Server Buffer Overflow & Rootkit Detection

TL;DR

A buffer overflow can let attackers take control of your server. This guide shows you how to spot a potential attack, check for rootkits (hidden malicious software), and improve your server’s security.

1. Understanding Buffer Overflows

A buffer overflow happens when a program tries to store more data in a memory area than it’s allowed. This can overwrite other important parts of the system, potentially letting an attacker run their own code – often installing a rootkit.

2. Detecting a Buffer Overflow Attack

1. Check System Logs: Look for unusual errors or crashes in your server logs (e.g., /var/log/syslog on Linux, Event Viewer on Windows). Pay attention to application-specific logs too.
2. Monitor Resource Usage: Unexpectedly high CPU usage, memory consumption, or network activity can be a sign of an attack. Use tools like top (Linux) or Task Manager (Windows).
3. File Integrity Monitoring: Tools like AIDE (Linux) or Tripwire (both platforms) create snapshots of your important system files. Regularly compare current file states to these snapshots to detect changes.

   aide --check

4. Network Traffic Analysis: Use tools like Wireshark to examine network packets for suspicious patterns, such as unusual connections or data transfers.
5. Unexpected Behaviour: If your server is behaving strangely (e.g., slow response times, incorrect data being displayed), investigate immediately.

3. Checking for Rootkits

Rootkits hide their presence and the presence of other malicious software. Here’s how to look for them:

1. Scan with Rootkit Scanners: Use dedicated rootkit scanners like rkhunter (Linux) or GMER (Windows).
• rkhunter (Linux):

  sudo rkhunter --checkall

  Review the output carefully for warnings.

• GMER (Windows): Download and run GMER, following its on-screen instructions.
2. Check Running Processes: Look for processes with unusual names or that are running from unexpected locations. Use ps (Linux) or Task Manager (Windows).

   ps aux | grep suspicious_process_name

3. Examine Startup Items: Rootkits often add themselves to the system’s startup sequence. Check for unusual entries in your operating system’s startup configuration (e.g., /etc/rc.local on Linux, Registry Run keys on Windows).
4. Inspect Kernel Modules: On Linux, check loaded kernel modules with lsmod and verify their authenticity.

   lsmod

5. Compare System Binaries: Compare critical system binaries (e.g., /bin/ls, /usr/bin/ps) to known good copies from a trusted source. This can reveal if they’ve been modified by a rootkit.

4. Improving Server Security

Preventing buffer overflows and rootkits is crucial:

1. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, web server, databases, and all other software to patch security vulnerabilities.
2. Use Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts. Enable multi-factor authentication where possible.
3. Input Validation: Implement robust input validation in your applications to prevent malicious data from being processed. This is the most effective way to stop buffer overflows.
4. Least Privilege Principle: Grant users only the minimum necessary permissions they need to perform their tasks.
5. Firewall Configuration: Configure a firewall to block unnecessary network traffic and restrict access to your server.
6. Intrusion Detection System (IDS): Consider using an IDS like Snort or Suricata to detect malicious activity on your network.