<A HREF="http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Security/Attackers-Targeting-Linux-Infrastructures-With-Rootkit-to-Steal-SSH-Keys/?kc=EWKNLNAV08282008STR2">Hackers are launching attacks against Linux-based computing infrastructures</A> using compromised SSH (Secure Shell) keys and installing rootkits, according to a warning by the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team.

According to US-CERT, the attack uses stolen SSH keys to access a system and then local kernel exploits to gain root access. At that point, a rootkit known as phalanx2 is installed.