Security News > 2021 > March > Chinese state hackers target Linux systems with new malware
Security researchers at Intezer have discovered a previously undocumented backdoor dubbed RedXOR, with links to a Chinese-sponsored hacking group and used in ongoing attacks targeting Linux systems.
Based on command-and-control servers still being active, the Linux backdoor is being used in ongoing attacks targeting both Linux servers and endpoints.
Intezer also found multiple connections between the RedXOR Linux backdoor and multiple malware strains linked to the Winnti state hackers, including the PWNLNX backdoor and the Groundhog and XOR.DDOS botnets.
The discovery of new is not at all surprising, taking into account the over 40% increase in new Linux malware found during 2020.
Nation-state hackers also focus more and more on targeting Linux systems, as highlighted by a 2020 Intezer report summarizing the last ten years of Linux APT attacks.
"In the previous decade researchers discovered several large APT campaigns targeting Linux systems, as well as unique Linux malware tools tailored for espionage operations," Intezer said.
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