Linux malware? That'll never happen. Ok, just this once then

Russian security outfit Dr. Web says it's found new malware for Linux.

The firms says the “Linux.Lady.1” trojan does the following three things:

1. Collect information about an infected computer and transfer it to the command and control server.
2. Download and launch a cryptocurrency mining utility.
3. Attack other computers of the network in order to install its own copy on them.

The good news is that while the Trojan targets Linux systems, it doesn't rely on a Linux flaw to run. The problem is instead between the ears of those who run Redis without requiring a password for connections. If that's you, know that the trojan will use Redis to make a connection and start downloading the parts of itself that do real damage.

Once it worms its way in the trojan phones home to its command and control server and sends information including the flavour of Linux installed, number of CPUs on the infected machine and the number of running processes. The Register imagines that information means whoever runs the malware can make a decent guess at whether it is worth getting down to some mining, as there's little point working with an ancient CPU that's already maxed out.

That the trojan is designed to hop around inside a network finding nice warm neighbour servers in which to go about its business means this is serious: plenty of outfits run substantial server clusters on Linux for a host of entirely reasonable reasons.

Dr. Web reckons its own anti-virus for Linux will squash Linux.Lady.1 flat in no time. ®