Cryptocurrency Miner Linuxsys Exploits Apache HTTP Server Vulnerability

TL;DR

Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a new campaign leveraging a known vulnerability in the Apache HTTP Server to deploy the Linuxsys cryptocurrency miner. The flaw, CVE-2021-41773, is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability that can lead to remote code execution. This exploit underscores the importance of timely patching and vigilant system monitoring.

New Campaign Exploits Apache HTTP Server Flaw to Deploy Linuxsys Cryptocurrency Miner

Cybersecurity researchers have recently discovered a sophisticated campaign that exploits a known security flaw in the Apache HTTP Server to deploy a cryptocurrency miner called Linuxsys. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2021-41773, is a high-severity path traversal flaw that affects Apache HTTP Server version 2.4.49. If exploited, it can result in remote code execution, posing significant risks to unpatched systems.

Understanding the Vulnerability

The Apache HTTP Server is a widely used open-source web server known for its robustness and flexibility. It played a crucial role in the early growth of the World Wide Web and continues to be a dominant force in web server software¹. The vulnerability in question, CVE-2021-41773, has a CVSS score of 7.5, indicating its high severity. This flaw allows attackers to traverse directories and execute arbitrary code on the server, making it a prime target for malicious activities.

Exploitation and Impact

Attackers are leveraging this vulnerability to deploy the Linuxsys cryptocurrency miner. Once deployed, the miner utilizes the server’s resources to mine cryptocurrency, leading to degraded performance and increased resource consumption. This not only affects the server’s functionality but also results in financial losses for the organizations hosting the server.

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate this threat, it is essential for organizations to:

• Update and Patch: Ensure that all instances of the Apache HTTP Server are updated to the latest version, which includes patches for known vulnerabilities.
• Monitor and Detect: Implement robust monitoring and detection mechanisms to identify any unusual activities or unauthorized access attempts.
• Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits to assess the system’s vulnerabilities and address them proactively.

Conclusion

The exploitation of the Apache HTTP Server vulnerability to deploy the Linuxsys cryptocurrency miner highlights the ongoing threat of cyber attacks targeting unpatched systems. Organizations must prioritize timely updates and vigilant monitoring to safeguard their infrastructure against such threats.

Additional Resources

For further insights, check: Apache HTTP Server

References

1. (2025, March). “Apache HTTP Server”. Wikipedia. Retrieved 2025-07-17. ↩︎