Kaiten Returns More Powerful Than Before

Linux/Remaiten combines capabilities of two previous versions of bots and adds a unique spreading mechanism able to infect embedded devices.

ESET researchers have spotted a new and improved version of Kaiten, an Internet Relay Chat (IRC)-controlled malware typically used to carry out distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. The remastered malware has been dubbed “KTN-Remastered” or “KTN-RM”, with three versions of Linux/Remaiten already identified by ESET researchers. Based on artifacts in the code, the main feature of the malware is an improved spreading mechanism.

Based primarily on Linux/Gafgyt’s telnet scanning, KTN-RM improves on that spreading mechanism by carrying downloader executable binaries for embedded platforms such as routers and other connected devices. Targeting mainly those with weak login credentials.

„Further, the downloader‘s job is to request the Linux/Remaiten bot binary from the Command & Control server for its current architecture. When executed, it also creates another bot for the malicious operators to use. We have seen this technique used before by Linux/Moose to spread infections,“ says Michal Malík, ESET Malware Researcher.

In a strange twist, this strain of malware also has a message for those who might try to neutralize its threat.

“Within the welcome message, version 2.0 seems to single out malwaremustdie.org which has published extensive details about Gafgyt, Tsunami and other members of this family of Malware,” adds up Malík.

Additional details about the Linux/Remaiten Bot can be found in a technical article by Michal Malik on ESET’s official security blog, WeLiveSecurity.com.

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