Dominic Jainy is a renowned IT professional with a robust background in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain technologies. His insights into cybersecurity and emerging vulnerabilities offer invaluable knowledge to businesses navigating the complexities of digital threats. In this interview, Dominic discusses recent security issues within the Wazuh Server, the exploitation tactics of Mirai botnets, and provides an assessment of current trends in cyberattacks.
Can you explain the recent security flaw discovered in the Wazuh Server and how it was being exploited by threat actors?
The recent security flaw identified in the Wazuh Server is linked to unsafe deserialization within its API, specifically allowing threat actors to execute remote code by injecting malicious JSON payloads. This vulnerability, designated as CVE-2025-24016, was utilized by hackers to drop variants of the Mirai botnet and initiate DDoS attacks against server infrastructures. The flaw allowed attackers to run arbitrary Python code, greatly amplifying the potential damage on Wazuh’s ecosystem until it was patched.
What is the CVE-2025-24016 vulnerability, and why does it have a CVSS score of 9.9?
CVE-2025-24016 is rated with a CVSS score of 9.9 due to its critical nature—this flaw opens doors to remote code execution across multiple versions of the Wazuh Server software. Because it can be exploited over the internet without requiring physical access or specific user interaction, the high severity score reflects the significant threat it poses to server integrity and operations, making it a prime target for cybercriminals.
How does the unsafe deserialization vulnerability in the Wazuh API work?
This deserialization vulnerability operates by mishandling serialized JSON data passed through the DistributedAPI of the Wazuh framework. By injecting a malicious payload, cyber actors can manipulate the “as_wazuh_object” deserialization function found in the server’s cluster files to execute arbitrary Python code. Essentially, this misstep in data processing could allow unauthorized users to command and control server operations, leading to devastating impacts.
What measures were taken to address the security defect in Wazuh Server?
To mitigate this flaw, Wazuh released a security patch in February 2025. The update, version 4.9.1, resolved the unsafe deserialization by better securing JSON data handling and reinforcing server authentication procedures. The timely release of this patch was crucial in preventing further exploitations after threat actors were found leveraging this vulnerability in real-world attacks.
When were the patches released to fix the vulnerability, and what was the version number of the update?
The patch for CVE-2025-24016 was released in October 2024, ahead of its public exploitation attempts. Version 4.9.1 of the Wazuh Server addressed this vulnerability, providing customers with an updated codebase that effectively secures the API against such dangerous threats.
Can you tell us about the two different Mirai botnet variants being used to exploit the Wazuh Server vulnerability?
The two Mirai botnet variants exploiting the vulnerability are fascinating due to their differing approaches. One variant, linked to LZRD Mirai, deploys a shell script that downloads botnet payloads from an external server for varied architectures, primarily utilizing old source code revised for these attacks. The second variant, Resbot, similarly delivers another Mirai-based payload but distinguishes itself through its Italian naming conventions, suggesting targeted campaigns against Italian-speaking users.
How quickly were the botnets able to exploit CVE-2025-24016 after its disclosure?
It took mere weeks for the botnets to exploit CVE-2025-24016 post-disclosure. This swift exploitation underscores the increasingly short time-to-exploit timelines botnet operators now follow, leveraging newly published CVEs almost instantaneously to maximize their exploitation potential before widespread patches are adopted.
What methods do botnets use to exploit vulnerabilities in server software or IoT devices?
Botnets employ a multitude of strategies, focusing primarily on known vulnerabilities in server software and IoT devices that haven’t received timely patch updates. Common techniques include scanning ports like FTP and Telnet for access, while leveraging coding exploits that allow remote command execution. This enables them to propagate malware quickly across vulnerable networks and devices.
Could you elaborate on how the first botnet variant deploys the Mirai payload?
The first botnet variant employs a downloader script as a pivot in the attack chain. Once the vulnerability is exploited, the script reaches out to an external server to fetch the Mirai botnet payload for varied architecture types. By doing so, it ensures broad compatibility with diverse device ecosystems, allowing for widespread infection and subsequent control by external threat actors.
What other vulnerabilities have Mirai botnets recently exploited, apart from the Wazuh Server flaw?
