Thousands of Linux systems infected by stealthy malware since 2021
arstechnica.com
The ability to remain installed and undetected makes Perfctl hard to fight.

TLDR: perfctl is a crypto mining and proxy jacking malware that exploits about 20’000 common missconfigurations to install itself on Linux servers. Mostly using a 10/10 CVE on Apache RocketMQ.

It is very persistent and can reinstall itself even when you have deleted all the perfctl and perfcc files. It hides itself by removing logs, network packets, and stopping all activity once you login to the machine.

Monitoring cpu usage using tools (I use net data on my server) can help identify infections (100% cpu usage when « idle »).

  • Jimmycrackcrack
    17·
    2 months ago

    The malware also uses advanced evasion techniques, such as suspending its activity when it detects a new user in the btmp or utmp files and terminating any competing malware to maintain control over the infected system.

    So, is it a fairly decent antivirus mixed in with all the malware?