Exploited Vulnerability Could Impact 20k Internet-Exposed VMware ESXi Instances

August 1, 2024 at 09:18AM Around 20,000 unpatched VMware ESXi servers, vulnerable to CVE-2024-37085 (CVSS 6.8), are accessible on the internet. It allows threat actors full access, with ransomware groups like Storm-0506 and Octo Tempest exploiting it. The flaw enables administrative control over hypervisors, risking file encryption, VM access, and lateral movement within networks. Urgent … Read more

Ransomware Gangs Exploit ESXi Bug for Instant, Mass Encryption of VMs

July 30, 2024 at 04:12PM Ransomware groups are exploiting an authentication bypass bug (CVE-2024-37085) in VMware ESXi, giving them significant access and enabling rapid malware deployment. Broadcom has issued a fix. ESXi hypervisors inadvertently grant full administrative access to any AD domain group called “ESX Admins.” Hackers find hypervisors alluring due to their complexity and … Read more

Microsoft: Ransomware gangs exploit VMware ESXi auth bypass in attacks

July 29, 2024 at 01:12PM Microsoft alerted of ransomware gangs exploiting VMware ESXi authentication bypass vulnerability, allowing attackers to gain full admin privileges. This flaw, CVE-2024-37085, was discovered by Microsoft researchers and patched in ESXi 8.0 U3 last month. The vulnerability has been exploited in ransomware attacks by various groups, leading to data theft and … Read more

New Play ransomware Linux version targets VMware ESXi VMs

July 22, 2024 at 01:01PM Play ransomware, a new threat, has initiated targeted attacks on Linux devices, focusing on VMware ESXi virtual machines. This is a concerning development, expanding potential victims and ransom negotiation success. The gang’s tactics involve scanning and encrypting files, leading to significant disruptions in business operations and reduced data recovery options. … Read more

New Linux Variant of Play Ransomware Targeting VMWare ESXi Systems

July 22, 2024 at 12:24AM A new Linux variant of the Play ransomware, known for double extortion tactics, has been discovered by Trend Micro researchers. This variant targets VMWare ESXi environments, expanding its potential victim pool. The ransomware has targeted industries such as manufacturing, IT, and retail, while collaborating with the services of Prolific Puma … Read more

Microsoft: Scattered Spider Widens Web With RansomHub & Qilin

July 16, 2024 at 05:27PM Microsoft’s Threat Intelligence Team warns of Octo Tempest, also known as Scattered Spider, adding RansomHub and Qilin to its attack arsenal. The threat actor uses sophisticated social engineering, identity compromises, and targets VMware ESXi servers. Notably, it is behind major ransomware attacks on Caesars Palace and MGM Entertainment. The group … Read more

SEXi ransomware rebrands to APT INC, continues VMware ESXi attacks

July 15, 2024 at 11:26AM APT INC, formerly known as SEXi ransomware operation, has targeted various organizations using Babuk and LockBit 3 encryptors to attack VMware ESXi servers and Windows. The threat actors have gained attention for attacking IxMetro Powerhost and continue to operate with ransom demands ranging from tens of thousands to millions. Unfortunately, … Read more

UNC3886 hackers use Linux rootkits to hide on VMware ESXi VMs

June 20, 2024 at 01:49PM Threat actor UNC3886, suspected to be Chinese, uses open-source rootkits like ‘Reptile’ and ‘Medusa’ on VMware ESXi virtual machines to conduct credential theft, command execution, and lateral movement. Mandiant tracked UNC3886’s attacks on government organizations and revealed their recent use of rootkits, custom malware tools, and attacks targeting various industries … Read more

Mallox Ransomware Variant Targets Privileged VMWare ESXi Environments

June 6, 2024 at 01:59PM The Mallox ransomware group has introduced a new Linux variant that targets VMware ESXi environments. This variant uses a custom shell to execute ransomware on virtualized systems with high-level user privileges. The group has targeted various sectors and is now active in Taiwan, India, Thailand, and South Korea. Organizations are … Read more

Linux version of TargetCompany ransomware focuses on VMware ESXi

June 5, 2024 at 07:19PM A new Linux variant of TargetCompany ransomware targets VMware ESXi environments using a custom script to execute payloads, exfiltrate data, and drop a ransom note. Trend Micro reports the ransomware encrypts specific file extensions, attributes the attacks to an affiliate named “vampire,” and provides recommendations for defense. The operation’s shift … Read more