Linux malware Kobalos steals credentials using hacked OpenSSH software

A trojanized version of OpenSSH software is being used to steal SSH credentials from high performance computing (HPC) clusters, reports security firm ESET. The Linux malware has been dubbed Kobalos, and is described as 'small, yet complex' and 'tricksy'. Despite its diminutive size, the Kobalos backdoor is hitting some major targets including government systems in the US, universities in Europe, and a major ISP in Asia. Security experts report that while the multiplatform backdoor works on Linux, FreeBSD and Solaris, 'there are also artifacts indicating that variants of this malware may exist for AIX and even Windows'. See also: Sudo… [Continue Reading]