Lucifer v.1.2 HTTP Botnet

Lucifer v.1.2 HTTP Botnet has emerged as a sophisticated hybrid malware strain combining cryptocurrency mining and DDoS capabilities, representing a significant evolution in modern botnet technology. This malicious software has been actively deployed in attacks against corporate networks and individual users worldwide, demonstrating particular effectiveness due to its dual-purpose design and resilient infrastructure. Security researchers have observed its rapid propagation through exploit chains and its ability to generate substantial profits for operators through both cryptojacking and DDoS-for-hire services. The HTTP-based command and control mechanism makes it particularly adaptable to various network environments while evading traditional detection methods.

What is the Lucifer v.1.2 HTTP Botnet

Lucifer v.1.2 hybrid malware operates as both a cryptocurrency miner and a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) platform, providing attackers with multiple revenue streams from compromised systems. The software is typically distributed through:

Exploit kits target known vulnerabilities.
Phishing campaigns with malicious attachments.
Brute-force attacks against weak credentials.
Compromised software updates.

Once installed, it enables attackers to:

Mine cryptocurrency using the victim’s system resources.
Launch coordinated DDoS attacks.
Spread laterally across networks.
Steal system resources for botnet expansion.

Key Features of Lucifer v.1.2

Feature	Description
Dual-Function Payload	Combines cryptocurrency mining and DDoS capabilities in a single package
HTTP-Based C2	Uses standard HTTP/HTTPS protocols for stealthy communication
Automatic Propagation	Spreads via vulnerabilities and credential brute-forcing
Process Injection	Hides mining activity within legitimate system processes
Persistent Infection	Survives reboots through multiple persistence mechanisms
Resource Optimization	Dynamically adjusts mining intensity based on system usage
DDoS Attack Toolkit	Includes multiple attack vectors (SYN flood, UDP flood, HTTP flood)

How Lucifer v.1.2 HTTP Botnet works

1. Initial Infection Vector

The botnet spreads through multiple channels:

Automated exploitation of vulnerabilities (e.g., EternalBlue, WebLogic flaws).
Credential stuffing attacks against RDP and SSH services.
Malicious documents with embedded scripts.
Drive-by downloads from compromised websites.

2. Installation and Persistence

Upon successful compromise:

Drops multiple payload components in system directories.
Creates scheduled tasks for persistence (Windows) or cron jobs (Linux).
Modifies registry keys or init scripts for auto-start functionality.
Kills competing malware and security processes.

3. Dual-Function Operation

The malware operates two parallel functions:

Cryptocurrency Mining Module:

Deploys XMRig or similar mining software.
Configures optimal mining intensity based on CPU/GPU capabilities.
Connects to mining pools using the attacker’s wallet address.
Implements process hollowing to hide in legitimate processes.

DDoS Attack Module:

Maintains connection to C2 servers for attack commands.
Implements various flooding techniques:
- SYN floods for TCP exhaustion
- UDP amplification attacks
- HTTP GET/POST floods
Can switch between attack vectors based on target vulnerabilities.