Linux Malware: All that You Need to Know About!

Linux is an operating system just like Windows but also not like Windows. When it comes to security, the majority of the population has always considered Linux to be ranking. The Linux operating system interface has a strong protective environment to keep your data safe from viruses, malware, or Trojans. 

However, that may not be true after all. While other operating software has always been a target of malware or virus attacks, unfortunately, Linux has entered the list or the targets as well. 

Concerning that, Linux Malware that can potentially grasp the system making Data Recovery hard, as it contains Trojans, Viruses, Worms, and many more. Linux OS, on the other hand, has always been a safe environment, but not that safe, or rather immune to any malware attacks. 

However, Linux Malware isn’t too strong to capture the system by all means. Other targeted OS like WIndows could have widespread malware but to do the same in Linux, these files need to be accessing the root. Get to know more about Linux Malware below!

Linux Malware: Overview

To get a clear idea, malware can be referred to as a program code that is capable of entering a system and making the system perform some actions through its program code. From crashing the system unexpectedly, reducing its response time, more often, to fix the problem, the developers seek a ransom. 

That being said, malware creators mostly target to inject their program code into the system of a user who’s not so familiar with the technical aspects of the system. Thus, these users can easily be fooled with appealing advertisements, web banners, and other scamming offers. This is where you need to seek assistance from experts at Data Recovery Dubai.

However, Malware is not just limited to that. In fact, it can also upload or share your personal information to remote servers. While most of the malware files are meant for Windows because of how common the OS is, it does not exclude Linux. 

Why Does Linux Malware Mostly Target Servers?

Linux Malware needs a way to enter the targeted system and servers are the best possible ways that can be made possible. The global digital infrastructure gives malware creators the opportunity to exploit it and insert malware through web activities. 

Hackers look forward to infecting the website more than the system. This is because it gives them the chance to go through vulnerabilities of network daemons. The resultant weaknesses can be used to get access to Linux servers. 

Therefore, instead of directly attacking a system, the malware creator uploads the malware to the network server. So, the file, instead of targeting the system, targets the visitor. 

Linux Malware: EvilGnome

Linux, despite being a safe environment, has recently faced issues in the system. A piece that goes by the name EvilGnome has popped up many times. This file has an appealing name that is bound to target a committed Linux community. 

In order words, EvilGnome is a pretentious file that remains active on the Gnome desktop environment. It shows that it is an extension but it isn’t. 

A file that consists of 522 text lines written in a shell script language, can easily run itself on Linux operating systems. The major reason why it’s written in shell language is that it can easily coincide with the Linux command shell. 

Thus, when a pop-up window or a terminal window appears on the screen, the commands working behind might have an addition to it and that is the malware, EvilGnome. 

How Does it Work?

To be more precise, EvilGnome is a self-extracting file that can make installing applications in your system much easier. Instead of extracting the download file and decompressing it, EvilGnome can do it since it has the “Makeself” extraction code implemented in it. 

So, when you install a file, EvilGnome can extract the application’s code into a directory. After that, it will provide the control to the field that was just extracted. This is where it becomes a vulnerability to the system. 

A potential program code capable of installing applications that can exploit and inject malware with its a separate directory, for example:

 “~/.cache/gnome-software/gnome-shell-extensions/”

Catching the malware in the system can become difficult because more often, it can hide in plain sights, with pretentious names that seem to appear like extensions, but they’re not. In fact, if you come to find a directory called “gnome-shell-ext” then be wary that the file is built with C++ code with performing functions written inside. For example: 

“takeSound()” refers to a function that can record the audio and then later upload it to the server. “takeScreenshot()” refers to a function where the malware will capture the screen image. And, “scan Folder()” refers to a function that can go through a particular or all the folders for stealing or unethical purposes which can make Data recovery hard. 

Things to Do if You have EvilGnome in Linux

While the malware is not as popular, there is always a chance to be a target. If you’re suspicious of your system, then here’s what you can do:

Look out for a process that says “gnome-shell-ext”. If you find it then try using the “kill-9” for removal. However, there is a chance of it returning, which would imply that it’s active on the system. Keep doing it for a couple of times for ultimate removal. 

Crontab entries like “0-59****/.cache/gnome-software/gnome-shell-extensions/gnome-shell-ext.sh” imply that there is an entry of malware. You can terminate it from the Crontab. After that clean the Crontab. 

Another Linux Malware: HiddenWasp

Linux has a new entry of malware that was found last year, 2019 by Security researchers. The HiddenWasp is a malware that is built of a user-mode rootkit, a script for deployment in it, and a trojan. While HiddenWasp belongs to Chinese hackers, it contains algorithms and codes that are similar to other Linux-based malware.

This implies that some of its codes have been copied from other malware. For example, the program codes or the architectural spectrum of the code in HiddenWasp is similar to other malware known as Winnti for Linux. It is a tool that is meant to hack a Linux system. 

According to Security Researchers, Nacho Santillan, the operational variables present in the rootkit, goes by the name Azazel. He also mentions that the file contains strings that can be found in other Chinese malware. 

This implies that the developer’s and creators of HiddenWasp have made changes like modification, and integration in the MD5 implementation.

More…

However, the security researchers found it hard to understand how the malware was being spread. But, they’ve made a rough analysis on it. According to them, HiddenWasp enters the system after a compromising method to hack Linux OS. Then, the system becomes a platform for easy exploitation as it has been infected already.  

HiddenWasp is a malware that can easily go through the local file system and interact with them. It can also download and upload files, run them at any time using terminal commands. It is always advisable to back up data in removable hard drives or seek help from experts at Data Recovery Dubai.

Linux is Not Immune But it is Safe!

Linux is not immune but it is safe, which implies that the operating software is vulnerable to exploitations by hackers. However, Linux has one of the safest environments when compared to Windows OS. Following are the reason for it:

1. Multiple Environment Versions

As you know, the Linux operating system has multiple support. This is one of the major reasons why Linux developers go through a tough strain to build the platform. Similarly, a malware creator will have to go through the same efforts of building a malware based on the different types of Linux support. 

Malware creators can always exploit a vulnerability in Linux, for example, a Xorg Display. But, later the creator will find that the user already has installed something. 

2. Linux Users Get Shield Support

The Linux package management systems provide safety and security to the Linux users. The ones who get Linux-based software are less likely to come in terms of malware because of strict protection from trusted sources. Here’s a tip that you can put to use. In order to install any software, make sure not to copy past any sort of command lines, especially when you have no idea about what it does. 

3. New Technology, Stronger Security

Amidst the growth of new technologies for Linux operating systems, these application developers have implemented strong security protocols such as sandbox and limited permissions. Such protocols can be found in formats like Snap and Flatpack. Similarly, a new display server, “Wayland” is capable of stopping any software program to take screenshots or record anything on the screen. 

4. Open-Source

The biggest advantage a Linux user can get is the ability to be able to read code since Linux is an open-source platform. Any changes made in the desktop or system files without your notice can be reviewed by you. Even if you fail to understand the codes, you can always refer to the internet for further help and details. 
If you are suspicious of your Linux system or worried about lost data due to unawareness, then you can refer to Data Recovery Dubai for more help regarding security and protection.