Commando Cat – Threat Actor

Commando Cat
Location	Unknown
Date of initial activity	2024
Suspected attribution	Unknown
Government Affiliation	No
Associated Groups	Unknown
Motivation	Financial Gain, Data Theft
Associated Tools	XMRig Commando Project Docker Images

Overview

Commando Cat represents a sophisticated and novel threat actor in the cyber threat landscape, emerging prominently in early 2024. This campaign, characterized by its cryptojacking operations, exploits Docker as an initial access vector and leverages advanced techniques to maintain persistence and evade detection. Unlike many attacks targeting Docker, which often involve direct exploits or misconfigurations, Commando Cat employs a nuanced approach by using a seemingly benign Docker image—generated through the Commando Project—to infiltrate systems. This initial camouflage allows the attacker to escape the container environment and deploy multiple payloads on the Docker host, marking a significant evolution in malware tactics.

Common targets

Cryptocurrency Miners: Organizations and individuals engaged in cryptocurrency mining are prime targets due to their high-value assets and computing resources. Commando Cat’s cryptojacking payloads are tailored to hijack mining operations, diverting resources to the attacker’s own crypto-mining activities. Cloud Service Providers: Cloud infrastructure environments, including those running Docker containers, are another major target. The attacker’s use of Docker images as a means of initial access indicates a focus on environments that manage or utilize cloud services. Technology and Development Firms: Companies involved in technology development and deployment, especially those using containerized environments for application development and testing, are also targeted. These firms may have valuable intellectual property or sensitive data that the attacker aims to exploit. Organizations with Misconfigured Docker Environments: Commando Cat specifically exploits vulnerabilities in Docker configurations. Therefore, organizations with poorly secured or misconfigured Docker environments are at high risk. Financial Institutions and High-Value Targets: In some instances, the threat actor may extend its targeting to financial institutions or other high-value targets to extract financial gain through data theft or system compromise.

Attack Vectors

Phishing, Exploitation of software Vulnerabilities, Compromised software Dependencies

How they operate

Initial Access and Infection

Commando Cat often gains initial access to target systems through exploitation of vulnerabilities in public-facing applications and services. These include weaknesses in web servers, content management systems, or other networked services that are exposed to the internet. The threat actor may use tools to scan for and exploit these vulnerabilities, deploying malicious payloads that are often disguised as legitimate updates or software components. Phishing and social engineering also play a crucial role in the initial infection phase. Commando Cat may use sophisticated phishing campaigns to trick users into clicking on malicious links or downloading infected attachments. These tactics exploit human behavior, leveraging social engineering techniques to bypass traditional security defenses.

Payload Delivery and Execution

Once inside the target environment, Commando Cat deploys its payload through a variety of methods. Commonly, the malware is delivered via Base64 encoded scripts, which obfuscate the payload and make it harder for security solutions to detect. This encoded payload is then executed, establishing a foothold within the system. The malware may also use compromised software updates or dependencies to inject its code into legitimate applications. This technique allows Commando Cat to blend in with normal system activity, avoiding detection by security monitoring tools.

Command and Control (C2) Communication

After the initial infection, Commando Cat establishes a Command and Control (C2) channel to communicate with its handlers and receive further instructions. This C2 communication often employs application layer protocols such as HTTP or HTTPS, which helps the malware evade network defenses and blend in with legitimate traffic. The use of encrypted communication channels ensures that the malware’s activities remain concealed from network monitoring systems.

Persistence and Escalation

Commando Cat employs various methods to maintain persistence on the compromised system. This includes creating scheduled tasks, modifying startup configurations, or installing rootkits that provide elevated privileges and continuous access. The malware is designed to avoid detection and remove traces of its activities, making it challenging for administrators to identify and eradicate. The malware’s capability for lateral movement is facilitated through network scanning and reconnaissance. Commando Cat scans for other vulnerable systems within the network, leveraging compromised credentials or exploiting additional vulnerabilities to expand its reach and control.

Data Exfiltration and Impact

Once the malware has established persistence and achieved its objectives, it proceeds to exfiltrate data from the compromised systems. This could involve stealing sensitive information, including login credentials, financial data, or proprietary business information. Commando Cat’s ultimate goal is often to exploit the stolen data for financial gain, either through direct theft or by using it to facilitate further attacks.

MITRE Tactics and Techniques

T1071 – Application Layer Protocol:

Description: Commando Cat employs application layer protocols like HTTP/HTTPS to communicate with Command and Control (C2) servers. The use of common protocols helps in evading network defenses.

T1190 – Exploit Public-Facing Application:

Description: The threat actor may exploit vulnerabilities in public-facing applications to gain initial access. This includes exploiting Docker vulnerabilities or misconfigurations.

T1203 – Exploitation for Client Execution:

Description: Commando Cat might exploit vulnerabilities in client applications to execute their malicious payloads. This technique is used to compromise systems and deploy their tools.

T1059 – Command and Scripting Interpreter:

Description: The attacker uses command and scripting interpreters like Bash scripts to execute commands on compromised systems. Tools such as tshd.sh, gsc.sh, and aws.sh are employed in their operations.

T1027 – Obfuscated Files or Information:

Description: To evade detection, Commando Cat uses base64 encoding to obfuscate their payloads and scripts. This includes base64-encoded XMRig miners and other components.

T1070 – Indicator Removal on Host:

Description: The threat actor utilizes techniques to remove or hide indicators of compromise on the host. This includes using the hid script to conceal processes and activities from monitoring tools.

T1486 – Data Encrypted for Impact:

Description: Although primarily a cryptojacking operation, the threat actor may use encryption techniques to obfuscate their activities or encrypt stolen data.

T1071.001 – Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols:

Description: Web protocols are used for C2 communication, with the attacker leveraging HTTPS to avoid detection and to ensure secure communication channels.