Cybersecurity experts have uncovered a significant campaign involving the Murdoc Botnet, which exploits vulnerabilities in AVTECH IP cameras and Huawei HG532 routers to create a powerful botnet capable of launching distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. The campaign, active since at least July 2024, has already infected over 1,370 systems, with most located in Malaysia, Mexico, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The attackers use security flaws such as CVE-2017-17215 and CVE-2024-7029 to infiltrate Internet of Things (IoT) devices, deploying shell scripts that execute malware based on device architecture.
The Murdoc Botnet has been weaponized to perform DDoS attacks targeting telecommunications, banking, technology, cloud computing, and other critical sectors.
Recent reports have linked the botnet to similar activities involving other Mirai-derived variants, including the gayfemboy botnet, which exploits vulnerabilities in industrial routers. Countries like the United States, Bahrain, Poland, and Japan have experienced large-scale DDoS campaigns using these botnets, with major corporations and financial institutions as primary targets. Over 55% of the compromised devices are in India, with significant activity also reported in South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, and Kenya.
The attackers use a sophisticated process that begins with infiltrating IoT devices to deploy a loader malware, which downloads and executes the main payload. This payload connects to a command-and-control server, receiving instructions for executing DDoS attacks or serving other malicious purposes. Trend Micro researchers have identified the botnet’s ability to use various attack methods, update its malware components, and enable proxy services. The campaign demonstrates advanced capabilities, leveraging weak device credentials and outdated firmware to expand its reach.
To combat the Murdoc Botnet and similar threats, experts recommend regular monitoring of processes, events, and network traffic for suspicious activity. Firmware updates and strong, unique passwords for IoT devices are critical defenses against botnet infiltration. Organizations in affected sectors should adopt robust security measures to minimize their exposure to such attacks, as these threats continue to evolve and pose risks to global digital infrastructure.
