Cybersecurity experts have identified a concerning trend in the misuse of the open-source Pyramid pentesting tool.
Originally designed for penetration testing, Pyramid is now being exploited by malicious actors to establish stealthy command-and-control (C2) communications.
This Python-based framework, first released on GitHub in 2023, is engineered to evade endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems by leveraging Python’s legitimate presence in many environments.
Open-Source Tool Facilitates Evasive Cyber Operations
Pyramid’s lightweight HTTP/S server enables attackers to deliver encrypted payloads and execute commands while mimicking legitimate network activity.
The framework also supports in-memory execution of well-known tools like BloodHound, secretsdump, and LaZagne, allowing threat actors to bypass traditional security measures.
According to Hunt.io analysts, this capability allows adversaries to operate within the context of a signed Python interpreter, further reducing the likelihood of detection.
Detection Challenges and Opportunities
Detecting Pyramid-related activity requires analyzing distinct network signatures.
When interacting with a suspected Pyramid server, specific HTTP response headers and patterns can serve as indicators.
These include:
- HTTP Status Codes: Unauthorized access attempts often result in “401 Unauthorized” responses.
- HTTP Headers: The server typically identifies itself as “BaseHTTP/0.6 Python/3.*” and includes authentication prompts such as
WWW-Authenticate: Basic realm="Demo Realm". - Response Body: A JSON response indicating authentication failure is common:
{"success": false, "error": "No auth header received"}.
By combining these characteristics into structured queries, cybersecurity teams can identify active Pyramid C2 servers.
Recent scans using these parameters uncovered nine IP addresses linked to Pyramid infrastructure, some of which overlap with previously known malicious campaigns involving Python-based backdoors.
The misuse of open-source security tools like Pyramid underscores the dual-edged nature of such technologies.
While they are invaluable for legitimate penetration testing, their accessibility makes them attractive to cybercriminals seeking to evade detection.
This trend highlights the importance of proactive threat hunting and robust detection strategies.
Security professionals are urged to monitor network traffic for anomalies associated with Pyramid’s unique signatures.
By staying ahead of evolving tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), defenders can mitigate risks posed by this emerging threat.
As adversaries increasingly exploit legitimate tools for malicious purposes, the cybersecurity community must remain vigilant in adapting detection methodologies to counteract these sophisticated tactics.
