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A targeted attack on an MS-SQL server led to the deployment of XMRig CoinMiner along with multiple remote-access tools, according to AhnLab ASEC. The intrusion was attributed to the Larva-26009 threat actor, which went beyond the common pattern of opportunistic cryptomining on exposed SQL servers by also installing VShell, GotoHTTP, and SoftEther VPN to maintain control over the compromised system.
The toolset indicates the attackers sought both monetization and persistent remote administration after the initial compromise. While coin miners are frequently observed in attacks against internet-exposed Microsoft SQL Server instances, the addition of tunneling and remote-management software suggests a more deliberate post-compromise operation designed to preserve access and expand attacker control over the victim environment.
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ASEC reported a targeted attack on an MS-SQL server attributed to Larva-26009 in which the attacker installed XMRig CoinMiner along with remote-access tools including VShell, GotoHTTP, and SoftEther VPN.
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The **Kingminer** botnet has been repeatedly observed compromising publicly exposed **Microsoft SQL Server** instances by brute-forcing weak credentials on TCP port `1433`, then deploying cryptocurrency miners and follow-on tooling. Researchers linked these intrusions to opportunistic campaigns that install customized **XMRig** miners, use downloader scripts and fileless **PowerShell** execution, and in some cases deliver **Cobalt Strike** beacons for persistence and post-compromise control. Investigations also found payload staging through **GitHub**, abuse of legitimate Windows binaries including `MSBuild.exe`, `rundll32.exe`, `control.exe`, and `main.cpl`, and injection into trusted processes such as `wwanmm.dll` to reduce detection. Threat reports describe Kingminer as a moderately sophisticated criminal botnet that combines public offensive tools with custom malware components, including reflective loading, DLL side-loading, and credential theft capabilities derived from tools such as **Mimikatz**. In one investigated intrusion, `sqlservr.exe` launched an obfuscated VBScript that downloaded a standalone PowerShell binary and executed additional scripts in memory before starting a miner. The malware also checked systems for **BlueKeep**-related hotfixes `KB4499175` and `KB4500331` and disabled **RDP** on vulnerable hosts, apparently to block competing botnets from exploiting the same machines. Defenders were advised to enforce strong SQL passwords, restrict internet exposure, patch public-facing services, and improve logging and monitoring, as repeated attack attempts stopped once the underlying weakness was remediated.
Aug 14, 2026
Kaspersky reported that the open-source **XMRig** Monero miner was being folded into broader malware operations, including a "ransominer" chain that monetized victims before any ransom was paid. In one observed intrusion, attackers used a generic Trojan to install administrative tools, create a new user account, enable **RDP** access, deploy **Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Crusis**, and then launch an XMRig loader so the compromised host immediately began generating cryptocurrency for the attackers. Telemetry showed more than **5,000** attempts in August 2020 to install XMRig or modified variants, with **Prometei** and **Cliptomaner** identified as major distributors. Prometei brute-forced **MS SQL** credentials, abused `xp_cmdshell` and **`CVE-2016-0099`**, and used a cross-platform **.NET Core/Apphost** loader to fetch miner payloads for Windows and Linux systems. Cliptomaner, first detected in September 2020, posed as **Realtek** audio software, was written in **AutoIT**, mined cryptocurrency, and also hijacked copied wallet addresses by replacing them with attacker-controlled ones.
Jun 29, 2026
Attackers targeted externally exposed, unpatched **Microsoft SQL Server** systems by exploiting `CVE-2019-1068` and `CVE-2020-0618`, then delivered a mix of malware and ransomware through shared infrastructure and tooling. Sophos linked the intrusions through common ingress methods, command-and-control servers, PowerShell downloaders, a **.NET downloader**, **Remcos RAT**, the **Kill$** cleaner, and **7zip SFX**-based loaders, with ransomware payloads including **TargetCompany/Mallox** and **GlobeImposter/Alpha865qqz**. Most victims were observed in Asia, with additional cases in the Americas, and Chinese-language comments in some tools suggested the operators may be based in Asia. In one investigated case, the attackers returned after an earlier ransomware incident because the SQL Server remained unpatched, showing how exposed systems can be repeatedly compromised until the root weakness is fixed. Sophos said its defenses blocked follow-on payload delivery and prevented lateral movement, data exfiltration, and further ransom escalation, while responders also identified **IOBit Unlocker** as an attempted anti-security utility. Continued traffic to a fake **KMSAuto**-themed download site helped tie the customer incident to the wider campaign.
Aug 15, 2026