Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Vulnerabilities: The GoBruteforcer Botnet Threat
In an alarming revelation from cybersecurity experts at Check Point, it has been found that many cryptocurrency and blockchain project databases are especially susceptible to hacking through botnets exploiting weak credentials and AI-generated defaults. This underscores a significant cybersecurity risk for developers and investors in the rapidly evolving digital currency landscape.
The GoBruteforcer Botnet: An Overview
Central to this emerging threat is a malware botnet known as GoBruteforcer. This sophisticated tool is designed to compromise Linux servers, transforming them into automated password-cracking machines. By leveraging compromised systems, GoBruteforcer has effectively impacted several infrastructures, including database servers, file transfer services, and web administration panels crucial for crypto projects.
The botnet works by scanning the internet for poorly secured services and attempting to log in using a combination of widely used usernames and weak passwords. Once a system is breached, it becomes part of a distributed network, enabling hackers to control a vast array of compromised nodes.
A Closer Look at Password Vulnerabilities
Check Point’s investigation highlights that GoBruteforcer possesses the capability to bypass security measures in services like FTP, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and phpMyAdmin. These tools are integral for blockchain startups and decentralized application (dApp) developers to manage user data and internal dashboards.
Once a system falls victim to GoBruteforcer, it can receive commands from a command-and-control server. This setup allows attackers to dictate which services to target while providing the credentials for brute-force attacks. Reused login details can lead to unauthorized access to other systems, facilitating data theft and the creation of hidden accounts, thus further enlarging the botnet’s reach.
Repurposing Compromised Systems
Infected hosts can serve even more nefarious purposes beyond initial compromises. They can be repurposed to host malicious payloads, spread malware to additional victims, or function as backup control servers if the central botnet experiences downtime. This dual-use capability amplifies the botnet’s threat level, making remediation efforts more challenging for affected organizations.
The Role of AI in the Cybersecurity Landscape
An interesting aspect of this issue is the influence of AI-generated content in the development process. Many modern development teams, including those from colossal tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon, rely on code snippets and setup guides produced by large language models (LLMs) or sourced from online forums. However, these AI models primarily replicate what they’ve been trained on, often producing usernames and default passwords that are depressingly predictable.
As these systems are exposed to the internet without sufficient changes to default configurations, they become easy targets for botnets like GoBruteforcer. The risk escalates further with the use of legacy web stacks, such as XAMPP, which can inadvertently expose administrative services, providing hackers with a straightforward entry point.
Tracking GoBruteforcer: A Timeline of Discovery
The GoBruteforcer botnet first came to light in March 2023 through documentation from Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42, which detailed its ability to compromise various Unix-like systems. Notably, the malware deploys an Internet Relay Chat bot and web shell for continued remote access, enhancing the efficacy of hacking operations.
In a follow-up in September 2025, researchers at Lumen Technologies’ Black Lotus Labs discovered connections between infected machines related to another malware family, SystemBC, and the GoBruteforcer nodes. Further analysis revealed that about 2.44% of the passwords used in GoBruteforcer attacks matched a database of 10 million previously leaked credentials. This overlap suggests that a significant number of database servers are vulnerable to attacks using these easily guessed passwords.
The Cryptocurrency Sector: A Target for GoBruteforcer
Within the cryptocurrency environment, network hackers have been observed using crypto-themed usernames and password variations that reflect naming conventions specific to blockchain projects. For instance, attacks have targeted phpMyAdmin panels associated with WordPress sites, which are frequently used for project websites and dashboards.
As Check Point’s report notes, many of the compromised accounts employed weak password variants following common patterns. Examples include the use of crypto-related themes in usernames such as cryptouser, appcrypto, and passwords like cryptouser1. This focus on predictability makes it alarmingly easy for attackers to penetrate systems.
The Path Forward
The interplay between exposed infrastructure, weak credentials, and the automated features provided by tools like GoBruteforcer sheds light on a profound issue within digital security. The botnet’s straightforward yet effective methodology highlights the broad vulnerabilities in current cyber defenses, emphasizing the urgent need for improved security measures in the cryptocurrency sector.
