Linux Machines with Poorly Secured SSH Servers are Under Attack
A new cryptocurrency miner is attacking Linux servers to co-opt them into a cryptocurrency mining network as well as spreading distributed denial-of-service attacks.
The AhnLab Security Emergency Response Center (ASEC) released a report that indicates bad actors are guessing SSH credentials – using dictionary attacks – to install port scanners and malware (such as DDOSbot and CoinMiner).
Once the malicious software is installed, it then scans for other servers to continue the spread. Those same bad actors also can sell the breached IP and account credentials on the dark web.
The attacks are searching for systems with port 22 (the default SSH port) open and then hitting the server with the dictionary attack to install and propagate the malware.
ASEC believes the tools used in the attack were created by the PRG old Team and were modified before being used.
Because this isn't a vulnerability in the SSH software itself, admins and users are warned to ensure passwords are strong and unique, systems are always up-to-date, and (if possible) SSH uses an alternative port (than 22).
This, of course, comes right on the heels of the Terrapin attacks (CVE-2023-48795), which is a prefix truncation attack that targets the SSH protocol.
As far as updates for the Terrapin attacks, the researchers who published the original paper contacted nearly 30 providers of different SSH implementations and indicated it might take some time for all clients and servers to be patched and updated against this attack.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
First Release Candidate for Linux Kernel 6.14 Now Available
Linus Torvalds has officially released the first release candidate for kernel 6.14 and it includes over 500,000 lines of modified code, making for a small release.
-
System76 Refreshes Meerkat Mini PC
If you're looking for a small form factor PC powered by Linux, System76 has exactly what you need in the Meerkat mini PC.
-
Gnome 48 Alpha Ready for Testing
The latest Gnome desktop alpha is now available with plenty of new features and improvements.
-
Wine 10 Includes Plenty to Excite Users
With its latest release, Wine has the usual crop of bug fixes and improvements, along with some exciting new features.
-
Linux Kernel 6.13 Offers Improvements for AMD/Apple Users
The latest Linux kernel is now available, and it includes plenty of improvements, especially for those who use AMD or Apple-based systems.
-
Gnome 48 Debuts New Audio Player
To date, the audio player found within the Gnome desktop has been meh at best, but with the upcoming release that all changes.
-
Plasma 6.3 Ready for Public Beta Testing
Plasma 6.3 will ship with KDE Gear 24.12.1 and KDE Frameworks 6.10, along with some new and exciting features.
-
Budgie 10.10 Scheduled for Q1 2025 with a Surprising Desktop Update
If Budgie is your desktop environment of choice, 2025 is going to be a great year for you.
-
Firefox 134 Offers Improvements for Linux Version
Fans of Linux and Firefox rejoice, as there's a new version available that includes some handy updates.
-
Serpent OS Arrives with a New Alpha Release
After months of silence, Ikey Doherty has released a new alpha for his Serpent OS.