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RatGopher is a Go-based backdoor used in the GopherWhisper intrusion set. It uses the Discord API via the discordgo library to communicate with a private Discord server for command and control, receiving commands from a configured channel and posting execution results back to that channel. Reported capabilities include executing commands through cmd.exe, uploading files to and downloading files from file.io, and a kill command. Multiple sources state that it uses AES-128 in CFB and CBC modes, with support for operator-driven CBC key and IV rotation through specially formatted Discord messages. One reported initialization message is "Hello, everyone!\nI'm coming!". RatGopher has been associated with the China-aligned threat actor GopherWhisper, which ESET observed targeting governmental institutions in Mongolia, including roughly 12 compromised systems in one Mongolian government entity, with indications of additional victims. The malware is part of a broader GopherWhisper toolset that also includes LaxGopher, BoxOfFriends, CompactGopher, JabGopher, FriendDelivery, and SSLORDoor. Reported sample metadata includes intelservice.exe, detected as WinGo/Agent.VM, described as a RatGopher backdoor using Discord for C2. The content also states that GopherWhisper used a stolen Google LLC code-signing certificate to sign RatGopher.
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1 distinct threat actor attributed by public researchers. Open in Mallory to see the full evidence chain and overlapping campaigns.
We also unearthed two other backdoors: RatGopher and SSLORDoor. RatGopher leverages Discord for communication with the operators.
21 distinct techniques documented for this family, organized by ATT&CK tactic.
LaxGopher, RatGopher, and SSLORDoor can enumerate all services running on a compromised host.
LaxGopher, RatGopher, and SSLORDoor can collect the hostname, OS version, and OS architecture of a compromised host.
Attackers continue to lean on everyday collaboration platforms to hide command and control traffic inside normal enterprise noise... running its operations through Slack workspaces, Discord servers, Outlook drafts, and the file.io sharing service.
The blog post on GopherWhisper’s toolset including backdoors abusing publicly available services like Slack, Discord, and Microsoft Graph
LaxGopher, RatGopher, and BoxOfFriends use Slack, Discord, and Microsoft Graph, respectively, for C&C infrastructure.
LaxGopher, RatGopher, and SSLORDoor can all download additional files/payloads.
2 indicators attributed across vendor reports, sandbox runs, and researcher write-ups. Full values are available in Mallory.
IPs, domains, and DNS infrastructure linked to this family.
File hashes (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256) from samples and reports.
14 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.
A backdoor that uses Discord for command execution.
A Go-based backdoor used by the GopherWhisper threat actor for malicious operations and command-and-control via legitimate services.
A backdoor used by GopherWhisper that abuses Discord for command-and-control.
A Go-based backdoor/RAT that uses Discord for C2, executes commands, returns output, and supports file upload and download via file.io.
Match every observed IP, domain, and hash against your live telemetry.
Named campaigns wielding this family, with evidence pinned to each claim.
CVEs this family uses for access and lateral movement.
YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.
Every documented technique, ranked by evidence weight.
Reddit, Mastodon, and CTI community discussion around this family.