New Linux Malware Targets Cloud-Based Linux Installations
VoidLink, a new Linux malware, should be of real concern because of its stealth and customization.
Linux malware isn't something that's always on the mind of admins. However, a new framework has been discovered, called VoidLink, that is far more advanced than your typical malicious code.
VoidLink is a framework with over 30 modules that can be added or removed to customize its capabilities for specific targets and meet an attacker's goals. There are modules for stealth, reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and even movement within a network. As a malware campaign evolves, so too can the malware, thanks to its modular design.
VoidLink's focus is Linux installations found on cloud hosts, such as AWS and Google Cloud -- a list that continues to grow. VoidLink uses a vendor's API to discern which cloud service is hosting a particular machine.
Check Point Research discovered VoidLink, and they've explained how it works in great detail. According to the report:
"VoidLink’s feature set is unusually broad. It includes rootkit-style capabilities (LD_PRELOAD, LKM, and eBPF), an in-memory plugin system for extending functionality, and adaptive stealth that adjusts runtime evasion based on the security products it detects, favoring operational security over performance in monitored environments."
Check Point Research indicated that VoidLink seems to have been created and maintained by Chinese-affiliated developers.
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
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.
-
System76 Retools Thelio Desktop
The new Thelio Mira has landed with improved performance, repairability, and front-facing ports alongside a high-quality tempered glass facade.
-
Some Linux Distros Skirt Age Verification Laws
After California introduced an age verification law recently, open source operating system developers have had to get creative with how they deal with it.
-
UN Creates Open Source Portal
In a quest to strengthen open source collaboration, the United Nations Office of Information and Communications Technology has created a new portal.
-
Latest Linux Kernel RC Contains Changes Galore
Linux kernel 7.0-rc3 includes more changes than have been made in a single release in recent history.
-
Nitrux 6.0 Now Ready to Rock Your World
The latest iteration of the Debian-based distribution includes all kinds of newness.
-
Linux Foundation Reports that Open Source Delivers Better ROI
In a report that may surprise no one in the Linux community, the Linux Foundation found that businesses are finding a 5X return on investment with open source software.
-
Keep Android Open
Google has announced that, soon, anyone looking to develop Android apps will have to first register centrally with Google.
-
Kernel 7.0 Now in Testing
Linus Torvalds has announced the first Release Candidate (RC) for the 7.x kernel is available for those who want to test it.