The article reveals that the operators of the Kimwolf botnet, a disruptive network with over 2 million infected devices, have claimed to compromise the control panel for Badbox 2.0, a large-scale botnet based in China. This botnet is powered by malicious software pre-installed on many Android TV streaming boxes, highlighting a significant supply-chain vulnerability in consumer electronics.

Both the FBI and Google are actively investigating the individuals behind Badbox 2.0, and the bragging by the Kimwolf botmasters may provide crucial leads in identifying these threat actors. This incident underscores the interconnected nature of cybercriminal ecosystems and the challenges in tracking such operations across international borders.

Key Takeaways

  • Kimwolf botnet operators claim to have compromised Badbox 2.0’s control panel, revealing potential rivalries or overlaps in cybercriminal activities.
  • Badbox 2.0 is a China-based botnet infecting devices via pre-installed malware on Android TV streaming boxes, indicating supply-chain security risks.
  • The FBI and Google are hunting for the perpetrators behind Badbox 2.0, with the Kimwolf incident possibly aiding their investigations.
  • The article highlights the scale of botnet threats, with millions of devices affected, and the role of public bragging in cybersecurity intelligence.

Threat Actors

Kimwolf botmasters, Badbox 2.0 operators

Source: Krebs on Security