credentials and opened backdoors for further payloads.

Threat Overview

PyLangGhost is a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) written in Python, designed to grant attackers full control over compromised machines. Beyond data theft, it facilitates chain infections by downloading additional malware such as ransomware or cryptocurrency miners.

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In-Depth Analysis

Infection Vector

Campaigns exploited “ClickFix” job-offer scams, targeting Windows users with promises of blockchain consulting roles. Victims were instructed to execute a PowerShell command that downloaded and ran PyLangGhost’s ZIP package and VBScript loader.

Behavioral Profile

1. Module Deployment: Installs Python modules for reconnaissance, file transfer, and persistence.
2. Persistence: Auto-launches on reboot via registry modifications.
3. C&C Communication: Connects to remote servers for commands.
4. Data Harvesting: Collects OS info, usernames, browsing histories, cookies, autofill data, and decrypts browser extension vaults (e.g., MetaMask, 1Password).
5. Lateral Movement: Downloads additional trojans, ransomware, or miners.

Risk Assessment

With stealthy operation and multifaceted data-stealing capabilities, PyLangGhost poses a severe threat to both individual users and enterprises. Its cross-platform support broadens its reach and potential impact.

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Sample Configuration Snippet

jsonCopyEdit{
  "version": "1.0",
  "c2_server": "http://malicious.example.com/api",
  "modules": ["recon.py", "steal_cookies.py", "file_ops.py"],
  "persistence": true
}

Excerpt from the PyLangGhost configuration module, indicating LLM-assisted code comments and versioning.

Manual Trojan Malware Removal Guide

Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode

1. Restart your computer.
2. Before Windows starts, press the F8 key (or Shift + F8 on some systems).
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the Advanced Boot Options menu.
4. Press Enter to boot.

This prevents the Trojan from running and makes it easier to remove.

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Step 2: Identify and Stop Malicious Processes

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Processes tab (or Details in Windows 10/11).
3. Look for suspicious processes using high CPU or memory, or with unfamiliar names.
4. Right-click on the suspicious process and select Open File Location.
5. If the file is in a temporary or system folder and looks unfamiliar, it is likely malicious.
6. Right-click the process and choose End Task.
7. Delete the associated file in File Explorer.

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Step 3: Remove Trojan-Related Files and Folders

1. Press Win + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. 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
4. Delete suspicious files or folders.

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Step 4: Clean Trojan Malware from Registry

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the following paths:
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
3. Look for entries launching files from suspicious locations.
4. Right-click and delete any entries you don’t recognize.

Warning: Editing the registry can harm your system if done improperly. Proceed with caution.

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Step 5: Reset Browser Settings

Google Chrome

1. Go to Settings > Reset Settings.
2. Click Restore settings to their original defaults and confirm.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Go to Help > More Troubleshooting Information.
2. Click Refresh Firefox.

Microsoft Edge

1. Go to Settings > Reset settings.
2. Click Restore settings to their default values.

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Step 6: Run a Full Windows Defender Scan

1. Open Windows Security via Settings > Update & Security.
2. Click Virus & threat protection.
3. Choose Scan options, select Full scan, and click Scan now.

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Step 7: Update Windows and Installed Software

1. Press Win + I, go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates and install all available updates.

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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

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Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Locate the SpyHunter-Installer.exe file in your Downloads folder.
2. Double-click the installer to begin setup.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.

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Step 3: Scan Your System

1. Open SpyHunter.
2. Click Start Scan Now.
3. Let the program detect all threats, including Trojan components.

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Step 4: Remove Detected Malware

1. After the scan, click Fix Threats.
2. SpyHunter will automatically quarantine and remove all identified malicious components.

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Step 5: Restart Your Computer

Restart your system to ensure all changes take effect and the threat is completely removed.

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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.

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Conclusion

PyLangGhost RAT exemplifies evolving threat actor sophistication, leveraging social engineering and open-source languages to evade detection. Early identification—through behavioral monitoring and regular scans—and prompt removal are crucial to preventing data exfiltration and secondary infections.