Pen testing
C2
X-Ray is an open-source vulnerability scanner to find security holes in IT infrastructure. While designed for defensive security testing, attackers have used X-Ray to find vulnerabilities in target systems and gain unauthorized access and data breaches.
Functionality and Features
X-Ray has all the scanning capabilities, you can find a wide range of vulnerabilities across multiple platforms. Being open source it’s customizable, so it’s a tool for security professionals and unfortunately for threat actors. The deep scan and detailed report feature make it a valuable asset in vulnerability management.
Exploitation by Malicious Actors
Although designed for legitimate use, X-Ray has been used by cybercriminals to find and exploit weaknesses in target systems. By using X-Ray’s scanning capabilities, attackers can systematically find unpatched vulnerabilities, misconfiguration, and other security flaws and gain unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and malware deployment.
No known-variants
Do regular vulnerability assessments internally or through trusted third parties to find and fix security weaknesses.
Patch and update as soon as you find vulnerabilities to minimize exposure.
Monitor network traffic to detect and block unauthorized scanning, use intrusion detection system and IP filtering if applicable.
Implement strict access control and network segmentation to limit the impact of any unauthorized access.
X-Ray is not industry specific; any industry with internet facing infrastructure is vulnerable. Industries like IT services, web applications and other organizations with online presence are more at risk as attackers use X-Ray to find exploitable vulnerabilities in public facing systems.
No specific threat actors have been identified as using X-Ray but it is commonly used by cybercriminals and hacking groups to find and exploit vulnerabilities in target systems. The tool is easy to use and effective so it’s a favorite among malicious actors to compromise IT infrastructures.
