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Date: 05/01/2023
The RTM group has developed a new ransomware binary that targets Linux-based machines, including ESXi and NAS hosts. The ransomware is inspired by the leaked source code of Babuk ransomware and uses both asymmetric and symmetric encryption, making decryption without the private key impossible.
The initial infection vector is unknown, but victims are instructed to contact the support team via Tox within 48 hours after successful encryption or risk getting their data published. RTM Locker targets ESXi hosts by aborting all virtual machines before the encryption process starts, and it is statically stripped and compiled, making reverse engineering challenging.
The RTM Locker ransomware poses a significant threat to companies using Linux-based machines, particularly ESXi or NAS hosts. The encryption used is impossible to decrypt without the private key, making data recovery extremely difficult or impossible. The ransomware group also leverages affiliates for its attacks, potentially widening the scope of its targets.
Companies should use third-party tools or YARA to scan dubious processes to stay protected from RTM Locker ransomware attacks. They should also deploy security solutions that come with advanced detection capabilities. It is essential to keep software up to date, conduct regular backups, and use two-factor authentication to mitigate the risks of ransomware attacks.
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GuidePoint Security’s GRIT Ransomware Report for Q1 2023 highlights the current state of the ransomware threat landscape. The report shows a 27% increase in publicly disclosed ransomware victims compared to Q1 2022 and a 25% increase compared to Q2 2022. The manufacturing and technology sectors continue to be the most impacted by ransomware, but the legal industry saw a significant increase in publicly posted victims in Q1 2023. U.S.-based organizations accounted for the majority of ransomware victims, followed by the U.K. and Germany. Additionally, there has been an increase in innovative coercive strategies employed by ransomware groups, such as leaking sensitive information and launching DDoS attacks.
Potential Impact
The rising number of ransomware attacks indicates a persistent and industry-agnostic threat that companies must address. Companies in the manufacturing and technology sectors may be particularly vulnerable to these attacks, but the legal industry is now also at risk. Ransomware attacks can have significant financial and reputational consequences, and using innovative coercive strategies could exacerbate these impacts. Companies must remain vigilant and proactively take measures to protect their systems and data.
Companies should take a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity, including implementing strong access controls, regularly updating software, and conducting employee training on identifying and preventing phishing attacks. They should also consider implementing backup and recovery systems to mitigate the effects of a potential ransomware attack. Companies should stay informed about the latest ransomware trends and adjust their security strategies accordingly. Additionally, companies should have a response plan in place to quickly and effectively respond to a ransomware attack if one occurs.
Sources
https://www.guidepointsecurity.com/blog/quarterly-grit-ransomware-report-q1-2023/
Threat actor groups are leveraging a recent vulnerability tracked as CVE-2023-27532 that impacts Veeam backup servers. The vulnerability exposes encrypted credentials stored in configuration to unauthenticated users, which could be used to access the backup infrastructure hosts. Attackers could also potentially run code with elevated privileges.
Attackers are leveraging this vulnerability to establish a foothold within a victim environment. Attackers are likely to deploy malware, perform network reconnaissance, and move laterally. A possible end goal would be to deploy ransomware.
Patches are available to fix the vulnerability. A workaround is to block or limit connections to port 9401 (used by Veeam backup service). Note that backup services should never be publicly exposed to the Internet. It is also recommended to perform regular vulnerability assessments to ensure vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.
Sources
Zyxel Firewall devices are affected by a critical vulnerability tracked as CVE-2023-28771 (CVSS 9.8), which could allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute some OS commands remotely by sending crafted packets to an affected device due to Improper error message handling. The latest patches also addressed other vulnerabilities such as CVE-2023-27991, which allows for post-authentication command injection.
Attackers could potentially take over firewall devices or use them as a pivot point to launch other attackers. Credentials or other sensitive network information found on these devices is potentially at risk if successful exploitation occurs.
The latest vendor patches should be applied as soon as possible. CVE-2023-28771 affects ATP, USG FLEX, and VPN version ZLD V4.60 to V5.35 and ZyWALL/USG version ZLD V4.60 to V4.73. Steps should also be taken to limit connectivity to management interfaces. It is also recommended to perform regular vulnerability assessments to ensure vulnerabilities are addressed in a timely manner.
Sources
https://thehackernews.com/2023/04/zyxel-firewall-devices-vulnerable-to.html
Cyble Research and Intelligence Labs (CRIL) published a report on a new strain of malware sold on Telegram. According to the report, this malware can steal information from the Mac OS keychain, file stores, and browsers, including cookies and site passwords. The sample analyzed by Cyble was undetectable on Virustotal.
Malware infections like this can result in sensitive information leakage, identity theft, and corporate network compromise.
Ensure that Mac OS machines are included in your organization’s cybersecurity program, and deploy EDR agents to these systems.
Sources
https://blog.cyble.com/2023/04/26/threat-actor-selling-new-atomic-macos-amos-stealer-on-telegram
On April 26, TechCrunch reported that attackers have been compromising email accounts of AT&T customers by making “mail keys,” are intended to allow some applications to access email. The impacted domains referenced in the report include att.net, sbcglobal.net, bellsouth.net. Other AT&T email domains are likely affected.
The TechCrunch article references cryptocurrency theft as the major impact of this activity, but an email compromise can have a broad range of implications, including identity theft and wire fraud.
Closely monitor email accounts, and ensure that all sensitive accounts have appropriate security and recovery mechanisms configured.
Sources
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Prior to joining GreyCastle Security, Ho led finance and administrative functions at multiple private equity and venture-backed portfolio companies across multiple industries. Ho holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University in Centre County, Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Over the course of the last 22 years, Dan has been committed to advancing the state of cybersecurity and has played an instrumental role in the identification and development of critical, next-generation cyber capabilities. He has held positions in almost every facet of cybersecurity, beginning as a computer forensic examiner and progressing through the management and executive leadership ranks. In addition to co-founding AIS, Dan has facilitated multiple cybersecurity startups, raised investment capital and has served in various lead and support roles toward the acquisition of five companies in the last eight years.
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Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, where he was selected as a member of their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.
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