Hackers Exploit Docker Remote API Servers To Inject Gafgyt Malware

Attackers are exploiting publicly exposed Docker Remote API servers to deploy Gafgyt malware by creating a Docker container using a legitimate “alpine” image to deploy the malware and infect the victim system with Gafgyt botnet malware. 

It allows attackers to launch DDoS attacks on targeted servers, as this shift in the Gafgyt malware’s target range from IoT devices to Docker servers highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks targeting exposed infrastructure. 

An attacker exploited a vulnerability by creating a Docker container with the Alpine image and mounting the host’s root directory to the container’s /mnt directory, which allowed the attacker to elevate privileges and gain control over the host system. 

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They then downloaded and executed the Gafgyt botnet binary, “rbot,” which contained hardcoded command-and-control server information, enabling remote control of the compromised system. 

The malicious bot, upon successful communication with the C2C&C server, initiates a multifaceted DDoS attack leveraging UDP, TCP, and HTTP protocols. Concurrently, it attempts to deploy a new botnet binary, “atlas.i586,” on the compromised system.

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This deployment strategy involves exploiting elevated privileges through chroot and bind commands, while the specific purpose of the “0day” argument remains unclear, though it’s speculated to be a configuration parameter for the botnet’s operation.

Different DDoS attack protocols, such as UDP, ICMP, HTTP, and SYN, are utilized by the bot, which is controlled by a command and control server, in order to disrupt target systems. 

To identify the victim’s local IP address, it queries Google’s DNS server (8.8.8.8) and extracts the source IP from the socket used for the query, which is then used to tailor the DDoS attacks, potentially making them more effective and harder to trace.

The attacker attempts to deploy a Gafgyt botnet variant after a failed container deployment by exploiting a vulnerability during Docker container creation to run a shell script named “cve.sh.” 

It retrieves botnet binaries for different architectures from the attacker’s C&C server, as the downloaded binaries all share a hardcoded command and control server address, indicating a coordinated botnet attack. 

According to Trend Micro, to safeguard Docker Remote API servers, enforce robust access controls and authentication and proactively monitor for anomalies and swiftly respond to suspicious activity. 

Prioritize container security by avoiding privileged mode and scrutinizing images and configurations. Empower personnel with security awareness training and stay updated on security patches. 

Make sure that security policies and procedures are constantly being reviewed and improved so that they remain in line with industry standards.

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