Cryptojacking Chaos: Kubernetes Clusters Hijacked for Dero Mining Frenzy

Cybersecurity researchers have flagged a cryptojacking campaign exploiting misconfigured Kubernetes clusters to mine Dero cryptocurrency. Watch out for seemingly benign DaemonSets like “k8s-device-plugin” hiding malicious intentions.

Hot Take:

When it comes to cryptojacking, Kubernetes clusters are like the all-you-can-eat buffet of the cybercrime world — a hacker’s paradise where the only thing missing is a ‘Please Hack Me’ neon sign.

Key Points:

  • Cryptojacking campaign targets misconfigured Kubernetes clusters to mine Dero cryptocurrency.
  • Wiz researchers identified an updated variant of the attack first documented by CrowdStrike in March 2023.
  • Malicious container images hosted on Docker Hub, disguised as legitimate “pause” containers, are used to deploy the miner.
  • The attacker uses anonymous access and benign-sounding DaemonSets to infiltrate Kubernetes clusters.
  • Additional tools include a Windows sample of the Dero miner and a dropper shell script to eliminate competing miners.

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