The disclosure provides an approach for cross-network communication by self-replicating applications. Embodiments include identifying, by a first instance of a self-replicating application on a first computing device having a first network connection to a parent component, a second computing device that is connected to the first computing device via a second network connection. Embodiments include self-replicating, by the first instance of the self-replicating application, across the second network connection to produce a second instance of the self-replicating application on the second computing device. Embodiments include initiating, by the first instance of the self-replicating application, a proxy tunnel on the first computing device. Embodiments include receiving, by the proxy tunnel, a first communication from the second instance of the self-replicating application via the second network connection. Embodiments include sending, by the proxy tunnel, based on the first communication, a second communication to the parent component via the first network connection.