GoTitan Botnet Spotted Exploiting Recent Apache ActiveMQ Vulnerability

GoTitan Botnet Spotted Exploiting Recent Apache ActiveMQ Vulnerability

November 29, 2023 at 12:18AM

A critical security flaw in Apache ActiveMQ (CVE-2023-46604) is being exploited to distribute the GoTitan botnet and PrCtrl Rat malware for remote control of infected systems. Threat groups like Lazarus are using the flaw to deliver various payloads, including DDoS bots and cryptojackers.

Meeting Takeaways:

1. A critical security flaw in Apache ActiveMQ (CVE-2023-46604) with a CVSS score of 10.0 is being exploited actively.
2. The flaw is being used to distribute a new Go-based botnet named GoTitan and a .NET-based remote access trojan known as PrCtrl Rat.
3. The Lazarus Group, among other hacking entities, has weaponized the exploit in recent attacks.
4. Successful exploits lead to dropping next-stage payloads like GoTitan, which conducts DDoS attacks through various protocols.
5. Only x64 architecture is targeted, with ‘c.log’ file creation indicating GoTitan is likely in early development stages, as per Fortinet Fortiguard Labs researcher Cara Lin.
6. Other associated threats include the Ddostf botnet, Kinsing malware for cryptojacking, and the Sliver C2 framework through the same Apache vulnerability.
7. PrCtrl Rat facilitates unauthorized remote system control for file management and command execution, but the attackers’ motives remain unclear.
8. No communications from servers associated with PrCtrl Rat have been detected, signifying ongoing control over infected systems remains unobserved.
9. Continued vigilance and following updates on threat intelligence are advised through recommended sources like Twitter and LinkedIn.

Actions to consider:
– Follow up on the implicated vulnerabilities and malware for knowledge enhancement and monitoring.
– Implement security measures to protect against Apache ActiveMQ vulnerability (CVE-2023-46604).
– Stay updated with threat intelligence reports from credible sources.
– Share these takeaways with relevant stakeholders for awareness and further cybersecurity actions.

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