What Is ValleyRAT?
ValleyRAT is a multi-stage Remote Access Trojan (RAT), first detected in early 2023, that grants attackers covert control over compromised Windows systems. Its modular, stealthy architecture enables execution entirely in memory, making it possible to bypass traditional security tools. It is frequently attributed to the China-based APT group known as Silver Fox.
ValleyRAT Malware Summary
| Name | ValleyRAT Malware |
| Type | Trojan / Malware Infection |
| Short Description | Modular and highly sophisticated; executed entirely in memory; attributed to APT group Silver Fox. |
| Distribution Method | Common infection methods including phishing messages and malware-infected files. |
| Removal Tool |
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Core Capabilities
- System Control & Surveillance: Keylogging, capturing screenshots, shutting down system processes, and clearing event logs.
- Evasion Techniques: In-memory shellcode, DLL side-loading via legitimate Chinese applications such as Douyin, and registry-based kill-switches for apps like WeChat or DingTalk.
- Persistence: Use of scheduled tasks, startup folder entries, and abuse of auto-elevate features like
eventvwr.mscfor UAC bypass. - Delivery Methods: Phishing campaigns, Trojanized software installers, exploitation of legitimate binaries, and command-and-control communications hidden in registry entries.
Latest Attack Campaigns Involving ValleyRAT
1. “Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver” Attack (May-September 2025)
A sophisticated Silver Fox campaign exploited a Microsoft-signed but vulnerable WatchDog driver. The attackers used it to disable endpoint protections and stealthily deliver ValleyRAT as the final payload. The attack chain bundled anti-analysis checks, embedded drivers, antivirus-killer logic, and a ValleyRAT DLL downloader into a single loader. After Microsoft patched the driver, the attackers bypassed blocklists by flipping a single byte in the timestamp field, preserving the signature while changing the hash.
2. PNGPlug Loader Campaign (Jan 2025)
A multi-stage delivery method called PNGPlug spread widely across Chinese-speaking regions. It began with a phishing page prompting users to install a malicious MSI file disguised as legitimate software. The MSI deployed a benign app, decrypted a hidden archive, and loaded ValleyRAT components—such as DLLs and disguised PNG files—directly into memory for execution and persistence.
3. Fake Google Chrome Installers (Early 2025)
Attackers distributed malicious installers posing as Google Chrome downloads. These fake installers delivered ValleyRAT using DLL injection techniques, including injecting into system processes like svchost.exe. Legitimate apps such as Douyin and certain gaming binaries were abused to evade detection, while the malware executed entirely in memory.
4. Trojans in Medical and Critical Software (June 2025)
Silver Fox expanded its targeting to the public sector and healthcare by embedding ValleyRAT within trojanized applications—such as fake medical software and viewers. The malware was hosted on cloud storage services, disabled antivirus tools using kernel-level drivers, and established persistence via scheduled tasks and Defender exclusions. The follow-up stage deployed ValleyRAT alongside auxiliary tools like keyloggers and cryptominers.
Why This Matters
- Evolving Stealth: Memory-resident execution, signed driver abuse, and use of trusted installers make detection extremely challenging.
- Sophisticated Infrastructure: Silver Fox demonstrates strong operational capability—from SEO poisoning and phishing to cloud-hosted payloads.
- Target Diversity: Campaigns now span financial professionals, public sector, healthcare, and enterprise roles—indicating escalation in both scope and ambition.
- Adaptive Countermeasures Required: Organizations must shift from reactive detection to preemptive defense, implementing robust EDR/XDR, driver allowlisting, behavioral analytics, and memory monitoring.
ValleyRAT Malware Removal
Removing ValleyRAT requires a combination of automated security tools and manual remediation steps due to its stealthy persistence mechanisms.
The first step is to disconnect the infected system from the network to cut off communication with command-and-control servers. Next, perform a full system scan with updated endpoint protection or EDR/XDR solutions capable of detecting memory-resident malware and malicious drivers. Because ValleyRAT often uses DLL side-loading and vulnerable driver exploitation, it’s important to review running processes, scheduled tasks, and registry entries for unauthorized persistence mechanisms.
Any trojanized software (such as fake installers) should be removed, and legitimate applications reinstalled from trusted sources.
After cleaning, apply latest Windows updates, driver patches, and security configurations to block the Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) vector. Most importantly, make sure that a professional, continuously updated anti-malware solution is installed and active at all times, as it provides the first line of defense against re-infection and can detect evolving threats before they cause significant damage.
Finally, conduct a full threat-hunting and forensic investigation to identify lateral movement, exfiltrated data, or additional payloads, and reset credentials to prevent re-compromise.
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Preparation before removing ValleyRAT Malware.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
- Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
- Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
- Be patient as this could take a while.
- Scan for Malware
- Fix Registries
- Remove Virus Files
Step 1: Scan for ValleyRAT Malware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Clean any registries, created by ValleyRAT Malware on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by ValleyRAT Malware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.Step 3: Find virus files created by ValleyRAT Malware on your PC.
1.For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
2: Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
3: Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC's screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be "fileextension:exe". After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navigation box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn't found it yet.
2.For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS's the conventional approach should be the effective one:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
2: After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
3: After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
ValleyRAT Malware FAQ
What Does ValleyRAT Malware Trojan Do?
The ValleyRAT Malware Trojan is a malicious computer program designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system. It can be used to steal sensitive data, gain control over a system, or launch other malicious activities.
Can Trojans Steal Passwords?
Yes, Trojans, like ValleyRAT Malware, can steal passwords. These malicious programs are designed to gain access to a user's computer, spy on victims and steal sensitive information such as banking details and passwords.
Can ValleyRAT Malware Trojan Hide Itself?
Yes, it can. A Trojan can use various techniques to mask itself, including rootkits, encryption, and obfuscation, to hide from security scanners and evade detection.
Can a Trojan be Removed by Factory Reset?
Yes, a Trojan can be removed by factory resetting your device. This is because it will restore the device to its original state, eliminating any malicious software that may have been installed. Bear in mind that there are more sophisticated Trojans that leave backdoors and reinfect even after a factory reset.
Can ValleyRAT Malware Trojan Infect WiFi?
Yes, it is possible for a Trojan to infect WiFi networks. When a user connects to the infected network, the Trojan can spread to other connected devices and can access sensitive information on the network.
Can Trojans Be Deleted?
Yes, Trojans can be deleted. This is typically done by running a powerful anti-virus or anti-malware program that is designed to detect and remove malicious files. In some cases, manual deletion of the Trojan may also be necessary.
Can Trojans Steal Files?
Yes, Trojans can steal files if they are installed on a computer. This is done by allowing the malware author or user to gain access to the computer and then steal the files stored on it.
Which Anti-Malware Can Remove Trojans?
Anti-malware programs such as SpyHunter are capable of scanning for and removing Trojans from your computer. It is important to keep your anti-malware up to date and regularly scan your system for any malicious software.
Can Trojans Infect USB?
Yes, Trojans can infect USB devices. USB Trojans typically spread through malicious files downloaded from the internet or shared via email, allowing the hacker to gain access to a user's confidential data.
About the ValleyRAT Malware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ValleyRAT Malware how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific trojan problem.
How did we conduct the research on ValleyRAT Malware?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of trojans (backdoor, downloader, infostealer, ransom, etc.)
Furthermore, the research behind the ValleyRAT Malware threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by trojans, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.