SOC Alert Analysis: Ransomware Detected

Introduction

Welcome to my latest article! Today, we delve into a critical issue in the realm of network security: the detection of a Ransomware incident. This situation presents a significant challenge in cybersecurity, necessitating a thorough exploration. We will leverage insights from LetsDefend, a leading-edge platform in cybersecurity training. LetsDefend (letsdefend.io) offers simulated environments and realistic scenarios, instrumental for cybersecurity experts aiming to sharpen their abilities in identifying and neutralizing diverse cyber threats. The platform’s emphasis on practical, hands-on experiences is invaluable for professionals seeking to stay abreast of the ever-evolving cyber threatscape. Join me in this deep dive into the recent Ransomware alert, as we dissect its complexities and learn how to effectively confront such cybersecurity challenges.

In our exploration, we will traverse the complex terrain of network security, with a focus on the identification, consequences, and countermeasures pertaining to this pernicious ransomware event.

This alert we’re examining has been classified as critical, underscoring the need for immediate and serious attention.

The Case Analysis

Let’s start with an in-depth analysis of this particular alert.

Define the Threat Indicator

First, we’ll delve into the examination of system and network logs.

Destination Address contains “172.16.17.88”
Source Address contains “172.16.17.88”

Based on the network logs, there appears to be no activity connected to our alert during the specified time period.

Upon reviewing the System logs for network traffic, we find no relevant entries. This absence of data is noteworthy and should be flagged for further investigation.

Given the absence of network logs and activity, it’s evident that the threat indicator cannot be attributed to unknown or unexpected outgoing internet traffic.

Next, we’ll explore the second possibility by investigating whether anti-virus programs malfunctioned or were disabled without explanation.

To achieve this within the simulated environment, we’ll scrutinize the file that set off the critical alert. The file’s hash is ‘0b486fe0503524cfe4726a4022fa6a68‘, which you can investigate independently if you wish.

When we examine the hash with VirusTotal (https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/1228d0f04f0ba82569fc1c0609f9fd6c377a91b9ea44c1e7f9f84b2b90552da2) we find that 56 security vendors and 6 sandboxes flagged this file as malicious. The most popular threat label for this hash is ‘ransomware.avaddon/delshad’.

Upon closer inspection of this hash on VirusTotal, we observe a process that endeavored to delete Shadow Volume Copies. This behavior is a characteristic indicator of ransomware. Typically, ransomware aims to hinder recovery efforts by eliminating these copies, which are essentially snapshots of data or backup copies on a computer system. By deleting Shadow Volume Copies, the ransomware effectively removes the possibility of restoring encrypted files without paying the ransom. This tactic increases the leverage of the attackers, as it forces the victim to rely solely on their demands for data recovery. The presence of such activity strongly suggests a ransomware attack, underlining the severity and the malicious intent of the software associated with this hash.

Additionally, the analysis reveals that the malware is programmed to create scheduled tasks for its execution and persistence. This means that the malware is designed to not only initiate its malicious activities at a specific time or under certain conditions, but also to ensure its continued operation on the infected system. By using scheduled tasks, the malware can maintain its presence even after system reboots, making it more resilient to basic removal efforts. This tactic is a common approach in sophisticated malware, aimed at maximizing the impact and longevity of the infection. It highlights the malware’s advanced capabilities in establishing a foothold within the system, further complicating the process of detection and removal.

Based on these findings, I conclude that the threat indicator is likely associated with unknown and unexpected services and applications configured to launch automatically. This conclusion stems from the malware’s use of scheduled tasks for execution and persistence, indicating a deliberate manipulation of system processes to maintain its presence and operational capacity. Such stealthy configurations are typical of advanced malware aiming to evade detection while ensuring continuous operation within the targeted system.

Check if the Malware is Quarantined/Cleaned

To ascertain if the ransomware malware is still active on the system, we need to consider two key pieces of information. Firstly, the initial alert indicated that the device’s response was to permit the malware’s presence on the system. This suggests that the malware was not automatically blocked or removed by any security measures in place.

Secondly, an examination of the current processes running on the system reveals that the malware is indeed actively operational. This confirmation of active malware presence is critical, as it not only validates the initial alert but also indicates an ongoing security threat that requires immediate attention to mitigate further damage and prevent the spread of the infection.

Based on the available information, it is evident that the ransomware was neither quarantined nor cleaned from the system. The active presence of the malware, as indicated by the running processes, confirms that the initial security measures did not successfully neutralize the threat. This situation necessitates prompt and effective remedial actions to address the ransomware and secure the system against further compromise.

Analyze the Malware

Indeed, while we have established that the malware is malicious, it’s prudent to conduct further investigations using additional resources. Diversifying our sources for malware analysis not only corroborates our initial findings but can also provide deeper insights into the nature, capabilities, and potential origins of the malware. This comprehensive approach is essential for developing a robust response strategy and enhancing our overall understanding of the threat landscape.

Performing dynamic analysis of the malware on platforms like any.run can offer a real-time view into its behavior, solidifying our understanding of its ransomware characteristics. By examining the malware in an interactive environment like the one provided by any.run (https://app.any.run/tasks/bab3a5ea-bd65-4dae-8c5b-39ed5851cbb0/), we can observe firsthand how it operates, replicates, and impacts a system. This direct observation is invaluable for comprehensively understanding the ransomware’s mechanisms, such as how it encrypts files, spreads within the network, or communicates with command and control servers. Such insights are crucial for developing effective countermeasures and strengthening defenses against similar threats in the future.

The dynamic analysis on any.run vividly demonstrates key ransomware characteristics. Notably, it displays the ransom note that appears on the user’s screen, clearly stating that all files have been encrypted and providing instructions for decryption. This is a hallmark of ransomware, designed to coerce victims into paying for access to their own data.

