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Langflow Under Siege: Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity threats, a critical new vulnerability has emerged that puts AI application developers at serious risk. Langflow, a popular Python-based visual framework for building AI tools, has become the latest target for malicious exploitation. A dangerous security flaw, tracked as CVE-2025-3248, is being actively abused by cybercriminals to spread the Flodrix botnet malware. The implications are severeāthis botnet is not just about hijacking servers; itās capable of launching massive DDoS attacks, operating over the TOR network, and evolving rapidly to evade detection. This article breaks down the core details of the exploit, malware behavior, and what it means for businesses, developers, and IT security teams worldwide.
The Cyberattack Explained
Trend Micro researchers have uncovered a widespread cyber campaign targeting Langflow servers exposed to the internet. The attackers are leveraging a critical vulnerabilityāCVE-2025-3248āwith a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating its severity. This flaw is a missing authentication vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by simply sending crafted HTTP requests to affected servers.
Langflow, as a visual framework for building AI applications, often gets integrated into larger systems. When left unpatched, these systems become prime targets for exploitation. The vulnerability was patched in March 2025 with version 1.3.0, but many systems remain exposed due to slow patch rollouts.
What makes this attack so dangerous is its automation and scalability. The threat actors utilize publicly available proof-of-concept (PoC) code to scan for and compromise unpatched systems. Once inside, they run shell scripts that download and install the Flodrix botnet malware from an IP address (80.66.75[.]121:25565).
Flodrix is no ordinary malware.
Establish command-and-control (C2) connections over both TCP and the TOR network.
Launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
Evade detection by erasing its traces and obfuscating its code.
Analyze running processes via direct access to /proc on infected systems.
Cybersecurity experts believe that Flodrix is a more advanced version of the LeetHozer botnet, linked to the Moobot group. This new iteration includes encrypted communication, enhanced self-deletion features, and more stealth in its executionāmaking it harder to track or neutralize.
The campaign appears to be under active development, with multiple downloader scripts hosted on the same server, indicating ongoing testing and evolution by unknown cybercriminals.
To summarize, this attack chain follows a clear path:
1. Scan and identify unpatched Langflow servers.
2. Exploit CVE-2025-3248 via crafted HTTP requests.
3. Execute shell scripts that download Flodrix.
4. Install and activate the botnet.
5. Initiate C2 communication and launch DDoS attacks.
š What Undercode Say:
Deep Dive into the Technical Threat Landscape
The Undercode security team has examined the situation closely and offers the following analytical breakdown of the Flodrix campaign:
Langflowās Growing Popularity Makes It a Prime Target
Langflow is rapidly gaining traction in the AI development world. Its integration with Python and visual-based programming tools makes it attractive, but also opens up a broader attack surface. When security practices are lax or patches delayed, this popularity becomes a double-edged sword.
Flodrix Isnāt Just a BotnetāItās a Multi-Purpose Cyber Weapon
The evolution from LeetHozer to Flodrix signals a new era of smart, stealthy botnets. Unlike basic DDoS bots, Flodrix hides in plain sight, uses encrypted payloads, masks its C2 traffic, and even wipes its own footprints. This suggests the malware may be designed for long-term persistence, not just quick strikes.
Exploits Are Now PublicāTime is Running Out
The release of public PoC code significantly accelerates the attack window. Any hacker with basic scripting knowledge can now weaponize this vulnerability. The speed at which these exploits are spreading highlights a critical failure in rapid response patching across many organizations.
Shadow Infrastructure Points to a Well-Funded Group
Hosting multiple downloader scripts on the same infrastructure indicates modular deployment strategies, typically seen in advanced persistent threat (APT) operations. This isn’t script kiddie activityāitās coordinated and well-resourced.
Obfuscation = Detection Nightmare
The obfuscation of the C2 addresses and encrypted DDoS payloads presents a serious challenge for traditional antivirus and firewall setups. This will likely force organizations to adopt behavior-based detection and advanced EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) systems.
Real-World Impact: Business Downtime and Financial Losses
DDoS attacks launched via Flodrix can cripple business operations, especially if targeted at cloud infrastructure or payment systems. In worst-case scenarios, this could result in data loss, reputational damage, or even ransom demands.
ā Fact Checker Results
ā
CVE-2025-3248 is a real, critical Langflow vulnerability, confirmed and patched in version 1.3.0.
ā
Flodrix botnet uses TOR and TCP for encrypted C2 communications, confirmed by Trend Micro analysis.
ā
Campaign actively exploiting PoC code, with real-world attempts observed by SANS and CISA.
š® Prediction
As more Langflow instances remain unpatched, the Flodrix botnet will continue expanding its reach. Given its stealth and modular design, itās likely to integrate ransomware payloads in future versions or be sold as part of a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) model on darknet forums. Organizations failing to patch CVE-2025-3248 risk becoming launchpads for massive DDoS attacks or stepping stones in broader cyber espionage campaigns.
References:
Reported By: thehackernews.com
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