Chinese group deploying cryptocurrency miners at scale on compromised Linux and cloud servers, evading detection by killing competing miners. This profile is mapped to MITRE ATT&CK G0106 and covers attribution, tooling, targeting, and defensive recommendations based on observed campaigns.
Overview & Attribution
Rocke (also tracked as None publicly documented) is a threat group attributed to China. The group primarily targets Cloud infrastructure, Linux servers for intelligence collection and operational objectives aligned with state interests.
This group is tracked as G0106 in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. All techniques referenced in this report are mapped to ATT&CK for consistent threat modeling and detection engineering.
Arsenal & Tools
Known tools and malware associated with Rocke include:
- XMRig
- Godlua
- custom rootkits
Targeting & Operations
Rocke operations focus on Cloud infrastructure, Linux servers. The group typically gains initial access through spear-phishing, exploitation of public-facing applications, or strategic web compromises before deploying custom implants for persistent access and data exfiltration.
Organizations in the Cloud infrastructure sector should treat Rocke as a relevant threat and validate their detection coverage against the MITRE ATT&CK techniques listed below.
MITRE ATT&CK Mapping
Key techniques observed in Rocke operations:
| Technique ID | Technique Name | Tactical Context |
|---|---|---|
| T1496 | T1496 | Observed in Rocke campaigns |
| T1059.004 | T1059.004 | Observed in Rocke campaigns |
| T1053.003 | T1053.003 | Observed in Rocke campaigns |
| T1036 | T1036 | Observed in Rocke campaigns |
Full ATT&CK mapping: https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0106/
Notable Campaigns
This threat group has been active in operations targeting Cloud infrastructure, Linux servers. Security researchers have documented campaigns involving XMRig and other tools deployed against organizations in multiple countries. Attribution confidence varies by campaign, but consistent infrastructure and TTP overlap links activity to China-nexus operations.
Detection & Defense
Recommended defensive measures against Rocke:
- Network monitoring: Detect C2 beaconing patterns associated with XMRig and related implants
- Endpoint detection: Deploy behavioral rules for the ATT&CK techniques above, particularly T1496 and T1059.004
- Email security: Implement robust phishing defenses including URL sandboxing and attachment detonation
- Patch management: Prioritize patching of internet-facing applications exploited by this group
- Threat hunting: Proactively hunt for IOCs and behavioral indicators mapped to G0106 in MITRE ATT&CK
How Mjolnir Security Can Help
Defend Against Rocke
Mjolnir Security provides tailored threat intelligence, detection engineering, and incident response services to help organizations defend against China-nexus threat actors.
Contact us: mjolnirsecurity.com
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