Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

SecurityWeekSecurityWeek

Cybercrime

Ransomware, Trojans, DDoS Malware and Crypto-Miners Delivered in Log4Shell Attacks

Several types of malware are being delivered in attacks exploiting the recently disclosed Log4j vulnerability named Log4Shell and LogJam.

Log4Shell attacks deliver malware

Several types of malware are being delivered in attacks exploiting the recently disclosed Log4j vulnerability named Log4Shell and LogJam.

Cybersecurity companies have reported seeing cryptocurrency miners being delivered in many attacks, but some threat actors have exploited the vulnerability tracked as CVE-2021-44228 to deliver ransomware, trojans, DDoS malware and other malicious programs.

The cryptocurrency miners observed in Log4Shell attacks include Kinsing, XMRig, as well as less known or unidentified malware.

Botnets that specialize in DDoS attacks have also leveraged the Log4Shell vulnerability, including Mirai, Muhstik, and Elknot.

While many of these threats target Linux systems, Bitdefender also reported seeing attempts to deliver a new file-encrypting ransomware named Khonsari on Windows systems. The company also observed attempts to download the Orcus remote access trojan (RAT).

In addition, some attackers have exploited CVE-2021-44228 to deliver a reverse bash shell, which can be used at a later time for other malicious activities.

Microsoft has observed attempts to install Cobalt Strike payloads that can be used for data theft and lateral movement.

Cisco said it had reports of the vulnerability being exploited by “APT-level actors,” but it has not shared any details.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Companies have seen thousands of IP addresses from all around the world scanning the web for vulnerable systems. It’s worth noting, however, that many of these scans are conducted by cybersecurity firms and researchers.

CVE-2021-44228 came to light on December 6, when a patch was released, but there is evidence that exploitation of the vulnerability may have started on December 1, roughly one week after it was reported to Log4j developers. Mass exploitation started on around December 9, after weaponized proof-of-concept (PoC) exploits became available.

Check Point reported seeing more than 60 variations of the original exploit emerging within 24 hours.

Apache Log4j is a Java-based logging tool that is used by many companies around the world, either through open source libraries or directly embedded in their software. The Log4Shell vulnerability can be easily exploited for remote code execution by sending a specially crafted request to the targeted system.

The request generates a log using Log4j, which leverages the Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI) lookup feature to perform a request to an attacker-controlled server, from which it fetches a malicious payload and executes it.

Related: Pulse Secure VPN Vulnerability Exploited to Deliver Ransomware

Related: Decade-Old Adobe ColdFusion Vulnerabilities Exploited by Ransomware Gang

Written By

Eduard Kovacs (@EduardKovacs) is a managing editor at SecurityWeek. He worked as a high school IT teacher for two years before starting a career in journalism as Softpedia’s security news reporter. Eduard holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial informatics and a master’s degree in computer techniques applied in electrical engineering.

Click to comment

Trending

Daily Briefing Newsletter

Subscribe to the SecurityWeek Email Briefing to stay informed on the latest threats, trends, and technology, along with insightful columns from industry experts.

Learn how the LOtL threat landscape has evolved, why traditional endpoint hardening methods fall short, and how adaptive, user-aware approaches can reduce risk.

Watch Now

Join the summit to explore critical threats to public cloud infrastructure, APIs, and identity systems through discussions, case studies, and insights into emerging technologies like AI and LLMs.

Register

People on the Move

Jessica Newman has joined Sophos as General Manager of Global Cyber Insurance.

Breach and attack simulation solutions provider AttackIQ has appointed Pete Luban as Field Chief Information Security Officer.

Matthew Cowell has assumed the role of VP of Strategic Alliances at Nozomi Networks. He previously served in the same role at Dragos.

More People On The Move

Expert Insights

Daily Briefing Newsletter

Subscribe to the SecurityWeek Email Briefing to stay informed on the latest cybersecurity news, threats, and expert insights. Unsubscribe at any time.