Cryptocurrency Mining Malware Targets Linux Machines Uses Rootkit to Hide From Monitoring Tools

A new cryptocurrency mining malware bundled with rootkit components targets Linux machines to mine cryptocurrency and hides from monitoring tools.

Security researchers from Trend Micro discovered the cryptocurrency mining malware’s dubbed KORKERDS affecting the Linux systems.

Researchers believe the malware was distributed through some compromised plugins if the compromised plugin is installed and admin permissions provided then the malware also run with the elevated privilege.

The initial dropper file downloads a malicious shell script from Pastebin and saved it to /bin/httpdns and a scheduled task will be created to run the file for every hour.

Linux Machines – Cryptocurrency Mining Malware Infection

According to TrendMicro technical report, once the shell script executed it checks for an update available for the malware, if there is no update, then it proceeds further downloading the malicious cryptocurrency miner which is an ELF executable.

The updated version of KORKERDS malware bundled with the rootkit function, it first checks whether there is already a rootkit installed in the affected machine. If it fails to find one, it will download and install its rootkit.

When the cryptominer run without rootkit installed it shows 100% of the CPU and the server administrators can easily find the KORKERDS malware.

If the rootkit installed, then the process that using the high resource is not visible even though the CPU utilizes 100% resource and makes difficult to detect. Also, the malware is capable of updating and upgrading itself.

The malware’s capability to update itself, we expect its operators to add more functions to make their malware more profitable, researchers said.

Related Read

Securing your Linux VPS | Top 5 Ways To Implement Better Server Security

Google Project Zero Disclosed PoC & Exploit for Serious Linux Kernel Vulnerability

New Adwind RAT Attack Linux, Windows and Mac via DDE Code Injection Technique by Evading Antivirus Software

Gurubaran

Gurubaran is a co-founder of Cyber Security News and GBHackers On Security. He has 10+ years of experience as a Security Consultant, Editor, and Analyst in cybersecurity, technology, and communications.

Recent Posts

LightSpy iOS Malware Enhanced with 28 New Destructive Plugins

The LightSpy threat actor exploited publicly available vulnerabilities and jailbreak kits to compromise iOS devices.…

2 days ago

ATPC Cyber Forum to Focus on Next Generation Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence Issues

White House National Cyber Director, CEOs, Key Financial Services Companies, Congressional and Executive Branch Experts…

3 days ago

New PySilon RAT Abusing Discord Platform to Maintain Persistence

Cybersecurity experts have identified a new Remote Access Trojan (RAT) named PySilon. This Trojan exploits…

4 days ago

Konni APT Hackers Attacking Organizations with New Spear-Phishing Tactics

The notorious Konni Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group has intensified its cyber assault on organizations…

4 days ago

Google Chrome Security, Critical Vulnerabilities Patched

Google has updated its Chrome browser, addressing critical vulnerabilities that posed potential risks to millions…

4 days ago

Notorious WrnRAT Delivered Mimic As Gambling Games

WrnRAT is a new malware attack that cybercriminals have deployed by using popular gambling games…

4 days ago