RondoDox Botnet: React2Shell Flaw Drives Massive Next.js Server Breaches
In December 2025, the RondoDox botnet exploited the critical React2Shell vulnerability (CVE-2025-55182) to breach hundreds of Next.js servers worldwide. Researchers observed the botnet initiating mass scans and automated remote code execution attacks against exposed servers, deploying malware, persistent botnet loaders, and cryptominers. RondoDox leveraged the unpatched flaw in the widely used React Server Components protocol, enrolling compromised systems and IoT devices into its botnet and wiping out competing malware. The attack impacted both consumer and enterprise networks, risking data exfiltration, service outages, and broader supply chain compromise. This campaign underscores the increased urgency around patching application-layer vulnerabilities at scale, as attackers rapidly weaponize zero-day and n-day exploits across popular frameworks. The prevalence of automated exploitation and lateral expansion tactics reflects a shifting threat landscape that challenges traditional perimeter security and requires robust detection, segmentation, and rapid response capabilities.
Kill Chain
