PumaBot: The New Botnet Targeting IoT Devices for Cryptocurrency Mining and Data Theft

The cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve as new threats emerge. One such threat is PumaBot, a sophisticated botnet recently discovered by Darktrace researchers. Unlike many other botnets, PumaBot specifically targets Linux-based Internet of Things (IoT) devices. By using brute-force SSH attacks, PumaBot compromises devices, spreads malware, and even mines cryptocurrency. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into PumaBot’s operation, its impact on IoT security, and how organizations can defend against it.

PumaBot’s Operation

PumaBot operates using an advanced attack strategy. Unlike typical botnets that scan the internet broadly for vulnerable devices, PumaBot gets a targeted list of devices from its Command and Control (C2) server. Using SSH brute-force attacks, it attempts to gain unauthorized access to devices, mainly focusing on those with open SSH ports.

Once PumaBot succeeds in compromising a device, it executes remote commands and ensures its persistence on the system by creating fake system service files. The botnet, written in Go, operates with several embedded binaries designed to assist its operations, including running cryptocurrency miners like xmrig and further spreading the malware.

An interesting feature of PumaBot is its evasion tactics. Before brute-forcing SSH credentials, the malware conducts several fingerprinting checks to ensure it’s not running on a honeypot or restricted environment. It even looks for specific strings, such as “Pumatronix,” which suggests that its primary targets are IoT devices like surveillance cameras. If these checks pass, PumaBot collects system information and sends it back to its C2 server. It then hides within the system by masquerading as legitimate software, such as Redis, and sets up a persistent service using systemd.

Despite its complex nature, PumaBot is part of a broader, coordinated campaign targeting Linux systems. It does not have self-propagating capabilities like traditional worms, but its worm-like behavior shows that it is a semi-automated operation focused on compromising devices and maintaining long-term access.

What Undercode Says:

PumaBot’s ability to use advanced evasion techniques is a significant concern. It’s not just another botnet scanning the internet; PumaBot leverages a targeted, methodical approach that avoids detection. This botnet’s targeted SSH brute-force approach represents a shift in how malicious actors conduct campaigns. By retrieving a list of vulnerable devices from its C2 server, PumaBot focuses on devices already known to be at risk, significantly improving the likelihood of a successful compromise.

Another noteworthy tactic is its use of Go as the programming language. Go is becoming increasingly popular among malware authors due to its portability, efficiency, and ease of compilation into standalone binaries. This makes it an ideal choice for a botnet that needs to operate across different Linux distributions without raising suspicion.

Furthermore, PumaBot’s use of systemd for persistence is a clever technique. By disguising itself as legitimate software and embedding itself within system services, it makes detection more challenging. This shows a shift in how malware hides in plain sight, using native system tools to maintain its presence.

The focus on IoT devices is also worrying. These devices, often deployed in sensitive environments like surveillance or industrial systems, are rarely updated and are vulnerable to attacks. PumaBot’s ability to target these devices specifically suggests that IoT security remains an overlooked and increasingly exploited avenue for cybercriminals.

Moreover,

Fact Checker Results

PumaBot uses targeted SSH brute-force attacks to avoid detection, focusing on IoT devices, mainly those with open SSH ports.
It leverages systemd for persistence, disguising itself as legitimate services like Redis, making detection more difficult.

The

Prediction: The Future of PumaBot and IoT Security

Looking ahead, the tactics used by PumaBot may serve as a blueprint for future IoT-targeting botnets. As IoT devices proliferate, the security challenges surrounding them will only intensify. This botnet demonstrates the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, with adversaries targeting specific vulnerabilities in connected devices to achieve long-term access and illicit profit.

One potential future trend could be the rise of botnets that can autonomously scan and exploit IoT devices, minimizing human intervention. As device manufacturers continue to neglect security updates and patch management, more botnets may exploit these weaknesses, making IoT a prime target for both cybercriminals and state-sponsored actors.

In response, companies will need to adopt a more proactive security posture, especially for IoT devices. Regular system audits, enhanced authentication methods, and network segmentation will become more critical than ever to mitigate risks posed by evolving botnets like PumaBot. Additionally, collaboration between security researchers and IoT manufacturers will be essential in developing standards to address the unique vulnerabilities these devices present.

Ultimately, PumaBot is a reminder that the cyber threat landscape is ever-changing, and staying ahead of these evolving threats requires vigilance, innovation, and strong cybersecurity practices.

References:

Reported By: securityaffairs.com
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