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Watchbog Linux Trojan

Watchbog is a newly observed trojan targeting Linux web servers running a variety of automation, database, mail, and project management products.

Threat ID:
CC-3163
Category:
Trojan
Threat Severity:
Low
Threat Vector:
Vulnerability
Published:
24 July 2019 12:00 AM
Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

Summary

Watchbog is a newly observed trojan targeting Linux web servers running a variety of automation, database, mail, and project management products.

Threat details

At the time of publication, Watchbog appears to be delivered directly to targets systems. Once a vulnerable system has been found, and its running services have been determined, Watchbog will deploy a number of publicly available exploits to gain access.

Once installed, Watchbog will download a set of commands from a Pastebin page; which, when executed, result in the installation of a Monero cryptocurrency miner. It then writes itself to several crontab files to maintain persistence.

For further information:

Update  

Analysis of the latest variant of Watchbog has shown that it now includes a BlueKeep (CVE-2019-0708) exploitation module, raising the possibility of new Watchbog campaigns targeting vulnerable Windows systems.

Threat updates

Date Update
25 Jul 2019

Analysis of the latest variant of Watchbog has shown that it now includes a BlueKeep (CVE-2019-0708) exploitation module, raising the possibility of new Watchbog campaigns targeting vulnerable Windows systems.

Remediation steps

Type Step

To prevent and detect a trojan infection, ensure that:

  • 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.
  • Regular anti-virus and security scans are performed on your organisation’s estate.
  • 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.

Last edited: 14 February 2020 2:43 pm