New Variant of Flodrix Botnet Leverages Langflow AI Server RCE Vulnerability for DDoS Operations
On June 17, 2025, cybersecurity professionals alerted the public to an ongoing campaign targeting vulnerabilities in Langflow, a Python-based platform for developing artificial intelligence applications. This campaign is primarily focused on delivering the Flodrix botnet malware, following the exploitation of a newly uncovered critical security flaw. Cybersecurity researchers from Trend Micro, including Aliakbar Zahravi, Ahmed Mohamed Ibrahim, Sunil Bharti, and Shubham Singh, detailed their findings in a technical report, outlining the mechanics of this emerging threat.
The threat actors are capitalizing on CVE-2025-3248, a critical authentication bypass vulnerability rated with a CVSS score of 9.8. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute downloader scripts on compromised Langflow servers, which subsequently retrieve and install the Flodrix malware. By exploiting this flaw, unauthorized individuals can execute arbitrary code by sending specially crafted HTTP requests to vulnerable instances of Langflow.
The Langflow development team issued a patch for this vulnerability in March 2025, releasing version 1.3.0 to mitigate the risks associated with the flaw. Despite this remedy, attackers are actively utilizing the vulnerability, raising significant concerns among cybersecurity professionals and businesses relying on the platform.
The potential ramifications of such exploitation are alarming, as the Flodrix botnet can be employed to orchestrate distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks against targeted networks, leading to service disruptions and potential financial losses for affected organizations. The likelihood of subsequent attacks underscores the urgency for businesses to apply the latest security patches and monitor their systems for signs of compromise.
As the campaign unfolds, it is crucial to recognize the tactics and techniques potentially employed by the attackers, as mapped by the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Initial access is achieved through the exploitation of the vulnerability, with opportunities for privilege escalation likely presenting themselves once the malware is installed. Persistence mechanisms may also be implemented to ensure continued access to compromised systems.
The implications of such threats extend beyond immediate service disruptions. Businesses must remain vigilant, not only in ensuring that their systems are up-to-date with patches, but also in adopting comprehensive cybersecurity strategies that encompass monitoring, response planning, and employee education.
Ultimately, the exploitation of this vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the dynamic nature of cybersecurity threats. It emphasizes the need for organizations to prioritize security posture and response capabilities in the face of increasingly sophisticated attack vectors. The proactive application of the MITRE ATT&CK framework may aid in understanding and mitigating similar threats in the future, equipping businesses with the knowledge necessary to defend against potential exploitation.