DKnife: The Linux Toolkit Hijacking Router Traffic for Espionage
In February 2026, cybersecurity researchers uncovered 'DKnife,' a sophisticated Linux-based toolkit active since 2019, designed to hijack router traffic for espionage and malware delivery. DKnife comprises seven modules enabling deep packet inspection, traffic manipulation, credential harvesting, and malware deployment, including the ShadowPad and DarkNimbus backdoors. The toolkit specifically targets Chinese services and exhibits Simplified Chinese language artifacts, indicating a China-nexus threat actor. DKnife's capabilities include DNS hijacking, intercepting Android app updates, and monitoring user activities on platforms like WeChat and Signal. As of January 2026, its command-and-control servers remain active. ([bleepingcomputer.com](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/dknife-linux-toolkit-hijacks-router-traffic-to-spy-deliver-malware/?utm_source=openai))
Kill Chain