Rootkits for the Linux kernel 2.6
SECRET WEAPON
Today’s rootkits infiltrate a target system at kernel level, thus escaping unwanted attention from administrators. Read on for a practical look at how a kernel rootkit really works.
After an attacker compromises a target, the next step is to secure a foothold. Any seasoned attacker wants to keep sysadmins and inquisitive users from noticing the unauthorized changes. Various tools are available to help infiltrators cover their tracks. So-called rootkits hide telltale processes, network connections, and files from admins, and they guarantee the attacker access through a backdoor. Up to just a few years ago, hackers would typically manipulate installed programs to build a rootkit. A trojanized version of netstat would hide any connections established by the hacker, and a trojanized ps would obfuscate any illegal processes. Because a typical attack involved replacing a large number of utilities, special userland rootkits quickly started to appear. These kits, which include several manipulated programs, are easy for attackers to install. Most rootkits also include backdoors and popular hacker tools, such as IRC Bouncer.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 Drops bcachefs
After a clash over some late fixes and disagreements between bcachefs's lead developer and Linus Torvalds, bachefs is out.
-
ONLYOFFICE v9 Embraces AI
Like nearly all office suites on the market (except LibreOffice), ONLYOFFICE has decided to go the AI route.
-
Two Local Privilege Escalation Flaws Discovered in Linux
Qualys researchers have discovered two local privilege escalation vulnerabilities that allow hackers to gain root privileges on major Linux distributions.
-
New TUXEDO InfinityBook Pro Powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300
The TUXEDO InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen10 offers serious power that is ready for your business, development, or entertainment needs.
-
Danish Ministry of Digital Affairs Transitions to Linux
Another major organization has decided to kick Microsoft Windows and Office to the curb in favor of Linux.
-
Linux Mint 20 Reaches EOL
With Linux Mint 20 at its end of life, the time has arrived to upgrade to Linux Mint 22.
-
TuxCare Announces Support for AlmaLinux 9.2
Thanks to TuxCare, AlmaLinux 9.2 (and soon version 9.6) now enjoys years of ongoing patching and compliance.
-
Go-Based Botnet Attacking IoT Devices
Using an SSH credential brute-force attack, the Go-based PumaBot is exploiting IoT devices everywhere.
-
Plasma 6.5 Promises Better Memory Optimization
With the stable Plasma 6.4 on the horizon, KDE has a few new tricks up its sleeve for Plasma 6.5.
-
KaOS 2025.05 Officially Qt5 Free
If you're a fan of independent Linux distributions, the team behind KaOS is proud to announce the latest iteration that includes kernel 6.14 and KDE's Plasma 6.3.5.