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The Permanent Threat: Analyzing Aeternum’s Blockchain-Based C2 Operations and Communications
August 10, 2026 · Unit 42 · Severity: MEDIUM
Unit 42 analyzed the Aeternum botnet loader, which leverages Polygon blockchain smart contracts to run decentralized command-and-control operations and execute payloads. This approach gives threat actors resilient infrastructure that is difficult to disrupt using traditional takedown methods.
Key Takeaways
- Aeternum is a botnet loader using Polygon blockchain smart contracts for C2 operations.
- Blockchain-based C2 infrastructure is decentralized and harder to takedown.
- Analyzing Aeternum reveals evolving tactics for payload delivery and resilience.