Doctor Web researchers discovered a Linux malware, tracked as Linux.BackDoor.WordPressExploit.1, that compromises WordPress websites by exploiting 30 vulnerabilities in multiple outdated plugins and themes.
The malware injects into targeted webpages malicious JavaScripts, then when users click on the compromised page, they are redirected to other sites under the control of the attackers.
The malware targets both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Linux, it supports backdoor capabilities and allows it to attack a specified webpage (website), switch to standby mode, shut itself down, and pause logging its actions.
Before attacking a website, the malware contacts the C&C server and receives the address of the site to infect. Then, the Linux.BackDoor.WordPressExploit.1 attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in the following plugins and themes if they are installed on target websites:
- WP Live Chat Support Plugin
- WordPress – Yuzo Related Posts
- Yellow Pencil Visual Theme Customizer Plugin
- Easysmtp
- WP GDPR Compliance Plugin
- Newspaper Theme on WordPress Access Control (vulnerability CVE-2016-10972)
- Thim Core
- Google Code Inserter
- Total Donations Plugin
- Post Custom Templates Lite
- WP Quick Booking Manager
- Faceboor Live Chat by Zotabox
- Blog Designer WordPress Plugin
- WordPress Ultimate FAQ (vulnerabilities CVE-2019-17232 and CVE-2019-17233)
- WP-Matomo Integration (WP-Piwik)
- WordPress ND Shortcodes For Visual Composer
- WP Live Chat
- Coming Soon Page and Maintenance Mode
- Hybrid
