Apache Struts Exploit Cryptocurrency Miner

The Apache Struts vulnerability CVE-2018-11776 is being exploited by attackers in an attempt to install cryptocurrency malware.

Threat ID:: CC-2650
Category:: Trojan
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:
Published:: 4 September 2018 12:00 AM

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Summary

The Apache Struts vulnerability CVE-2018-11776 is being exploited by attackers in an attempt to install cryptocurrency malware.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Apache Struts

Apache Struts - Versions 2.3 to 2.3.34 and 2.5 to 2.5.16

Threat details

The exploit code was published three days after the vulnerability was disclosed.

If successful the exploit code performs requests to URLs, downloads a copy of the CNRig cryptocurrency miner and a shell script.The executed script deploys Linux ELF binaries for Intel, ARM and MIPS processors to enable the miner to run on a wide range of hardware.

Once the CNRig module is installed it will initiate mining tokens over TCP port 20580.

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	Users and administrators are encouraged to review the Apache Struts Article CC-2630 on the Information Sharing Portal and apply the necessary updates. A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails. All operating systems, anti-virus and other security products are kept up-to-date. All day-to-day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts. Strong password policies are in place. Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity. User accounts accessed from affected devices should be reset on a clean computer. Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Type

Step

Users and administrators are encouraged to review the Apache Struts Article CC-2630 on the Information Sharing Portal and apply the necessary updates.
A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails.
All operating systems, anti-virus and other security products are kept up-to-date.
All day-to-day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts.
Strong password policies are in place.
Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity.
User accounts accessed from affected devices should be reset on a clean computer.
Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

CVE Vulnerabilities

Status

CVE-2018-11776

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:37 pm