www.trendmicro.com
Open in
urlscan Pro
23.206.208.181
Public Scan
Submitted URL: http://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/24/a/kasseika-ransomware-deploys-byovd-attacks-abuses-psexec-and-expl.html
Effective URL: https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/24/a/kasseika-ransomware-deploys-byovd-attacks-abuses-psexec-and-expl.html
Submission: On January 24 via api from DE — Scanned from DE
Effective URL: https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/24/a/kasseika-ransomware-deploys-byovd-attacks-abuses-psexec-and-expl.html
Submission: On January 24 via api from DE — Scanned from DE
Form analysis
1 forms found in the DOM<form class="main-menu-search" aria-label="Search Trend Micro" data-equally-id="equally_ai___povhH">
<div class="main-menu-search__field-wrapper" id="cludo-search-form">
<table class="gsc-search-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="gsc-input">
<input type="text" class="gsc-input-field" name="search" title="search" placeholder="Search" autocomplete="off" aria-label="search">
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</form>
Text Content
Business search close * Solutions * By Challenge * By Challenge * By Challenge Learn more * Understand, Prioritize & Mitigate Risks * Understand, Prioritize & Mitigate Risks Improve your risk posture with attack surface management Learn more * Protect Cloud-Native Apps * Protect Cloud-Native Apps Security that enables business outcomes Learn more * Protect Your Hybrid World * Protect Your Hybrid, Multi-Cloud World Gain visibility and meet business needs with security Learn more * Securing Your Borderless Workforce * Securing Your Borderless Workforce Connect with confidence from anywhere, on any device Learn more * Eliminate Network Blind Spots * Eliminate Network Blind Spots Secure users and key operations throughout your environment Learn more * See More. Respond Faster. * See More. Respond Faster. Move faster than your adversaries with powerful purpose-built XDR, attack surface risk management, and zero trust capabilities Learn more * Extend Your Team * Extend Your Team. Respond to Threats Agilely Maximize effectiveness with proactive risk reduction and managed services Learn more * Operationalizing Zero Trust * Operationalizing Zero Trust Understand your attack surface, assess your risk in real time, and adjust policies across network, workloads, and devices from a single console Learn more * By Role * By Role * By Role Learn more * CISO * CISO Drive business value with measurable cybersecurity outcomes Learn more * SOC Manager * SOC Manager See more, act faster Learn more * Infrastructure Manager * Infrastructure Manager Evolve your security to mitigate threats quickly and effectively Learn more * Cloud Builder and Developer * Cloud Builder and Developer Ensure code runs only as intended Learn more * Cloud Security Ops * Cloud Security Ops Gain visibility and control with security designed for cloud environments Learn more * By Industry * By Industry * By Industry Learn more * Healthcare * Healthcare Protect patient data, devices, and networks while meeting regulations Learn more * Manufacturing * Manufacturing Protecting your factory environments – from traditional devices to state-of-the-art infrastructures Learn more * Oil & Gas * Oil & Gas ICS/OT Security for the oil and gas utility industry Learn more * Electric Utility * Electric Utility ICS/OT Security for the electric utility Learn more * Federal * Federal Learn more * Automotive * Automotive Learn more * 5G Networks * 5G Networks Learn more * Small & Midsized Business Security * Small & Midsized Business Security Stop threats with comprehensive, set-it-and-forget-it protection Learn more * Platform * Vision One Platform * Vision One Platform * Trend Vision One Our Unified Platform Bridge threat protection and cyber risk management Learn more * AI Companion * Trend Vision One Companion Your generative AI cybersecurity assistant Learn more * Attack Surface Management * Attack Surface Management Stop breaches before they happen Learn more * XDR (Extended Detection & Response) * XDR (Extended Detection & Response) Stop adversaries faster with a broader perspective and better context to hunt, detect, investigate, and respond to threats from a single platform Learn more * Cloud Security * Cloud Security * Trend Vision One™ Cloud Security Overview The most trusted cloud security platform for developers, security teams, and businesses Learn more * Attack Surface Risk Management for Cloud * Attack Surface Risk Management for Cloud Cloud asset discovery, vulnerability prioritization, Cloud Security Posture Management, and Attack Surface Management all in one Learn more * XDR for Cloud * XDR for Cloud Extend visibility to the cloud and streamline SOC investigations Learn more * Workload Security * Workload Security Secure your data center, cloud, and containers without compromising performance by leveraging a cloud security platform with CNAPP capabilities Learn more * Container Security * Container Security Simplify security for your cloud-native applications with advanced container image scanning, policy-based admission control, and