Beyond the Wazuh Server flaw, Mirai botnets have repeatedly targeted weaknesses like CVE-2024-3721 and CVE-2017-17215, among others. These vulnerabilities include command injection bugs in DVR devices and exploitable flaws in routers, illustrating the botnet’s adaptive nature in continually finding new vulnerabilities to leverage for spreading their malware.
How does the second botnet leverage language to potentially target specific user groups?
This second botnet variant, Resbot, uses Italian language naming conventions across its domains, which could imply targeted attacks on devices owned by Italian-speaking users. This linguistic strategy supports a more focused malware dissemination approach, promoting potential demographic targeting based on linguistic familiarity.
Can you describe the infrastructure analysis that led to the discovery of additional Mirai botnet versions?
The infrastructure analysis, particularly of the server domains associated with “176.65.134[.]62,” revealed multiple Mirai botnet versions like neon, vision, and an updated V3G4. This tracing back to specific command-and-control centers helped in understanding each botnet’s operational patterns and deployment geographies, offering better insights into their network reach.
What are some common exploits used by the Resbot variant of the Mirai botnet?
The Resbot variant employs a spectrum of exploits, notably targeting vulnerabilities in Huawei and TrueOnline ZyXEL routers and leveraging weaknesses like CVE-2014-8361. It capitalizes on outdated technologies, aiming to control devices through these known but unpatched gateways.
How have botnet operators adapted to shrinking time-to-exploit timelines for newly published CVEs?
With time-to-exploit shortening considerably, botnet operators have embraced a more agile approach. They quickly incorporate fresh CVEs into their malware, often using automated tools to propagate these exploits rapidly. This adaptability involves maintaining a flexible infrastructure capable of upgrading and revising attack methods to remain ahead of security patches.
What other IoT vulnerabilities are currently being exploited by the Mirai botnet?
Currently, the Mirai botnet is exploiting a range of IoT vulnerabilities, extending its attack scope into devices like TBK DVR systems and other router brands. The malware’s persistence in infiltrating these technologies highlights the neglect in patching older models, which botnets continuously leverage to maintain their foothold.
What geographical regions have been most affected by these botnet attacks in the APAC region?
Botnet attacks have notably concentrated across several APAC countries, with China, Taiwan, and South Korea being prominently affected. The geopolitical tensions in these regions likely contribute to elevated attack rates, as hacktivists and state-sponsored entities capitalize on the vulnerabilities in governmental systems.
How is rising geopolitical tension impacting cyberattacks on government systems and Taiwan?
Rising geopolitical tensions dramatically heighten the risk of targeted cyberattacks, especially on government systems. In Taiwan, such implications are severe, with a surge in attacks driven by hacktivist movements and geopolitical rivals seeking to exploit weaknesses for strategic gains. These tensions fuel continued aggression in cyberspace, with increasing focus from advanced persistent threats.
Could you explain the BADBOX 2.0 botnet and its impact on compromised home networks?
The BADBOX 2.0 represents a relatively advanced botnet infecting millions of home network devices, primarily engaged as residential proxies for illicit activities. By infecting these devices, cybercriminals are empowered to hide beneath the facade of normal residential traffic, utilizing compromised network devices for broader attack canvases or privacy breaches.
What are some ways cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to home networks?
Cybercriminals often gain access to home networks through pre-configured malicious software or by embedding backdoors in legitimate applications downloaded by unknowing users. During product setup, these tactics enable them to infiltrate devices, thus embedding themselves within the network ecosystem for continued exploitation.
How does Wazuh assess the likelihood and risk of exploitation of CVE-2025-24016 for its customers?
Wazuh considers the exploitation risk of CVE-2025-24016 as low due to the necessity of valid administrative API credentials for attack execution. This significantly limits potential exploitation scenarios and has led them to conclude that none of their current customers have been impacted. Their proactive incident response coupled with rigorous security advisories ensures sustained client protection.
Do you have any advice for our readers?
Given the prevalent landscape of rapid vulnerability exploitation, my advice is to prioritize security updates and patches vigilantly. Staying informed about emerging threats and leveraging robust cybersecurity frameworks are critical for minimizing the risks associated with botnet malware and preserving digital integrity amidst escalating threats.