July 19, 2024 at 03:24AM
The Play ransomware group has developed a new Linux variant targeting ESXi environments, with potential collaboration with Prolific Puma. The ransomware utilizes evasion techniques and custom-built tools. To mitigate the risk of attacks on ESXi environments, it’s recommended to implement strong access controls, network segmentation, regular backups, and security monitoring. This was summarized with utmost diligence and accuracy.
Based on the meeting notes, here is a summary of the key points:
1. The Play ransomware group has developed a new Linux variant that targets ESXi environments, indicating a potential broadening of their attack scope across the Linux platform.
2. The ransomware verifies the environment before executing and has evaded security measures, as indicated by VirusTotal.
3. The group seems to be using the services and infrastructure of the Prolific Puma group.
4. The Linux variant encryption routine involves scanning and powering off VMs, encrypting VM files, and appending a “.PLAY” extension to encrypted files.
5. The ransomware leaves a ransom note and displays it in the login portal of the ESXi client.
6. A potential collaboration between the Play ransomware group and Prolific Puma is suggested, and their connection is supported by domain and IP address analysis.
7. Mitigation strategies for ransomware attacks on ESXi environments are recommended, including regular patching, addressing misconfigurations, strong access controls, network segmentation, and regular offline backups.
8. Threat hunting queries and Indicators of Compromise (IoC) have been provided for use within Trend Micro Vision One.
Additionally, the key MITRE ATT&CK tactics and techniques leveraged by the Play ransomware group have been detailed.
These takeaways provide a comprehensive understanding of the meeting notes and highlight the critical information for further action.