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Trend Micro researchers identified a Mirai variant, detected as IoT.Linux.MIRAI.VWISI, that exploits nine vulnerabilities affecting connected devices and web software. The July 2020 report highlighted its use of CVE-2020-10173, an authenticated command-injection vulnerability in Comtrend VR-3033 routers, which the researchers had not previously observed being exploited by Mirai variants. The malware also attempts Telnet and SSH credential brute-forcing, concealing its credential dictionary with XOR encoding using the key 0x04.
The variant combines vulnerability exploitation with password attacks, exposing organizations with unpatched devices or weak remote-access credentials to botnet compromise. Trend Micro published a sample SHA-256 hash and two command-and-control domains to support detection and investigation. The researchers recommended prompt patching, network segmentation, strong passwords, and secure device configurations; organizations operating Comtrend VR-3033 routers should prioritize remediation of the command-injection flaw alongside hardening Telnet and SSH access.
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Researchers identified IoT.Linux.MIRAI.VWISI exploiting nine vulnerabilities, including their first observed Mirai exploitation of CVE-2020-10173 in Comtrend routers. Their analysis also revealed Telnet and SSH credential brute-forcing, a credential dictionary concealed with XOR key 0x04, and sample and command-and-control indicators.
Hoaxcalls, a Bashlite/Gafgyt variant, reportedly exploited a remote-code-execution vulnerability in Netlink GPON Router version 1.0.11. The same vulnerability was included in the newly identified Mirai variant's arsenal.
A proof of concept was released for CVE-2020-10173, an authenticated command-injection vulnerability in Comtrend VR-3033 routers, before researchers discovered its exploitation by the new Mirai variant.
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Trend Micro disclosed a Mirai variant in May 2019 that combined 13 exploits targeting routers, surveillance devices, and the ThinkPHP framework. Detected as **Backdoor.Linux.MIRAI.VWIPT**, the malware supported backdoor access, distributed denial-of-service attacks, and credential brute forcing. Researchers described it as the first observed Mirai campaign to combine all 13 exploits, although those exploits had appeared in earlier attacks. The variant used three XOR keys to encrypt data, with a command-and-control endpoint at `35[.]235[.]102[.]123:1337` and download and dropper URLs hosted under a `hopto[.]org` domain. The discovery complemented Unit 42 reporting on Mirai and Gafgyt IoT/Linux botnet campaigns, highlighting the continued use of vulnerable connected devices as botnet infrastructure. Trend Micro recommended applying security patches and evaluating manufacturers’ security practices and update consistency before connecting devices to networks. Defenders should prioritize exposed routers and surveillance equipment for vulnerability assessment and remediation, while treating the reported infrastructure as historical indicators rather than evidence of current activity.
Oct 9, 2026
Mirai-related botnets remained highly active as operators rapidly incorporated newly disclosed remote code execution flaws and weak-credential attacks against internet-facing IoT and network security devices. Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 reported an active campaign exploiting vulnerabilities including `CVE-2021-27561`, `CVE-2021-27562`, `CVE-2021-22502`, and `CVE-2020-26919` across products such as SonicWall SSL-VPN, D-Link DNS-320, Yealink Device Management, Micro Focus Operation Bridge Reporter, Netis routers, and Netgear ProSAFE Plus devices. Fortinet likewise observed roughly 200 attacks per day in a three-week honeypot study, with nearly 4,000 of about 4,700 Telnet attacks tied to Mirai-related malware families and variants quickly adding exploits such as OptiLink GPON RCE, `CVE-2021-1498`, and `CVE-2021-31755`. Successful compromises typically fetched shell scripts that installed multi-architecture Mirai binaries, and in some cases added SSH brute-force and scanning tools, attempted persistence, removed artifacts, and blocked management ports to retain control. Researchers said the broader botnet ecosystem also remained resilient beyond Mirai alone: Fortinet identified active variants including **SORA**, **SYLVEON**, **Hajime**, and **MANGA**, while earlier Netlab 360 analysis showed Hajime continuing to grow through a modular peer-to-peer architecture and propagation via TR-069 flaws and weak Telnet credentials. The combined reporting underscores that unpatched edge devices and default or weak passwords continued to fuel large-scale botnet expansion.
Aug 15, 2026
Attackers were observed exploiting **`CVE-2020-9020`**, a critical remote command execution flaw in **Iteris Vantage Velocity** field units, to deploy a **Satori** variant of the **Mirai** botnet. The activity targeted versions **2.3.1, 2.4.2, and 3.0** through crafted HTTP requests to the vulnerable **`/cgi-bin/timeconfig.py`** endpoint, injecting commands via the **`htmlNtpServer`** parameter and downloading malware from **`198.23.238.203`**. The malware was built to compromise multiple CPU architectures and then scan random hosts over **Telnet port 23** using an embedded password dictionary, behavior consistent with Mirai-style propagation. Researchers said infected traffic-monitoring devices could be repurposed for **botnet enrollment, DDoS operations, or data leakage**, and noted communications with a suspected command-and-control service over **SSL on port 5684**; affected organizations were urged to patch or upgrade exposed systems.
Aug 14, 2026