March 11, 2025 | Impress IT Solutions | Cybersecurity Alert

Unpatched TP-Link Archer routers are at the center of a new botnet campaign known as Ballista, posing a serious threat to businesses in West Houston. Impress IT Solutions has identified this growing cyber threat and urges companies to take immediate action to secure their networks.

The Threat: Ballista Botnet’s Exploitation of TP-Link Routers

Ballista spreads through a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in TP-Link Archer routers (CVE-2023-1389). This high-severity security flaw affects TP-Link Archer AX-21 routers and enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands remotely, potentially leading to full control over affected devices.

While the vulnerability has been exploited since April 2023 by various malware families, including Mirai, Condi, and AndroxGh0st, a new surge of attacks was detected on January 10, 2025, with ongoing exploitation attempts recorded as recently as February 17, 2025.

How the Attack Works

Once compromised, infected routers become part of the Ballista botnet. The attack process includes:

  • Malware Dropper Deployment – The botnet leverages a shell script called “dropbpb.sh” to download and execute the main payload across multiple system architectures, including mips, armv7l, and x86_64.
  • Command-and-Control (C2) Channel Establishment – The malware sets up an encrypted connection on port 82, allowing remote attackers to control infected devices.
  • Execution of Malicious Commands – Attackers can launch various commands, including:
    • Flooder – Initiates distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
    • Exploiter – Attempts to spread the infection further.
    • Shell Access – Enables execution of arbitrary Linux commands.
    • Killall – Terminates security services to remain undetected.

Once activated, the malware attempts to erase its traces, making detection and removal challenging.

Impact on Businesses in West Houston

Businesses relying on vulnerable TP-Link Archer routers are at risk of:

  • Network disruptions due to DDoS attacks.
  • Unauthorized access to sensitive business data.
  • Loss of control over infected devices, leading to operational downtime.
  • Potential regulatory and compliance violations due to data breaches.

Who is Behind the Attack?

Evidence suggests that an unidentified Italian threat actor is behind the Ballista botnet. However, ongoing development of the malware indicates a shifting strategy. Recent versions no longer use hardcoded IP addresses but instead leverage the TOR network for command-and-control operations, increasing the difficulty of tracking and mitigating attacks.

How Impress IT Solutions Can Help

At Impress IT Solutions, we specialize in securing businesses against evolving cyber threats. Our cybersecurity team provides:

  • Immediate Risk Assessment – Identifying vulnerable TP-Link routers within your network.
  • Patch Management & Firmware Updates – Ensuring your devices are up to date and protected against known vulnerabilities.
  • Advanced Threat Detection – Deploying security monitoring tools to detect and neutralize botnet activity.
  • Network Security Hardening – Implementing firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and access controls to prevent unauthorized entry.

Protect Your Business Today

With over 6,000 reported infections worldwide, the Ballista botnet poses a significant risk to businesses across various industries. If your organization relies on TP-Link routers, take immediate action to secure your network.

Contact Impress IT Solutions in West Houston today for a comprehensive cybersecurity audit and tailored protection strategies.

 

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