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MEDIUM Published May 21, 2026

Showboat Linux Malware Hits Middle East Telecom with SOCKS5 Proxy Backdoor

Cybersecurity researchers have disclosed details of a new Linux malware dubbed Showboat that has been put to use in a campaign targeting a telecommunications provider in the Middle East since at least mid-2022. "Showboat is a modular post-exploitation framework designed for Linux systems, capable of spawning a remote shell, transferring files, and functioning as a SOCKS5 proxy," Lumen

Cybersecurity researchers have disclosed details of a new Linux malware dubbed Showboat that has been put to use in a campaign targeting a telecommunications provider in the Middle East since at least mid-2022.

"Showboat is a modular post-exploitation framework designed for Linux systems, capable of spawning a remote shell, transferring files, and functioning as a SOCKS5 proxy," Lumen

MITRE ATT&CK

Tactics, Techniques & Procedures

TA0005 Defense Evasion tactic
TA0002 Execution tactic
TA0003 Persistence tactic

Defensive mapping

Mapped controls

The audit will verify each of these controls is in place and effective.

Control Confidence Why it matters
EDR on every endpoint suggested 75% Recommended control for malware
Application allowlisting suggested 75% Recommended control for malware
Patch management suggested 75% Recommended control for malware
Email attachment scanning suggested 75% Recommended control for malware