A resurgence of the Lucifer botnet has been detected, with a notable shift in targeting Apache Hadoop and Apache Druid big data technologies. This sophisticated malware combines cryptojacking and distributed denial of service (DDoS) capabilities, posing a significant threat to organizations utilizing these platforms. Security researchers from Aqua Nautilus have observed a concerning trend, with over 3,000 unique attacks identified in the last month alone, highlighting the urgency of addressing vulnerabilities within Apache servers.
The campaign, which has been active for at least six months, demonstrates a strategic evolution as attackers exploit known misconfigurations and vulnerabilities within Apache platforms to deploy their payload. This multifaceted attack comprises three distinct phases, suggesting a meticulous approach by adversaries to test defense evasion techniques before launching a full-scale assault. Notably, the attackers demonstrate adaptability, switching tactics between targeting misconfigured Hadoop instances and vulnerable Apache Druid hosts, showcasing their agility in exploiting diverse vulnerabilities.
During the initial stages of the campaign, attackers leverage misconfigured Hadoop YARN clusters to execute arbitrary code and deploy Lucifer onto compromised systems. Subsequent phases witness a refinement of tactics, including the deployment of multiple binaries to enhance persistence and evade detection mechanisms. The attackers’ ability to exploit vulnerabilities such as CVE-2021-25646 in Apache Druid underscores the importance of robust patch management and proactive security measures to defend against evolving threats.
Enterprises are urged to conduct comprehensive reviews of their Apache server configurations, ensuring all patches are up-to-date to mitigate the risk of potential attacks. Additionally, proactive measures such as scanning environments with runtime detection and response solutions are recommended to identify and respond to unknown threats promptly. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, heightened awareness and diligence in using open-source libraries are essential to safeguard against malicious activities perpetrated by sophisticated adversaries like the Lucifer botnet.