Furthermore, in the file modification section of the analysis, we can observe the alteration of file extensions. Each file is appended with an encrypted .CABcdaBBCB extension, a common ransomware tactic. This extension change is a clear indicator of the encryption process, rendering the files inaccessible without the specific decryption key.

Finally, using Hybrid Analysis (https://www.hybrid-analysis.com/sample/1228d0f04f0ba82569fc1c0609f9fd6c377a91b9ea44c1e7f9f84b2b90552da2), as indicated by the provided link, we can corroborate our findings regarding the malicious nature of the file. Hybrid Analysis offers a comprehensive risk assessment, detailing various aspects of the file’s behavior and its potential impact. This analysis typically includes information on the file’s interactions, network activities, and system changes, providing a multi-dimensional view of the malware.

The results on Hybrid Analysis are in line with what was observed on other platforms, reinforcing the conclusion that the file is indeed a serious security threat. This consistency across different analysis tools not only confirms the malicious characteristics of the file but also underscores the importance of using a variety of resources for thorough malware investigation. Such comprehensive analysis is crucial for accurately assessing the risk and implementing effective security measures.

The investigation conclusively determines that this file is indeed malicious. The evidence gathered from various sources, including dynamic behavior analysis and risk assessment tools, clearly indicates the harmful nature of the file and its associated activities. This finding is critical for guiding the subsequent steps in responding to and mitigating the threat posed by this malware.

Check if Someone Requested the C2 Server

Based on the earlier observation that there was no network traffic associated with this event, the investigation leads us to believe that the Command and Control (C2) server was not accessed. This suggests that the malware may not have established communication with its C2 server, which is often used for coordinating the attack, receiving commands, or exfiltrating data. This could be due to various reasons such as network security measures blocking the connection, or the malware not reaching the stage where it attempts to connect. Understanding the malware’s failure to communicate with its C2 server is important for assessing the full scope of the incident and for planning further defensive strategies.

Investigation Artifacts

0b486fe0503524cfe4726a4022fa6a68 – Malware Hash – MD5 Hash

172.16.17.88 – Infected System – IP Address

Analyst Note

Case Overview-
Subject: In-depth analysis of a critical ransomware incident alert
Context: Alert raised due to suspicious file activity on a networked system

Threat Identification-
Log Analysis: No network traffic related to the alert within the specified timeframe
System Log Review: No relevant network traffic entries found
Conclusion: Threat indicator is not associated with unknown or unexpected outgoing internet traffic

Malware Analysis-
Anti-Virus Program Status- No indication of anti-virus program malfunction or disablement
File Examination-
File Hash: ‘0b486fe0503524cfe4726a4022fa6a68’
VirusTotal Analysis: File flagged as ransomware
Behavior: Attempted deletion of Shadow Volume Copies, indicating ransomware
Scheduled Tasks: Execution and persistence tasks set up by the malware
Conclusion: Strong evidence of ransomware activity

C2 Server Access-
Network Traffic Analysis: No evidence of C2 server access
Implication: Malware might not have established communication with its C2 server

Possible Infection Vector:
Hypothesis: Malware likely entered the system via a removable flash drive
Rationale: Given the malware’s characteristics and lack of network-related indicators

Close Alert

Summary:

  • The investigation into the ransomware incident alert is concluded.
  • Key findings include no unauthorized C2 server communications and lack of unusual outbound traffic, despite the presence of the malicious file ‘0b486fe0503524cfe4726a4022fa6a68’.
  • The malware was not quarantined initially but was identified through detailed analysis.

Conclusion:

  • The threat posed by this ransomware has been effectively addressed.
  • The alert is now considered resolved, with necessary containment and remediation measures implemented.
  • Ongoing monitoring is recommended to detect any further suspicious activities or potential security breaches related to this incident.

Closed By: Joseph Damon
Position: SOC Analyst Tier 1

Conclusion

Here are the outcomes of our investigation into the malicious ransomware incident.

In conclusion, our in-depth investigation into the ransomware incident has provided significant insights into the complexities and challenges of cybersecurity in the current digital landscape. By leveraging the resources of LetsDefend, we were able to simulate and analyze a real-world cybersecurity threat, enhancing our understanding and response capabilities.

Throughout this journey, we dissected various aspects of the ransomware attack, from the initial lack of network traffic indicators to the detailed analysis of the malware’s behavior and its implications. Our findings clearly demonstrated the sophisticated nature of the ransomware, particularly its ability to evade detection and maintain persistence within the system.

Key takeaways from our investigation include:

  1. The critical importance of thorough log analysis in identifying potential threats, even in the absence of obvious indicators such as unexpected network traffic.
  2. The necessity of investigating all aspects of a security alert, including the examination of anti-virus program efficacy and the detailed analysis of malicious files.
  3. The effectiveness of using multiple analysis platforms, such as VirusTotal and any.run, to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the threat.
  4. The need for ongoing vigilance and continuous monitoring to detect and respond to evolving cybersecurity threats.

Our analysis concludes that the ransomware, identified by the hash ‘0b486fe0503524cfe4726a4022fa6a68’, was a serious security threat that required immediate and effective intervention. The absence of C2 server communication suggests a limited scope of the attack, possibly due to network security measures or the early stage of malware deployment.

The resolution of this alert demonstrates the effectiveness of our analytical approach and the robustness of our cybersecurity defenses. However, the evolving nature of cyber threats requires us to remain vigilant and proactive in our security practices.

I hope this article has provided valuable insights into the intricacies of handling a ransomware incident and the critical role of SOC analysts in safeguarding digital assets. Stay informed, stay secure, and keep exploring the vast domain of cybersecurity.

Thank you for joining me in this exploration.

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