A look at PolarEdge Adjacent Infrastructure

SUMMARY :

This analysis examines the infrastructure associated with PolarEdge, an IoT botnet that exploits CVE-2023-20118. The investigation reveals connections between various certificates and services, including a WebRTC e-book certificate and suspicious PolarSSL certificates. A key discovery is the RPX server, a reverse-connect proxy gateway system found on a host with multiple suspicious certificates. The RPX server manages proxy nodes and provides SOCKS5 and Trojan-protocol services. Technical analysis of the RPX binary reveals its functionality in handling client connections, proxy node registration, and traffic obfuscation. The investigation highlights the potential relationship between the RPX system and the PolarEdge botnet, showcasing the complexity of IoT botnet infrastructure.

OPENCTI LABELS :

infrastructure,socks5,polaredge,cve-2023-20118,iot botnet,certificate analysis,proxy management,trojan-protocol,reverse-connect,rpx server


AI COMMENTARY :

1. A Look at PolarEdge Adjacent Infrastructure In this report we explore the hidden layers of PolarEdge’s adjacent infrastructure, shedding light on how an IoT botnet exploits vulnerabilities in connected devices. Titled “A look at PolarEdge Adjacent Infrastructure,” this analysis dives into the mechanisms behind CVE-2023-20118, presenting a clear picture of how attackers orchestrate large-scale operations. By tracing certificate linkages and proxy management systems, we reveal the complexity underpinning modern IoT threats.

2. Exploiting CVE-2023-20118 in IoT Devices PolarEdge leverages CVE-2023-20118 to compromise IoT devices at scale. The vulnerability allows remote code execution, providing attackers with a foothold in devices ranging from home routers to industrial sensors. Once embedded, the malware communicates with remote servers to receive additional payloads. This exploitation demonstrates how a single CVE can serve as the gateway to a sprawling botnet, highlighting the urgency of patch management across IoT ecosystems.

3. Certificate Analysis and Service Connections Our investigation uncovers intriguing connections among multiple certificates, including a WebRTC e-book certificate and suspicious PolarSSL certificates. The presence of these diverse certificates suggests efforts to authenticate and encrypt traffic across different services. By analyzing certificate issuers, validity periods and embedded metadata, we map out a network of interrelated domains and subdomains used by PolarEdge operators. This layered approach to certificate management complicates attribution and detection efforts for defenders.

4. Discovery of the RPX Server A standout finding is the RPX server, a reverse-connect proxy gateway system discovered on a host laden with suspicious certificates. The RPX server acts as the central hub for proxy nodes, enabling encrypted communication channels between infected IoT devices and command-and-control servers. It supports both SOCKS5 and Trojan-protocol connectivity, providing flexible routing options for exfiltrating data and issuing commands. The modular design of RPX highlights the botnet’s resilience and adaptability in dynamic network environments.

5. Technical Analysis of the RPX Binary Deep analysis of the RPX binary reveals its core functionalities, including client connection handling, proxy node registration and traffic obfuscation techniques. The binary contains custom routines for packet encryption, heartbeat mechanisms to maintain persistent connections and dynamic node allocation to balance load across multiple proxies. We dissect its network handshake process, revealing how the server verifies node authenticity before routing traffic, thereby preventing unauthorized access to the proxy network.

6. Implications for Threat Intelligence and Defense The intricate relationship between PolarEdge and the RPX server underscores the evolving sophistication of IoT botnets. By combining certificate masquerading, advanced proxy management and exploitation of high-impact vulnerabilities, adversaries challenge traditional perimeter defenses. This analysis emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring of certificate inventories, proactive vulnerability patching and deployment of network anomaly detection systems. Understanding the layered infrastructure of PolarEdge provides security teams with actionable insights to disrupt botnet operations and safeguard IoT ecosystems.


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A look at PolarEdge Adjacent Infrastructure