Tech Optimizer
September 15, 2025
Chinese-speaking users are experiencing a sophisticated SEO poisoning campaign that uses counterfeit software sites to spread malware. Researchers from Fortinet FortiGuard Labs discovered this activity in August 2025, which involves manipulating search rankings to redirect users to fraudulent sites that deliver malware through trojanized installers. The malware families identified include HiddenGh0st and Winos, both variants of the Gh0st RAT, linked to a cybercrime group known as Silver Fox.
The attack mechanism involves a script named nice.js that orchestrates the malware delivery process, leading to the installation of a malicious DLL, "EnumW.dll," which performs anti-analysis checks and extracts another DLL, "vstdlib.dll." This second DLL inflates memory usage to evade detection and is responsible for launching the main payload. The malware aims to sideload a DLL, "AIDE.dll," which establishes a Command-and-Control (C2) communication, collects victim data, and monitors user activity.
Additionally, a separate campaign targeting Chinese-speaking users has been flagged by Zscaler ThreatLabz, featuring a new malware called kkRAT. This malware shares code similarities with Gh0st RAT and employs fake installer pages to deliver multiple trojans. It uses techniques to bypass security software and targets specific antivirus programs, including 360 Total Security and Kingsoft Internet Security. The installer launches shellcode that retrieves additional malicious payloads, including kkRAT, which can perform various data-gathering tasks and manipulate clipboard data to replace cryptocurrency addresses.
