In the third quarter of 2026, multiple attack campaigns targeted poorly managed Linux SSH servers using brute force, dictionary attacks, and vulnerability exploits. Attackers deployed ShellBot, a Perl-based DDoS bot with port scanning and UDP flooding capabilities. A complex attack chain involved a user-mode rootkit loaded via /etc/ld.so.preload, which then deployed the XMRig cryptocurrency miner disguised as a bash process using the XHide concealment tool. Additionally, the Fisieredoor backdoor was used to execute commands and install SSH brute-force tools such as goauto and tsm-family that systematically targeted systems with credential lists. Organizations are advised to implement strong password policies, maintain regular patching schedules, and enforce access controls on externally exposed SSH infrastructure.
During the first quarter of 2026, Windows-based MS-SQL and MySQL database servers experienced consistent malicious attacks with a temporary decrease in February before rising again in March. The primary threat actor, Larva-26002, leveraged various utilities including BCP, curl, bitsadmin, and PowerShell to deploy a Go-based scanner called ICE Cloud, which contained Turkish language strings and C&C-based scanning capabilities. This tool attempted MS-SQL authentication using predefined credentials. Attack methods primarily consisted of brute force attacks, dictionary attacks, and exploitation of unpatched systems with misconfigured accounts stemming from inadequate account management practices.
A recent attack on a poorly managed MS-SQL server involved the use of XiebroC2, an open-source C2 framework similar to CobaltStrike. The attackers exploited vulnerable credentials, installed JuicyPotato for privilege escalation, and then deployed XiebroC2 using PowerShell. XiebroC2 supports various features including remote control, information collection, and defense evasion across multiple platforms. The malware collects system information and connects to a C&C server for command execution. To protect against such attacks, administrators are advised to use complex passwords, regularly update them, keep security software current, and implement firewalls to restrict external access to publicly accessible database servers.
A recent attack on poorly managed Linux servers has been identified, involving the installation of SVF Botnet, a DDoS Bot malware developed in Python. The malware uses Discord as its C&C server and employs multiple proxy servers for DDoS attacks. The threat actor gains access through weak SSH credentials and installs the bot using specific commands. SVF Bot supports various DDoS attack methods, primarily L7 HTTP Flood and L4 UDP Flood. It uniquely utilizes public proxy addresses for HTTP flood attacks, enhancing its effectiveness. The malware can receive commands from the threat actor, turning infected Linux servers into DDoS Bots. To protect against such attacks, administrators are advised to use strong passwords, regularly update systems, and implement security measures like firewalls.
A series of attacks targeting poorly managed MS-SQL servers have been identified, involving the installation of Ammyy Admin, a remote control tool. The attackers exploit vulnerable servers, execute commands to gather system information, and use WGet to install additional malware. The installed malware includes Ammyy Admin (mscorsvw.exe), its settings file (settings3.bin), and PetitPotato (p.ax). The attackers utilize an old version of Ammyy Admin (v3.10) and employ known exploitation methods to gain remote control. They also use PetitPotato for privilege escalation, adding new users and activating RDP services. To prevent such attacks, administrators are advised to use strong passwords, update software regularly, and implement security measures like firewalls.
