Introduction to Aeternum Botnet
In a recent revelation by Qrator Labs, the Aeternum botnet loader has been identified as leveraging the Polygon blockchain for its command-and-control (C&C) operations. This strategic use of blockchain technology significantly enhances the botnet’s resistance to takedown efforts.
First observed in December 2025, Aeternum emerged on underground forums, marketed as a sophisticated tool operating exclusively on smart contracts. This new approach aims to eliminate the need for traditional central infrastructure by encrypting commands, which are then dispatched to bots through various remote procedure call (RPC) networks.
Features and Offerings
The creators of Aeternum have equipped it with several advanced features. These include anti-virtual machine checks, antivirus scanning capabilities, and the ability to execute diverse payloads. The botnet is available for a lifetime license priced at $200, which includes access to a control panel and build functionalities. Alternatively, the complete C++ source code and ongoing updates can be acquired for $4,000.
Management of the botnet is facilitated through a web-based interface, allowing operators to refresh smart contracts with new commands and payloads. The bots retrieve these commands by querying public RPC endpoints, ensuring a swift update process.
Blockchain Integration and Cost Efficiency
Aeternum’s standout feature is its integration with the Polygon blockchain for C&C communications. This integration ensures a permanent and robust infrastructure, as noted by Qrator Labs. The use of the Polygon network, known for its widespread adoption in decentralized applications, incurs minimal operational costs for the botnet’s operators.
With just $1 in MATIC, Polygon’s native token, the operators can facilitate between 100 to 150 command transactions. This efficiency negates the need for renting servers or maintaining domains, drastically reducing overheads to just a crypto wallet and a local control panel copy.
Implications and Future Outlook
The utilization of decentralized networks for malware operations poses significant risks, as demonstrated by the Glupteba botnet’s persistence despite takedown efforts. Aeternum’s reliance on blockchain technology could signify a new trend in the evolution of botnets, offering a blueprint for future developments.
Whether Aeternum achieves widespread adoption or not, the concept of blockchain-based C&C systems is gaining traction. As Qrator Labs highlights, this model could inspire further innovations among malware developers, potentially reshaping the cybersecurity landscape.
In conclusion, the Aeternum botnet’s use of the Polygon blockchain exemplifies a shift towards more resilient cyber threats, challenging conventional takedown strategies and necessitating adaptive security measures.
