SSH-Snake, a network mapping tool, has been adapted by hackers to stealthily find and use private SSH keys for lateral movements in targeted networks. Identified by Sysdig as a self-altering worm, it diverges from standard SSH worms by avoiding predictable attack patterns. Launched on January 4, 2024, it’s a bash script that self-modifies to minimize detection, scanning directories, shell histories, and system logs to find SSH credentials. Sysdig confirmed its use after detecting a C2 server storing data from around 100 victims, indicating the exploitation of Confluence vulnerabilities for access. SSH-Snake represents a significant evolution in malware, exploiting the widely used SSH protocol in businesses.

  • Rob Bos
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    fedilink
    79 months ago

    This is why I keep my ssh credentials on a flash drive and add it to ssh agent for time limited periods. Adds some insulation.