Information Security News: Attackers Targeting Linux Infrastructures With Rootkit to Steal SSH Keys

[InfoSec News <alerts () infosecnews org>]

http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Security/Attackers-Targeting-Linux-Infrastructures-With-Rootkit-to-Steal-SSH-Keys/

By Brian Prince
eWEEK.com
2008-08-26 

U.S.-CERT is warning of attacks targeting Linux-based infrastructures 
using compromised SSH keys. After access is gained to the system, local 
kernel exploits are used to gain root access. A rootkit is then 
installed to steal more SSH keys. The attack could be related to a flaw 
affecting Debian-based encryption keys discovered earlier this year.

Hackers are launching attacks against Linux-based computing 
infrastructures using compromised SSH [Secure Shell] keys and installing 
rootkits, according to a warning by the U.S. Computer Emergency 
Readiness Team (US-CERT).

According to US-CERT, the attack uses stolen SSH keys to access a 
system, and then local kernel exploits to gain root access. At that 
point, a rootkit known as phalanx2 is installed.

[...]


__________________________________________________      
Register now for HITBSecConf2008 - Malaysia! With 
a new triple-track conference featuring 4 keynote 
speakers and over 35 international experts, this 
is the largest network security event in Asia and 
the Middle East! 
http://conference.hackinthebox.org/hitbsecconf2008kl/