container runtime protection Learn more * File Storage Security * File Storage Security Security for cloud file/object storage services leveraging cloud-native application architectures Learn more * Endpoint Security * Endpoint Security * Endpoint Security Overview Defend the endpoint through every stage of an attack Learn more * XDR for Endpoint * XDR for Endpoint Stop adversaries faster with a broader perspective and better context to hunt, detect, investigate, and respond to threats from a single platform Learn more * Workload Security * Workload Security Optimized prevention, detection, and response for endpoints, servers, and cloud workloads Learn more * Industrial Endpoint Security * Industrial Endpoint Security Learn more * Mobile Security * Mobile Security On-premises and cloud protection against malware, malicious applications, and other mobile threats Learn more * Network Security * Network Security * Network Security Overview Expand the power of XDR with network detection and response Learn more * XDR for Network * XDR for Network Stop adversaries faster with a broader perspective and better context to hunt, detect, investigate, and respond to threats from a single platform Learn more * Network Intrusion Prevention (IPS) * Network Intrusion Prevention (IPS) Protect against known, unknown, and undisclosed vulnerabilities in your network Learn more * Breach Detection System (BDS) * Breach Detection System (BDS) Detect and respond to targeted attacks moving inbound, outbound, and laterally Learn more * Secure Service Edge (SSE) * Secure Service Edge (SSE) Redefine trust and secure digital transformation with continuous risk assessments Learn more * Industrial Network Security * Industrial Network Security Learn more * 5G Network Security * 5G Network Security Learn more * Email Security * Email Security * Email Security Stop phishing, malware, ransomware, fraud, and targeted attacks from infiltrating your enterprise Learn more * Email and Collaboration Security * Trend Vision One™ Email and Collaboration Security Stop phishing, ransomware, and targeted attacks on any email service including Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace Learn more * OT Security * OT Security * OT Security Learn about solutions for ICS / OT security. Learn more * XDR for OT * XDR for OT Stop adversaries faster with a broader perspective and better context to hunt, detect, investigate, and respond to threats from a single platform Learn more * Industrial Network Security * Industrial Network Security Industrial Network Security * Industrial Endpoint Security * Industrial Endpoint Security Learn more * Threat Intelligence * Threat Intelligence Keep ahead of the latest threats and protect your critical data with ongoing threat prevention and analysis Learn more * All Products, Services and Trials * All Products, Services and Trials Learn more * Research * Research * Research * Research Learn more * Research, News, and Perspectives * Research, News, and Perspectives Learn more * Research and Analysis * Research and Analysis Learn more * Security News * Security News Learn more * Zero Day Initiatives (ZDI) * Zero Day Initiatives (ZDI) Learn more * Services * Our Services * Our Services * Our Services Learn more * Service Packages * Service Packages Augment security teams with 24/7/365 managed detection, response, and support Learn more * Managed XDR * Managed XDR Augment threat detection with expertly managed detection and response (MDR) for email, endpoints, servers, cloud workloads, and networks Learn more * Incident Response * Incident Response * Incident Response Our trusted experts are on call whether you're experiencing a breach or looking to proactively improve your IR plans Learn more * Insurance Carriers and Law Firms * Insurance Carriers and Law Firms Stop breaches with the best response and detection technology on the market and reduce clients’ downtime and claim costs Learn more * Support Services * Support Services Learn more * Partners * Partner Program * Partner Program * Partner Program Overview Grow your business and protect your customers with the best-in-class complete, multilayered security Learn more * Managed Security Service Provider * Managed Security Service Provider Deliver modern security operations services with our industry-leading XDR Learn more * Managed Service Provider * Managed Service Provider Partner with a leading expert in cybersecurity, leverage proven solutions designed for MSPs Learn more * Cloud Service Provider * Cloud Service Provider Add market-leading security to your cloud service offerings – no matter which platform you use Learn more * Professional Services * Professional Services Increase revenue with industry-leading security Learn more * Resellers * Resellers Discover the possibilities Learn more * Marketplace * Marketplace Learn more * System Integrators * System Integrators Learn more * Alliance Partners * Alliance Partners * Alliance Overview We work with the best to help you optimize performance and value Learn more * Technology Alliance Partners * Technology Alliance Partners Learn more * Our Alliance Partners * Our Alliance Partners Learn more * Partner Tools * