Carbonato botnet uses AI agent to control Docker hosts
Researchers have uncovered that the Carbonato botnet is exploiting unsecured Docker hosts to install the Hermes AI agent, which is controlled by attackers via Telegram. The malware uses a privileged container to obtain persistence, collect credentials, and spread to other servers on local networks. The AI agent receives instructions from operators to perform tasks on the compromised machines and forwards results back over Telegram.
- Uses open-source Hermes AI framework
- Deploys through exposed Docker daemons
- Operators control infected hosts via Telegram
- Agent instructed to perform any operation requested
- No known attribution to threat actor
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