rootkit-installation

Installing a Rootkit (Hex script)

Introduction

Root kits are sophisticated programming tools designed to infiltrate computer systems by embedding malicious code through keystroke manipulation or file input/output operations. Installing root kits is a challenging task due to their indirect nature, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be managed effectively. This article provides a detailed guide on installing root kits, including practical examples and defense techniques.

Technical Explanation

Tools and Dependencies

To install root kits in Node.js, you'll need the following tools:

1. Node.js: The core of the JavaScript ecosystem.
2. node- exec: A utility for executing scripts from files or strings.
3. node-crayons: For debugging during execution.

Steps to Install Root Kit (Hex script):

1. Install Dependencies:

   npm install node-exec node-crayons

2. Run the Hex Script:

   • Create a file named hex_script.js:

     const { run } = require('node');
     let buffer = '';
     
     async function hexHandler() {
       buffer += window.kbDown;
     };
     
     await run(hexHandler);
     buffer = '';

3. Capture Data:

   • Use window.location.search to capture data from the user pressing the Enter key:

     const input = (e) => {
       buffer += e.target.dataset.key;
     };
     
     window.location.search('Enter', (e) => {
       if (buffer.length > 0) {
         let cleaned = buffer.slice(buffer.length - input(e).length);
         console.log(cleaned);
         buffer = '';
       } else {
         console.error("No data captured");
       }
     });

4. Clean Data:

   window.location.search('Enter', (e) => {
     if (buffer.length > 0 && !isNaN(buffer.slice(buffer.length - e.target.dataset.key)))) {
       let cleaned = buffer.slice(buffer.length - e.target.dataset.key);
       console.log(cleaned);
       buffer = '';
     }
   });

5. Exit the Program:

   const exitScript = () => {
     if (buffer) {
       let cleanedData;
       for (let i = 0; i < buffer.length; i++) {
         cleanedData += buffer.slice(i, i + buffer.length - i);
       }
       console.log(cleanedData);
     } else {
       console.error("Program terminated");
     }
   };

6. Stop the Script:

   exitScript();

Code Example:

const { run } = require('node');
let buffer;

async function hexHandler() {
  buffer += window.kbDown;
}

await run(hexHandler);
buffer = '';

Defense or Mitigation Techniques

Root kits exploit keystroke mechanisms, so the following strategies enhance security:

Avoid Hardware Obfuscation

• Wi-Fi Access: Use Wi-Fi instead of physical keys for keypad access.
• Preventing Keywork: Use protocols that are resistant to key workup (e.g., HTTP instead of FTP).

Software-Based Defenses

1. Check System Type:

   • Ensure the system is on HTTPS (HTTPS) to avoid being tricked by non-secure sites.

2. Protocol Immunity:

   • Avoid using rootkits that rely on HTTP or HTTPS, which can be bypassed with browser extensions.

3. Use Non-Trick Identifiers:

   • Modify the hex script to use unique identifiers instead of user inputs.

4. Testing Before Deployment:

   • Use a tool like Black Hat Inc. to test for vulnerabilities before deployment.

5. Set Secure Context Managers:

   set contextmgr="tempvars" security="binary"

   This turns tempvars into a secure context manager.

Conclusion

Installing root kits requires careful setup and defense against indirect attacks. By combining Node.js execution with specific scripts, you can capture user input. Additionally, understanding the system's security context and employing mitigation techniques ensures your setup remains robust against such threats.