How to remove Golden Gh0st RAT trojan from the operating system

What kind of malware is Golden Gh0st RAT?

Golden Gh0st RAT is a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) operated by CylindricalCanine, a subgroup of the Chinese cybercrime group GoldenEyeDog (also tracked as APT-Q-27). The malware is based on the Gh0st RAT codebase, which was publicly released in 2008 and has been adapted for attacks ever since.

According to research published by Expel, CylindricalCanine primarily targets finance organizations in the Asia Pacific region. The malware gives attackers remote control over infected devices, harvests credentials from popular browsers, and can deploy additional payloads at any time.

Golden Gh0st RAT overview

Golden Gh0st RAT has been documented under several names. Expel notes that it aligns with what AnyRun published as Zhong Stealer in early 2025, as well as an unnamed backdoor discussed in publications by Xiao Yi and CyStack. These names reflect different analyses of the same underlying payload.

The full attack chain relies on two components: a first-stage loader called Golden Gh0st Loader, and the RAT payload itself. The loader retrieves the RAT from a cloud storage service, decrypts it in memory, and runs it without writing the payload to disk as a standalone file.

In April 2026, CylindricalCanine used this malware to gain access to DigiCert, a major code-signing certificate provider. The attackers intercepted initialization codes belonging to DigiCert customers and used them to sign their own malware with legitimate certificates, helping those files bypass Windows SmartScreen checks.

Delivery mechanism

Golden Gh0st Loader begins by retrieving a text file from a cloud storage service - such as Alibaba Cloud OSS or Google Cloud Storage - that lists the URLs for its additional components. Those components include a legitimate application, one or more supporting DLL files, and an encrypted .log file that contains the RAT payload.

The legitimate application loads the malicious DLL through DLL side-loading. The DLL decrypts the .log file in memory using a simple byte-level cipher and executes the resulting RAT payload without saving it as a separate file. Expel notes this three-file loading pattern has stayed consistent across campaigns since at least 2024.

To avoid triggering Windows SmartScreen warnings, the loader files are signed with code-signing certificates. Expel's tracking found at least 75 unique certificates used for this purpose between 2024 and mid-2026, including, after the DigiCert breach, certificates tied to legitimate companies.

Capabilities

Once active, Golden Gh0st RAT gives operators a broad set of remote control tools. They can capture screenshots of the victim's desktop, activate a keylogger, list all running processes with their full file paths, execute shell commands, and open URLs in a hidden browser window.

A built-in SOCKS/TCP proxy module lets attackers route their own internet traffic through the victim's machine. Other modules can suppress the victim's screen output entirely or display a message box on the desktop.

Credential theft is built into the RAT through several targeted modules. It collects saved login data from Chrome, Firefox, and Skype. It also targets browsers common in China: 360 Secure Browser, 360 Speed Browser, and Tencent QQ Browser, as well as data files belonging to Tencent QQ applications.

Operators can drop and execute additional files on the infected host at any time, turning the RAT into a staging platform for further malware. A plugin called plugin32.dll - delivered from the command and control server after initial compromise - sets up a persistent RDP backdoor on the machine.

Persistence and defense evasion

For persistence, Golden Gh0st RAT drops a batch file that acts as a watchdog. It periodically checks whether the malware is still running and restarts it if the process has been terminated, keeping the RAT active even if a user or security tool kills it.

The plugin32.dll plugin sets up a deeper foothold. It creates a new Windows user account with a username and password hardcoded in the payload, adds the account to the Administrator group, and modifies the Windows Registry to enable automatic login for that account.

This registry change lets the attacker log back in via RDP at any time, even after a reboot, with no further action needed from the victim. The account is created silently in the background and is not visible to the average user.

The RAT can also attempt a UAC bypass to gain elevated privileges and can kill specific processes by name, including the Windows Explorer shell. To cover its tracks, it wipes Windows Event Logs across the Application, Security, and System channels and clears Internet Explorer history and cookies.

A self-destruct routine deletes the malware's payload files, removes any scheduled task or Windows service it registered, and terminates its running tasks. The RAT communicates with attackers over encrypted WebSocket traffic using hardcoded encryption keys embedded in the implant, on a plain connection rather than TLS.

Conclusion

Golden Gh0st RAT gives attackers deep and persistent access to an infected machine. They can steal credentials, spy on the user, relay network traffic through the victim's device, and install additional malware. The backdoor account and RDP access created by the plugin make full cleanup difficult without a thorough security scan.

Victims face identity theft, account takeover, unauthorized access to financial services, and the use of their machine as a launchpad for further attacks. The malware should be removed from the system immediately using reputable security software.

More examples of RATs are Heisenberg, Dolphin X, and TONResolver.

