--- title: Microsoft Warns New Sysrv Botnet Variant Is Dangerous description: Microsoft Warns New Sysrv Botnet Variant Is Dangerous image: https://blog.securafy.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/hacker-resized-1.png --- [Securafy Knowledge Hub](https://blog.securafy.com) - [Topics](https://blog.securafy.com/#sf-cover) - [Tools](https://blog.securafy.com/#sf-tools) - [Books & Guides](https://blog.securafy.com/#sf-books) [Talk to Securafy](https://meetings.hubspot.com/securafy/strategy-call) [Topics](https://blog.securafy.com/#sf-cover) [Tools](https://blog.securafy.com/#sf-tools) [Books & Guides](https://blog.securafy.com/#sf-books) [Talk to Securafy](https://meetings.hubspot.com/securafy/strategy-call) [Knowledge Hub](https://blog.securafy.com) / IT Operations IT Operations # Microsoft Warns New Sysrv Botnet Variant Is Dangerous Microsoft Warns New Sysrv Botnet Variant Is Dangerous ![Randy Hall](https://blog.securafy.com/hubfs/Randy%20Hall%202.png) By Randy Hall Updated Jul 2024 2 min read Share [**](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://blog.securafy.com/2022/06/07/microsoft-warns-new-sysrv-botnet-variant-is-dangerous) [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.securafy.com/2022/06/07/microsoft-warns-new-sysrv-botnet-variant-is-dangerous&text=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3EMicrosoft+Warns+New+Sysrv+Botnet+Variant+Is+Dangerous%3C%2Fspan%3E) [**](mailto:?subject=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3EMicrosoft+Warns+New+Sysrv+Botnet+Variant+Is+Dangerous%3C%2Fspan%3E&body=https://blog.securafy.com/2022/06/07/microsoft-warns-new-sysrv-botnet-variant-is-dangerous) ![](https://blog.securafy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/hacker-resized-1.png?width=300&height=225&name=hacker-resized-1.png)Security researchers employed by Microsoft have recently spotted a variant of the Sysrv botnet.  They have dubbed the new variant Sysrv-K. This new variant works in two ways.  First, it exploits a flaw in the Spring Cloud Gateway that allows remote code execution (tracked as CVE-2022-22947). Second, the botnet scans the web for WordPress plugins with older, unpatched vulnerabilities. Of significance, this variant of the botnet can take control of web servers, which makes it dangerous indeed. Additionally, Sysrv-K contains new features that the original Sysrv botnet lacked. These include exploits for six different Remote Code Execution vulnerabilities that target the ThinkPHP framework, Drupal CMS, the VMware products XML-RPC, XXL-Job, SaltStack, as well as MongoDB's Mongo Express admin interface. **Microsoft's researchers had this to say about their recent discovery:** *"A new behavior observed in Sysrv-K is that it scans for WordPress configuration files and their backups to retrieve database credentials, which it uses to gain control of the web server. Sysvr-K has updated communication capabilities, including the ability to use a Telegram bot. * *Like older variants, Sysrv-K scans for SSH keys, IP addresses, and host names, and then attempts to connect to other systems in the network via SSH to deploy copies of itself. This could put the rest of the network at risk of becoming part of the Sysrv-K botnet."* Sysrv-K constitutes a significant threat if you rely on any of the code mentioned above.  Be sure your IT Security staff is aware of this new threat so they can prepare for and guard against it. Sadly, one thing we know for sure about 2022 is that this won't be the last serious threat we are forced to bring to your attention in a bid to shed light on the latest activities in the hacking world.  Stay vigilant out there. Tagged Under IT Operations[Cybersecurity](https://blog.securafy.com/tag/cybersecurity)Business Continuity In This Article Need Help With Your Current Setup? Talk through your current systems, risks, and support gaps with Securafy. [Book a Strategy Call](https://meetings.hubspot.com/securafy/strategy-call) ## Join The Conversation Have a question or perspective on this topic? Add it below. ![Randy Hall](https://blog.securafy.com/hubfs/Randy%20Hall%202.png) About The Author Randy Hall · CEO & Founder Randy Hall is the CEO and Founder of Securafy, with decades of experience helping organizations make smarter, safer decisions about technology. A frequent speaker and instructor at national IT events, Randy has advised thousands of organizations, from startups and SMBs to large enterprises and U.S. government entities, on secure, practical technology adoption. He writes about the decisions business leaders are often expected to make without enough context, including cybersecurity, compliance, AI, cyber insurance, IT strategy, and business resilience. Outside the office, you’ll often find Randy on Lake Erie enjoying time on his 38-foot Chris-Craft. **Writes about:** Cybersecurity strategy, compliance, AI security, business resilience, cyber insurance, SMB risk, IT leadership [More From This Author →](https://blog.securafy.com/author/randyhall) Related Articles Business Continuity [Compliance Risk Assessment: How Downtime Impacts Your Bottom Line](https://blog.securafy.com/compliance-risk-assessment-how-downtime-impacts-your-bottom-line) When systems go down, compliance obligations don't pause—and the financial consequences ... Jul 28, 2026 Compliance [HIPAA Security Rule Changes Are Delayed To 2027: Why Healthcare Organizations Should Not Wait](https://blog.securafy.com/hipaa-security-rule-changes-are-delayed-to-2027-why-healthcare-organizations-should-not-wait) The updated HIPAA Security Rule won't take effect until 2027, but healthcare ... 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