The Permanent Threat: Analyzing Aeternum’s Blockchain-Based C2 Operations and Communications
Unit 42 analyzes the Aeternum botnet loader, which uses Polygon blockchain smart contracts for resilient decentralized C2 and payload execution.
Palo Alto Unit 42 published a technical analysis of Aeternum, a botnet loader that leverages Polygon blockchain smart contracts as its command-and-control infrastructure. The decentralized C2 design makes takedown difficult, giving the threat a persistent, 'permanent' communication channel for payload delivery and execution. The analysis covers the smart contract mechanics and communication protocol used by the operation.
- Aeternum loader uses Polygon blockchain smart contracts for C2
- Decentralized C2 infrastructure resists traditional takedown efforts
- Smart contracts enable payload distribution and execution commands
- Unit 42 documents the botnet's communication protocol
From the original article
Analysis of the Aeternum botnet loader, a threat leveraging Polygon blockchain smart contracts for decentralized C2 infrastructure and payload execution. The post The Permanent Threat: Analyzing Aeternum’s Blockchain-Based C2 Operations and Communications appeared first on Unit 42.
By Chris Navarrete, Sai Sathvik Ruppa and Haozhe Zhang · unit42.paloaltonetworks.com
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