Several research labs have been releasing their finding on a new take of DNSChanger. A new router-based exploit known as GhostDNS seems to be made up of three variations of DNSChanger. By using Shell DNSChanger, Js DNSChanger, and PyPhp DNSChanger, GhostDNS can infect over 70 different router models. However, GhostDNS is more than the sum of its DNSChanger components. Analysts have also identified that it also is made up of a web admin module, a RougeDNS module, and a phishing module.
GhostDNS scans the internet looking for routers that it can exploit due to vulnerability or weak security by using its scripts to attack poorly secured Web Administration consoles via Shell, Java, Python, PHP to deploy its payload. The primary purpose is to change the devices’ DNS setting to forward traffic to RougeDNS servers. Once this is done the unsuspecting user is redirected to the phishing landing pages of online services when they attempt to go to various web services. Banking portals, Telecom’s, ISP’s and Netflix seem to be among the most common phishing targets of this malware.
While there has been some disagreement about the time frame this campaign has been running, it is widely agreed the campaign has infected over 100,000 routers with 86% located in Brazil. The other 24% have been reported across other South American countries. The DNS redirection service know as Rouge has been detected on many notable cloud services like Amazon, OVH, Google, Telefonica, and Oracle but researchers have been in contact with larger networks and ISP’s to shut down the network.
The GhostDNS payload can deliver over 100 scripts via remote access or utilizing exploits, and can attack hardware from older HP (3Com), A-Link, Alcatel / Techicolor, Antena, C3-Tech, Cisco, D-Link, Elsys, Fibrehome, Fiberlink, Geneko, Greatek, Huawei, Intelbras, Kaiomy, LinkOne, MikroTik, MPI Networks, Multilaser, OIWTECH, Perfect, Qtech, Ralink, Roteador, Sapido, Secutech, Siemens, Technic, Tenda, Thomson, TP-Link, Ubiquiti, Viking, ZTE, and Zyxel routers.
Analysts have some advice to not become a victim this kind of attack. It is recommended that you update your firmware to the latest version available for your router and use complex and strong passwords. Consider disabling any web administration on your device. Finally, hardcode your DNS setting to use only trusted DNS servers in both your Router and OS.
Sources
https://thehackernews.com/2018/10/ghostdns-botnet-routerhacking.html https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/10/02/ghostdns_router_hacking/
http://blog.netlab.360.com/70-different-types-of-home-routers-alltogether-100000-are-being-hijacked-by-ghostdns-en/ h