AndroxGh0st Malware Hijacking IoT Devices

26th November 2024 | Advisory, Blog

Cybercriminals have found a new way to attack our devices. Recently, researchers discovered a malware called AndroxGh0st. This malware targets Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which includes things like smart TVs, cameras, and even thermostats.

What Is AndroxGh0st?

AndroxGh0st is a type of malware designed to infect IoT devices. Once it infects a device, it can take control of it. It can also spread to other connected devices, creating a large network that hackers control. This network of infected devices is called a botnet.

But AndroxGh0st is different from other malware. It combines the abilities of two powerful threats: Mozi botnet and Mirai malware. By using these features, AndroxGh0st can launch stronger and more widespread attacks.

Malware Comparison - BOT Network Malware

Why IoT Devices Are Vulnerable

IoT devices often lack strong security. Many come with weak, factory-set passwords that users don’t change. Some IoT devices don’t have the latest security updates, making them easy targets for hackers. This is precisely what these two sources of malware attack; weak credentials and unpatched systems.

Attackers know this, so they focus on these devices. With billions of IoT devices worldwide, they have a large pool of targets to choose from.

How AndroxGh0st Works

AndroxGh0st scans the internet for vulnerable IoT devices. When it finds one, it tries to log in using default or weak passwords. Once inside, it installs itself on the device and connects to other infected devices, forming a botnet.

This botnet can then be used for various attacks:

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS): Overwhelms a target with traffic, causing it to crash.
Data Theft: Steals sensitive information from connected devices.
Spreading Malware: Infects other devices connected to the same network.

By using features from the Mozi botnet and Mirai malware, AndroxGh0st can launch these attacks faster and more effectively.

What Makes This Threat Serious

The biggest concern with AndroxGh0st is its ability to build large botnets. These botnets can launch massive cyber attacks that can bring down websites, steal data, or cause widespread internet outages.

For example, hackers could use AndroxGh0st to take over thousands of IoT devices. They could then use this botnet to flood a popular website with traffic, shutting it down. This is called a DDoS attack.

AndroxGh0st can also evolve. Because it combines features from Mozi and Mirai, it can adapt and become harder to detect. This makes it a long-term threat that won’t disappear anytime soon.

How to Protect Your IoT Devices

Protecting your IoT devices is key to preventing AndroxGh0st attacks. Here are simple steps you can take:

Change Default Passwords: Always change the default password on any new device. Use strong, unique passwords that are hard to guess. Store the new password in your password manager for easy access. Enable MFA for extra security.
Enable Automatic Updates: Make sure to enable automatic software updates from the manufacturer. Check for firmware upgrades that might not be included in automatic updates. Just like you replace smoke alarm batteries yearly, often during the fall time change, you should also update your IoT devices at least once a year.
Disable Unused Features: If your device has features you don’t use, like remote access, disable them. This reduces the risk of someone exploiting those features.
Use Network Segmentation: Create a separate Wi-Fi network for IoT devices. This prevents attackers from accessing your main network if an IoT device is compromised. Along these same lines, do not open ports into your internal network. Any open ports can be targeted and potentially exploited.
Monitor Network Traffic: Use a firewall or network monitoring tool to check for unusual traffic patterns. This can help you detect if an IoT device is compromised.

Why Awareness Matters

IoT devices are becoming more common in our homes and workplaces. As we rely on them more, they also become more attractive targets for hackers. Understanding the risks and how to protect these devices is essential.

AndroxGh0st shows us that malware is evolving. Attackers are finding new ways to exploit technology we use every day. By staying informed and taking simple security steps, we can reduce the risks and keep our devices secure.

Conclusion

AndroxGh0st is an example of a sophisticated set of malware solutions designed to expand bot networks for the bot herders. It highlights the importance of securing IoT devices, which are often overlooked. By taking proactive steps, like changing passwords and updating firmware, we can protect our devices from threats like AndroxGh0st.

In today’s digital world, security should be a priority for everyone. Let’s make it harder for cybercriminals to use our devices against us.