GhostSocks
Intelligence Profile
GhostSocks, a Golang-based proxy malware, was first advertised as a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) on Russian-speaking underground forums in October 2023. It uses back-connect socket secure internet protocol (SOCKS5) connections and is available for rent for US $100 per month. In February 2024, the author of Lumma Stealer released an update introducing the integration of proxying capabilities. This feature, developed in partnership with GhostSocks, allows the use of infected hosts as SOCKS5 proxies and is available to all subscribers who purchase the "Professional" or higher tier plan. This integration allows Lumma Stealer users to establish a network of residential IP addresses for various purposes, including credential checking, spam distribution, or as general-purpose proxies.
Threat Analysis
GhostSocks is a malware family tracked by threat intelligence researchers and catalogued in the Malpedia dataset. It represents a distinct malicious software lineage with identifiable code characteristics, behaviors, and victimology.