Smominru

Last reviewed: November 6, 2026

Smominru is a malware botnet primarily known for its cryptomining capabilities. It targets Windows-based systems to mine cryptocurrency, specifically Monero. The botnet has been active since at least 2017 and has infected hundreds of thousands of machines worldwide. Smominru is notable for its persistence and ability to spread rapidly across networks, exploiting vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows systems. As of October 2023, it remains a significant threat to organizations and individuals due to its ability to evade detection and continuously evolve its tactics.

Overview

Smominru is a malware botnet that primarily focuses on cryptomining, specifically mining the cryptocurrency Monero. The botnet exploits vulnerabilities in Windows systems to gain unauthorized access and deploy its mining software. Smominru is known for its rapid spread and persistence, making it a significant threat to both organizations and individual users. The botnet has been active since 2017 and has infected a large number of machines globally.

History

Smominru first emerged in 2017, quickly gaining attention for its ability to infect a vast number of systems. The botnet initially exploited the EternalBlue vulnerability, a flaw in the Windows Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, which was also used in the infamous WannaCry ransomware attack. Over the years, Smominru has evolved, incorporating new exploits and techniques to enhance its propagation and evasion capabilities. The botnet has been linked to various campaigns targeting different sectors, including healthcare, education, and government.

Technical characteristics

Smominru primarily targets Windows-based systems, exploiting vulnerabilities such as EternalBlue to gain access. Once a system is compromised, the malware deploys a cryptomining module to mine Monero, a privacy-focused cryptocurrency. Smominru is known for its modular architecture, allowing it to incorporate new functionalities and exploits as needed. The botnet uses a combination of techniques to evade detection, including process hollowing and code injection. It also employs [lateral movement] techniques to spread within a network, increasing its reach and impact.

Infection vector

The primary infection vector for Smominru is the exploitation of vulnerabilities in Windows systems. The botnet initially leveraged the EternalBlue vulnerability, but it has since incorporated additional exploits to enhance its infection capabilities. Smominru can also spread through weak or default credentials, making it crucial for organizations to implement strong password policies. Once a system is infected, the malware attempts to propagate to other machines within the network, using various techniques to maximize its spread.

Notable campaigns

Smominru has been involved in several notable campaigns since its inception. One of the most significant campaigns occurred in early 2018, when the botnet infected over 500,000 machines worldwide. This campaign highlighted the botnet's ability to rapidly spread and infect a large number of systems. In 2019, Smominru was linked to a campaign targeting healthcare organizations, exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated systems to deploy its cryptomining software. These campaigns demonstrate the botnet's adaptability and persistence in targeting vulnerable systems across different sectors.

Detection and mitigation

Detecting and mitigating Smominru requires a multi-layered approach. Organizations should regularly update their systems to patch known vulnerabilities, such as EternalBlue. Implementing strong password policies and network segmentation can help prevent the spread of the botnet within a network. Additionally, deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions can aid in identifying and mitigating infections. Monitoring network traffic for unusual activity, such as increased CPU usage or outbound connections to known mining pools, can also help in detecting Smominru infections.

Sources

Categories: Malware

Last updated: November 6, 2026