Analyzing a malicious Raspberry Pi Bash script
Poison Dwarf
© Lead Image © Nelli Valova, 123RF.com
Analyze malware on hacked Raspberry Pis and create a signature to detect malware in log entries.
Raspberry Pis are being used more often by universities and scientific institutions, as well as for business computing. The small computers are often configured openly for easier usability, which means Rasp Pi users often execute every command with sudo without knowing the root password.
By default, the root has no password, but even if one were set, it does not have to be entered with sudo; therefore, the only difference between root and the pi user is that pi has to type sudo. In a learning environment for which the Raspberry Pi was designed, this is acceptable. In production use – especially when the computer can be accessed from the Internet – it is downright dangerous.
If you operate the Raspberry Pi without a monitor or keyboard (headless), you absolutely need SSH access. Although normally disabled, it is very easy to activate. If you do not change the default password of the pi user, then the computer is freely accessible over SSH. If it also turns out that the Raspberry Pi can be accessed through a firewall configuration that is too liberal or by way of port forwarding on the DSL router with an official IP address using port 22, you can expect someone to hack this computer. I had the opportunity to examine two such compromised Raspberry Pis.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Framework Laptop 13 Pro Competes with the Best
Framework has released what might be considered the MacBook of Linux devices.
-
The Latest CachyOS Features Supercharged Kernel
The latest release of CachyOS brings with it an enhanced version of the latest Linux kernel.
-
Kernel 7.0 Is a Bit More Rusty
Linux kernel 7.0 has been released for general availability, with Rust finally getting its due.
-
France Says "Au Revoir" to Microsoft
In a move that should surprise no one, France announced plans to reduce its reliance on US technology, and Microsoft Windows is the first to get the boot.
-
CIQ Releases Compatibility Catalog for Rocky Linux
The company behind Rocky Linux is making an open catalog available to developers, hobbyists, and other contributors, so they can verify and publish compatibility with the CIQ lineup.
-
KDE Gets Some Resuscitation
KDE is bringing back two themes that vanished a few years ago, putting a bit more air under its wings.
-
Ubuntu 26.04 Beta Arrives with Some Surprises
Ubuntu 26.04 is almost here, but the beta version has been released, and it might surprise some people.
-
Ubuntu MATE Dev Leaving After 12 years
Martin Wimpress, the maintainer of Ubuntu MATE, is now searching for his successor. Are you the next in line?
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.