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ESET disclosed a Linux malware family dubbed CDRThief that targets VoIP softswitch platforms running Linknat VOS2009 and VOS3000. The malware is built to steal sensitive operational data and call metadata, including call detail records (CDRs), by extracting and decrypting database credentials from platform configuration files and then querying internal MySQL databases directly.
The malware communicates with command-and-control servers over HTTP using JSON, compresses the stolen data, and encrypts it with a hardcoded RSA-1024 public key before exfiltration. Researchers said the tool demonstrates detailed knowledge of the platforms’ internal architecture, including undocumented credential-encryption behavior, indicating reverse engineering or possible insider knowledge; ESET said the activity could support cyberespionage and may also enable VoIP fraud such as International Revenue Share Fraud (IRSF), although the initial infection vector and persistence method remain unknown.
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ESET disclosed and analyzed a Linux malware family it named CDRThief, describing its targeting of Linknat VOS2009 and VOS3000 VoIP softswitch platforms and its theft of call detail records and related operational data. The report also detailed the malware's use of decrypted database credentials, HTTP JSON command-and-control, and RSA-encrypted data exfiltration.
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