How did Golden Gh0st RAT infiltrate my computer?

As documented by Expel, CylindricalCanine's primary tactic is sending phishing emails that contain a link to a malicious file. The file is disguised as a screenshot or photo - for example, an EXE with a date-based name inside a ZIP archive. When a victim opens it, Golden Gh0st Loader runs and pulls down the RAT payload.

In some campaigns, these emails are picked up by corporate ticketing systems, landing the malicious link directly in a support team's inbox. Staff who click the link expecting a customer screenshot unknowingly execute the loader. Separate campaigns have also used watering hole websites impersonating VPN download pages as a delivery method.

More broadly, threats like this reach victims through fake software download sites, compromised websites, and pirated content. Any unexpected file arriving from an unknown contact should be treated as potentially dangerous, particularly if it is an executable packaged inside an archive.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Treat any unexpected email with caution, especially if it contains a link or an attachment. Do not open files from unknown contacts, even when they appear to be images or documents. Download software only from official sources and avoid pirated programs, key generators, and unofficial download sites.

Keep your operating system and all applications updated. Use reputable antivirus or anti-malware software and run regular scans. Be wary of browser notifications from unfamiliar sites and avoid clicking suspicious advertisements. If you believe that your computer is already infected, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Instant automatic malware removal:

Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

Quick menu:

• What is Golden Gh0st RAT?
• STEP 1. Manual removal of Golden Gh0st RAT malware.
• STEP 2. Check if your computer is clean.

How to remove malware manually?

Manual malware removal is a complicated task - usually it is best to allow antivirus or anti-malware programs to do this automatically. To remove this malware we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

If you wish to remove malware manually, the first step is to identify the name of the malware that you are trying to remove. Here is an example of a suspicious program running on a user's computer:

If you checked the list of programs running on your computer, for example, using task manager, and identified a program that looks suspicious, you should continue with these steps:

Download a program called Autoruns. This program shows auto-start applications, Registry, and file system locations:

Restart your computer into Safe Mode:

Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, and then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows 8 users: Start Windows 8 is Safe Mode with Networking - Go to Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click Advanced startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window, select Advanced startup.

Click the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into the "Advanced Startup options menu". Click the "Troubleshoot" button, and then click the "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen, click "Startup settings".

Click the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press F5 to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.

Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options".

In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button. In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.

Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Extract the downloaded archive and run the Autoruns.exe file.

In the Autoruns application, click "Options" at the top and uncheck "Hide Empty Locations" and "Hide Windows Entries" options. After this procedure, click the "Refresh" icon.

Check the list provided by the Autoruns application and locate the malware file that you want to eliminate.

You should write down its full path and name. Note that some malware hides process names under legitimate Windows process names. At this stage, it is very important to avoid removing system files. After you locate the suspicious program you wish to remove, right click your mouse over its name and choose "Delete".

After removing the malware through the Autoruns application (this ensures that the malware will not run automatically on the next system startup), you should search for the malware name on your computer. Be sure to enable hidden files and folders before proceeding. If you find the filename of the malware, be sure to remove it.

Reboot your computer in normal mode. Following these steps should remove any malware from your computer. Note that manual threat removal requires advanced computer skills. If you do not have these skills, leave malware removal to antivirus and anti-malware programs.

These steps might not work with advanced malware infections. As always it is best to prevent infection than try to remove malware later. To keep your computer safe, install the latest operating system updates and use antivirus software. To be sure your computer is free of malware infections, we recommend scanning it with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My computer is infected with Golden Gh0st RAT malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Formatting removes the malware but also wipes every file on the drive. Try running a reputable security tool such as Combo Cleaner first - it can remove most threats without destroying your data.

What are the biggest issues that Golden Gh0st RAT malware can cause?

Golden Gh0st RAT can result in stolen credentials, account takeover, identity theft, and unauthorized access to banking and financial accounts. Attackers can also plant additional malware or route their own traffic through the infected machine.

What is the purpose of Golden Gh0st RAT malware?

Golden Gh0st RAT is designed to give attackers remote control over infected computers. Operators can steal credentials, capture screenshots, log keystrokes, create hidden administrator accounts, and deploy further malware, all while remaining hidden from the victim.

How did Golden Gh0st RAT malware infiltrate my computer?

Golden Gh0st RAT is primarily spread through phishing emails containing links to files disguised as screenshots. It has also been distributed via watering hole sites impersonating VPN download pages. In both cases, the victim runs the malicious file believing it to be legitimate.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Yes. Combo Cleaner can detect and remove most known malware. Because Golden Gh0st RAT creates persistent backdoor accounts and wipes its own traces, running a full system scan is important to make sure every component is removed.