New Linux Malware Attacking Apache, Docker, Redis & Confluence Servers

A sophisticated malware campaign targeting servers running popular web-facing services such as Apache Hadoop YARN, Docker, Confluence, and Redis has been identified.

This campaign is notable for using unique and previously unreported payloads, including four Golang binaries designed to automate the discovery and infection of vulnerable hosts.

The attackers deploy advanced techniques to exploit common misconfigurations and known vulnerabilities, such as CVE-2022-26134 in Confluence, to execute remote code and gain initial access to the servers.

Following this, they utilize shell scripts and Linux attack methodologies to deliver a cryptocurrency miner, establish a reverse shell, and ensure persistent access to the compromised systems.

Initial Access and Exploitation

The campaign was first uncovered following suspicious activity on a Docker Engine API honeypot.

Document
Integrate ANY.RUN in your company for Effective Malware Analysis

Are you from SOC and DFIR teams? – Join With 400,000 independent Researchers

Malware analysis can be fast and simple. Just let us show you the way to:

  • Interact with malware safely
  • Set up virtual machine in Linux and all Windows OS versions
  • Work in a team
  • Get detailed reports with maximum data
  • If you want to test all these features now with completely free access to the sandbox: ..

The attackers issued commands to spawn a new container using the Alpine Linux image, creating a bind mount to access the host’s root directory.

This technique is a common tactic in Docker attacks. It allows the attacker to write files directly to the host and execute remote code via Cron jobs.

Wireshark output demonstrating Docker communication, including Initial Access commands

Researchers from Cado Security Labs have just discovered a growing malware campaign that targets systems that have been misconfigured.

Payload Delivery and Persistence

The primary payload is identified as cronb. sh, a shell script that prepares the system for further compromise by disabling security measures, deleting shell history, and installing user-mode rootkits like libprocesshider and diamorphine to hide malicious processes.

Additionally, the malware attempts to spread itself to other hosts by discovering SSH keys and executing remote commands.

The malware is particularly interested in cloud environments, with specific code designed to weaken systems and uninstall monitoring agents for Alibaba Cloud and Tencent.

This suggests a strategic focus on infiltrating and exploiting cloud-based infrastructure, a trend observed by threat actors such as WatchDog in previous campaigns.

Defense and Mitigation

The emergence of this campaign underscores the importance of securing web-facing services against known vulnerabilities and misconfiguration.

Organizations are advised to regularly update their software, monitor suspicious activity, and employ robust security measures to defend against such sophisticated attacks.

This new malware campaign represents a threat to servers running Apache, Docker, Redis, and Confluence, leveraging advanced techniques for exploitation, persistence, and lateral movement.

As the cyber threat landscape evolves, staying informed and vigilant is key to protecting valuable digital assets and infrastructure.

IOCs

FilenameSHA256
cronb.shd4508f8e722f2f3ddd49023e7689d8c65389f65c871ef12e3a6635bbaeb7eb6e
ar.sh64d8f887e33781bb814eaefa98dd64368da9a8d38bd9da4a76f04a23b6eb9de5
fkothsafddbaec28b040bcbaa13decdc03c1b994d57de244befbdf2de9fe975cae50c4
s.sh251501255693122e818cadc28ced1ddb0e6bf4a720fd36dbb39bc7dedface8e5
bioset0c7579294124ddc32775d7cf6b28af21b908123e9ea6ec2d6af01a948caf8b87
d.sh0c3fe24490cc86e332095ef66fe455d17f859e070cb41cbe67d2a9efe93d7ce5
h.shd45aca9ee44e1e510e951033f7ac72c137fc90129a7d5cd383296b6bd1e3ddb5
w.she71975a72f93b134476c8183051fee827ea509b4e888e19d551a8ced6087e15c
c.sh5a816806784f9ae4cb1564a3e07e5b5ef0aa3d568bd3d2af9bc1a0937841d174

You can block malware, including Trojans, ransomware, spyware, rootkits, worms, and zero-day exploits, with Perimeter81 malware protection. All are incredibly harmful, can wreak havoc, and damage your network.

Stay updated on Cybersecurity news, Whitepapers, and Infographics. Follow us on LinkedIn & Twitter.

Divya

Divya is a Senior Journalist at GBhackers covering Cyber Attacks, Threats, Breaches, Vulnerabilities and other happenings in the cyber world.

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