Backdoor
Cisco warns of CSLU backdoor admin account used in attacks
Cisco has warned admins to patch a critical Cisco Smart Licensing Utility (CSLU) vulnerability, which exposes a built-in backdoor admin account now used in attacks. CSLU is a Windows app for managing licenses and linked products on-premises without connecting them to Cisco’s cloud-based Smart Software Manager solution. Cisco patched this security flaw (CVE-2024-20439) in September, describing it […]
Chinese FamousSparrow hackers deploy upgraded malware in attacks
A China-linked cyberespionage group known as ‘FamousSparrow’ was observed using a new modular version of its signature backdoor ‘SparrowDoor’ against a US-based trade organization. The activity and new malware version were observed by security researchers at ESET, who found evidence the threat actor has been more active than initially thought since its last operations were exposed in […]
New npm attack poisons local packages with backdoors
Two malicious packages were discovered on npm (Node package manager) that covertly patch legitimate, locally installed packages to inject a persistent reverse shell backdoor. This way, even if the victim removes the malicious packages, the backdoor remains on their system. The new tactic was discovered by researchers at Reversing Labs, who warned about the risk it […]
Chinese Weaver Ant hackers spied on telco network for 4 years
A China-linked advanced threat group named Weaver Ant spent more than four years in the network of a telecommunications services provider, hiding traffic and infrastructure with the help of compromised Zyxel CPE routers. Researchers investigating the intrusion found multiple variants of the China Chopper backdoor and a previously undocumented custom web-shell called ‘INMemory’ that executes payloads […]
Critical Cisco Smart Licensing Utility flaws now exploited in attacks
Attackers have started targeting Cisco Smart Licensing Utility (CSLU) instances unpatched against a vulnerability exposing a built-in backdoor admin account. The CSLU Windows application allows admins to manage licenses and linked products on-premises without connecting them to Cisco’s cloud-based Smart Software Manager solution. Cisco patched this security flaw (tracked as CVE-2024-20439) in September, describing it as “an […]
RansomHub ransomware uses new Betruger ‘multi-function’ backdoor
A newly identified custom backdoor deployed in several recent ransomware attacks has been linked to at least one RansomHub ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) operation affiliate. Symantec researchers who named this malware Betruger describe it as a “rare example of a multi-function backdoor” that was likely engineered for use in ransomware attacks. The malware’s capabilities include a wide range of […]
Chinese cyberspies backdoor Juniper routers for stealthy access
Chinese hackers are deploying custom backdoors on Juniper Networks Junos OS MX routers that have reached end-of-life (EoL) and no longer receive security updates. The backdoors are primarily variants of the TinyShell malware, an open-source tool that facilitates data exchange and command execution on Linux systems, and which has been used by multiple threat groups over the years. […]
Undocumented “backdoor” found in Bluetooth chip used by a billion devices
The ubiquitous ESP32 microchip made by Chinese manufacturer Espressif and used by over 1 billion units as of 2023 contains an undocumented “backdoor” that could be leveraged for attacks. The undocumented commands allow spoofing of trusted devices, unauthorized data access, pivoting to other devices on the network, and potentially establishing long-term persistence. This was discovered […]
Privacy tech firms warn France’s encryption and VPN laws threaten privacy
Privacy-focused email provider Tuta (previously Tutanota) and the VPN Trust Initiative (VTI) are raising concerns over proposed laws in France set to backdoor encrypted messaging systems and restrict internet access. The first case concerns a proposed amendment to France’s “Narcotrafic” law, which would compel providers of encrypted communication services to implement backdoors, enabling law enforcement to […]
New Auto-Color Linux backdoor targets North American govts, universities
A previously undocumented Linux backdoor dubbed ‘Auto-Color’ was observed in attacks between November and December 2024, targeting universities and government organizations in North America and Asia. According to Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42 researchers who discovered the malware, it is highly evasive and difficult to remove from infected systems, capable of maintaining access for extended periods. The […]