Researchers discovered a new backdoor family called ACBackdoor that is targeting both Linux and Windows systems.
Intezer first found the Linux variant of ACBackdoor on a Romanian-hosted server. Its researchers didn’t uncover any information about the delivery vector used for this version of the backdoor. They had more success with the Windows variant of the malware, however. They discovered that those behind the multiplatform backdoor had enough funding to purchase the Fallout exploit kit and use it to distribute their Windows-based malware via several malvertising campaigns.
Additional analysis revealed that the backdoor was capable of arbitrarily executing shell commands and binaries along with establishing persistence and implementing updates. This deep dive into the malware also revealed that the Linux variant was more sophisticated than and likely written before the Windows version. Intezer explained that this finding could indicate that ACBackdoor’s developers are more comfortable with developing Linux-based malware instead of threats for Windows systems.
Other Recently Discovered Backdoors
ACBackdoor isn’t the only new backdoor that security researchers have recently uncovered. In October 2019, security researcher Patrick Wardle analyzed AppleJeus, a new macOS backdoor developed by the infamous Lazarus APT group.
That was just a few days before ESET revealed that the Winnti Group was using a new backdoor called PortReuse to target organizations in the Asian gaming industry. Less than a month later, Kaspersky Lab unveiled its discovery that the Platinum group had begun using the Titanium backdoor against targets in South and Southeast Asia.
How to Defend Against ACBackdoor
Without a known delivery vector, it’s difficult for security professionals to take steps that can meaningfully protect their organizations against the Linux variant of ACBackdoor. That being said, they can use thoughtful prioritization of known software vulnerabilities to block attacks involving exploit kits like Fallout, including those that distribute the Windows-based version of the backdoor.
Companies should also use security information and event management (SIEM) data to receive context about their vulnerabilities, information that they can then use to craft a remediation strategy.
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