GhostRedirector Backdoors Windows Servers with Malicious IIS Modules
In early 2024, ESET researchers uncovered a sophisticated cyber campaign known as GhostRedirector targeting Windows servers worldwide. The attacker employed a passive C++ backdoor and a malicious Microsoft IIS module, granting remote control and enabling the manipulation of Google search results. By compromising internet-facing IIS web servers, the threat actor covertly redirected visitors to malicious domains while maintaining persistent access through undetected, stealthy backdoors. The attack had the potential to facilitate broad influence operations, data exfiltration, and further deployment of malware on compromised networks. This incident highlights the growing risk of advanced web server threats utilizing legitimate application modules for stealthy persistence. Such tactics reflect a wider trend of attackers exploiting trusted infrastructure and automated SEO poisoning, challenging organizations to strengthen threat detection, zero trust controls, and incident response.
Kill Chain