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IIS Targeted by Cryptocurrency Miners

A vulnerability in older versions of Microsoft's Internet Information Services (IIS) web server is being used by attackers to install cryptocurrency miners on vulnerable devices.
Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

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Summary

A vulnerability in older versions of Microsoft's Internet Information Services (IIS) web server is being used by attackers to install cryptocurrency miners on vulnerable devices.

Threat details

Exploitation of CVE-2014-7269 allows an remote user to send ASCII shellcode to a targeted server. This code can contain an exploit chain which could an allow an attacker to establish a remote shell on the device, at which point the could install the miner. At present both Monero and Electroneum, a little known cryptocurrency, have been seen being mined.


Remediation advice

To prevent and detect a trojan infection, ensure that:

Remediation steps

Type Step
  • A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails.
  • All operating systems, antivirus and other security products are kept up to date.
  • All day to day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts.
  • Strong password policies are in place and password reuse is discouraged.
  • Network, proxy and firewall logs should be monitored for suspicious activity.
  • User accounts accessed from infected machines should be reset on a clean computer.


CVE Vulnerabilities

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:45 pm