Ethical Hacking News
A new botnet loader dubbed Aeternum C2 has emerged, exploiting the Polygon blockchain for a resilient command-and-control infrastructure. This groundbreaking development highlights the evolving nature of cyber threats and underscores the importance of adaptive security measures.
A new botnet loader called Aeternum C2 has emerged, using a blockchain-based command-and-control infrastructure to evade detection. The malware stores encrypted commands on the public Polygon blockchain, making it resistant to traditional takedown methods. Aeternum C2 operates by leveraging smart contracts on the Polygon blockchain to issue commands to infected hosts. The malware's modular design allows operators to deploy multiple smart contracts with different payloads or functions. The deployment of Aeternum C2 highlights the evolving nature of cyber threats and the need for adaptive security measures. Aeternum C2 is an example of how blockchain technology can be exploited by malicious actors, sparking discussions around its role in cybersecurity. The operational costs associated with Aeternum C2 are low, making it an attractive option for threat actors.
The cybersecurity landscape has recently witnessed the emergence of a novel botnet loader dubbed Aeternum C2, which leverages a blockchain-based command-and-control (C2) infrastructure to evade takedown efforts. This groundbreaking development highlights the evolving nature of cyber threats and the necessity for adaptive security measures.
According to Qrator Labs, researchers have uncovered the details of this sophisticated malware, which stores encrypted commands on the public Polygon blockchain instead of relying on traditional servers or domains for command-and-control. This innovative approach renders Aeternum C2's C2 infrastructure effectively permanent and resistant to traditional takedown methods. The Polygon blockchain, widely utilized by decentralized applications like Polymarket, provides a secure and decentralized platform for storing instructions.
Aeternum C2's operational mechanics revolve around the concept of smart contracts on the Polygon blockchain. These smart contracts are essentially self-executing contracts with predefined rules and conditions, enabling the malware to write commands to be issued to infected hosts. The bots then read these commands by querying public remote procedure call (RPC) endpoints, thus facilitating a seamless interaction between the botnet's central hub and its constituent devices.
The malware's web-based panel serves as an intuitive interface for threat actors to deploy smart contracts to the Polygon blockchain. Each smart contract can potentially serve a different payload or function, such as a clipper, stealer, RAT (Remote Access Trojan), or miner. This modular design allows operators to manage multiple smart contracts simultaneously, thereby increasing their versatility and adaptability.
The deployment of Aeternum C2 demonstrates the creative ways in which cyber threats are evolving to evade detection. By harnessing blockchain technology, threat actors can create resilient command-and-control infrastructures that are challenging to dismantle.
Moreover, this development underscores the importance of staying informed about emerging cybersecurity threats. As the landscape continues to evolve, security measures must adapt accordingly to remain effective.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that Aeternum C2's use of blockchain technology has also sparked discussions around the role of decentralized applications in the context of cyber threats. While blockchain-based solutions have the potential to provide enhanced security and decentralization, they are not immune to exploitation by malicious actors.
In recent times, we have witnessed instances of botnets utilizing blockchain technology for command-and-control purposes. The case of Aeternum C2 is a prime example of this trend, with researchers pointing out that the malware packs in various anti-analysis features to extend its lifespan and evade detection.
The operational costs associated with Aeternum C2 are reportedly negligible, as they require only $1 worth of MATIC (the native token of the Polygon network) for 100-150 command transactions. This low-cost model renders it an attractive option for threat actors seeking to deploy botnets without incurring substantial expenses.
Interestingly, the threat actor behind Aeternum C2 has since attempted to sell the entire toolkit for $10,000. However, this development highlights a broader trend of cyber threats being commodified and sold on underground forums.
In light of these emerging trends, it is essential for cybersecurity professionals to stay vigilant and adapt their security measures accordingly. By leveraging blockchain-based solutions and staying informed about emerging threats, organizations can significantly enhance their defenses against sophisticated malware like Aeternum C2.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Aeternum-C2-Botnet-Exploits-Blockchain-for-Resilient-Command-and-Control-Infrastructure-ehn.shtml
https://thehackernews.com/2026/02/aeternum-c2-botnet-stores-encrypted.html
https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/aeternum-botnet-c2-polygon/
https://blockmanity.com/news/how-the-aeternum-botnet-is-using-polygon-blockchain-for-unstoppable-command-control/
Published: Thu Feb 26 13:41:11 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
