February 1, 2024 at 02:52PM
The new variant of the botnet “FritzFrog” utilizes Log4Shell to target unpatched internal network assets. Unlike traditional Log4Shell attacks, it spreads through weak SSH passwords and Log4Shell vulnerabilities internally. This sophisticated botnet also exploits CVE-2021-4034 and employs stealth tactics, resulting in over 20,000 attacks since 2020. Mitigation involves strengthening passwords and patching systems.
Based on the meeting notes, here are the key takeaways:
1. The advanced botnet called “FritzFrog” has been spreading via Log4Shell, taking advantage of the same vulnerability in internal network assets that organizations are less likely to have patched.
2. FritzFrog is a peer-to-peer, Golang-based botnet that historically infects networks by brute-forcing Internet-facing servers with weak SSH passwords. The new variant builds on this tactic by reading system logs on compromised hosts to identify potentially weak targets within a network.
3. In addition to weak passwords, FritzFrog is now also scanning for Log4Shell openings to compromise assets in an environment.
4. The new variant of FritzFrog has incorporated several new tricks, such as exploiting CVE-2021-4034 for privilege escalation, using TOR support, an “antivirus” module to kill unrelated malware, and making use of Linux features to reduce the risk of detection.
5. FritzFrog has been responsible for over 20,000 attacks against more than 1,500 victims since its first spotting in 2020.
6. To mitigate against FritzFrog, it is crucial for organizations to have strong passwords and to patch their systems to address vulnerabilities like Log4Shell.
These key points highlight the evolving tactics of the FritzFrog botnet and the need for organizations to prioritize strong cybersecurity measures to defend against it.