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Momentum Botnet

First observed in late 2018, Momentum is a worm and botnet targeting Linux-based web servers, Internet-of-Things and SOHO devices. The group operating Momentum are believed to be selling the botnet's services through a number of dark web forums.

Threat ID:
CC-3317
Category:
Worm
Threat Severity:
Low
Threat Vector:
Exploit
Published:
18 December 2019 12:00 AM
Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

Summary

First observed in late 2018, Momentum is a worm and botnet targeting Linux-based web servers, Internet-of-Things and SOHO devices. The group operating Momentum are believed to be selling the botnet's services through a number of dark web forums.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Linux

  • Linux - Most popular distributions

Threat details

Momentum gains access to target devices using a number of known exploits, before editing a number of RC files to achieve persistence. It then connects to an internet relay channel, called #HellRoom, to receive command and control instructions and obtain a list of IP addresses to scan for new targets.

Momentum's operators claim the botnet can perform 36 different types of distributed denial-of-service attacks including LDAP reflection, memcache, and multiple flood-type attacks.

Remediation steps

Type Step

To protect against a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, organisations should ensure:

Should an organisation suspect it is subject to an active DDoS attack, they should ensure that every effort is made to stop the attack and restore service. However, care should be taken to ensure that the attackers are not using the DDoS attack as a distraction whilst other, potentially more sensitive, systems are exploited. Monitoring of critical systems is recommended, including the use of host-based intrusion prevention and detection systems (HIPS/HIDS) where appropriate.

Additionally, to prevent and detect an 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.

Indicators of compromise

Main indicators

SHA256 File Hashes

  • 3c6d31b289c46b98be7908acd84086653a0774206b3310e0ea4e6779e1ff4124

Last edited: 29 June 2021 11:57 am