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A Growing Threat to Cloud Security
A new wave of cyberattacks has compromised more than 1,500 PostgreSQL servers worldwide, leveraging a stealthy fileless malware campaign. Researchers from Wiz Threat Research have attributed the attack to a threat actor tracked as JINX-0126, who has exploited weakly secured and publicly accessible PostgreSQL instances to deploy XMRig-C3 cryptominers.
Unlike traditional malware, which relies on stored files to execute malicious operations, this campaign operates filelessly—executing directly in memory—making it difficult for traditional security tools to detect and mitigate.
Technical Breakdown of the Attack
Initial Access & Exploitation
- The attackers target misconfigured PostgreSQL servers that use weak or default credentials.
- Once inside, they execute malicious payloads via the
COPY ... FROM PROGRAM
function. - System reconnaissance follows, using commands such as
whoami
anduname
to gather environmental details.
Deployment & Execution
- The attackers deploy a Base64-encoded dropper script, which eliminates competing cryptominers before introducing a malicious binary named pg_core.
- This binary executes and deletes itself to evade detection.
- Another binary, postmaster, is downloaded to mimic legitimate PostgreSQL processes, complicating identification.
Obfuscation & Persistence
- The postmaster binary is obfuscated with modified UPX packing and carries an encrypted configuration file containing server credentials, external IP, and cryptomining details.
- A second binary, cpu_hu, launches the cryptominer filelessly by downloading the latest XMRig-C3 version from GitHub.
- Custom configurations ensure each victim has uniquely generated binaries, preventing signature-based detection.
- Persistence is established via cron jobs that execute the malware every minute while modifying PostgreSQL configurations to block external access, ensuring continued exploitation.
The Scale of the Attack & Its Impact
By analyzing three cryptocurrency wallets linked to the attackers, researchers estimate that 550+ mining workers are actively connected to each, totaling over 1,500 compromised servers globally.
The widespread misconfiguration of PostgreSQL instances in cloud environments has made them lucrative targets for cybercriminals, underscoring the need for stronger security measures. Organizations managing PostgreSQL databases should take immediate steps to:
– Enforce strong password policies to prevent unauthorized access.
– Disable public database exposure whenever unnecessary.
- Monitor server activity for unusual behavior or unauthorized access attempts.
- Utilize security tools such as Wiz Dynamic Scanner to identify misconfigurations and fileless malware activity.
The rise of fileless attacks on critical database infrastructure highlights the urgent need for advanced threat detection and response strategies in modern cloud security.
What Undercode Say: A Deeper Analysis
1. Fileless Malware Is the Future of Cybercrime
Fileless malware attacks are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to bypass traditional security measures. Unlike standard malware, which stores files on the disk, fileless malware operates entirely in memory, making it harder for antivirus and endpoint detection systems to track.
- Why PostgreSQL? A Soft Target in Cloud Security
Many organizations use PostgreSQL in cloud environments but fail to secure it properly. Default credentials, open internet exposure, and weak authentication methods create an easy entry point for attackers. As this attack demonstrates, database security is often overlooked in favor of application-level defenses, making databases an ideal target.
3. Cryptojacking: A Low-Risk, High-Reward Attack
JINX-0126 isn’t stealing data or deploying ransomware—it’s stealing computing power to mine cryptocurrency. Cryptojacking is attractive to cybercriminals because:
– It offers low risk—unlike ransomware, which draws attention.
– It provides a continuous revenue stream, as the malware runs undetected for long periods.
– It’s cheap to deploy—once inside a system, no further interaction is needed.
4. Evasion Tactics Make Detection Challenging
JINX-0126 uses a combination of obfuscation, self-deletion, and process masquerading to remain undetected:
– Binaries delete themselves after execution.
– Malware processes mimic legitimate PostgreSQL functions.
- The configuration is encrypted and packed, preventing easy analysis.
Traditional security tools that rely on signature-based detection are ineffective against such threats. Organizations need behavioral analytics and real-time monitoring to catch these types of attacks.
5. The Cost of Ignoring Database Security
A compromised PostgreSQL server isn’t just a financial liability due to cryptojacking—it’s a potential stepping stone for more severe attacks. Cybercriminals who gain access could:
– Exfiltrate sensitive data stored in the database.
– Launch lateral movement attacks within the organization.
- Sell access to ransomware groups or espionage actors.
Ignoring database security today could lead to bigger breaches tomorrow.
6. How to Defend Against Similar Attacks
Organizations should adopt proactive security strategies to prevent such intrusions:
– Disable unnecessary PostgreSQL functions, such as COPY ... FROM PROGRAM
.
– Use strong, unique passwords and enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA).
– Regularly patch and update PostgreSQL to close known vulnerabilities.
– Implement network segmentation to restrict database access.
- Monitor CPU usage spikes, which can indicate cryptojacking activities.
- Leverage threat intelligence feeds to stay ahead of emerging malware trends.
Final Thoughts
The JINX-0126 campaign is a wake-up call for organizations running PostgreSQL in the cloud. Attackers are becoming more sophisticated, and traditional defenses are no longer enough. Adopting zero-trust security principles and continuous monitoring will be key to preventing future database attacks.
Fact Checker Results
✔ Confirmed: The attack exploits weak PostgreSQL configurations, making database security a priority.
✔ Verified: Fileless malware techniques help the attackers evade detection effectively.
✔ Fact-Based: The number of compromised servers aligns with mining pool statistics, confirming the large-scale impact.
References:
Reported By: https://cyberpress.org/fileless-malware-infects-1500-postgresql-servers/
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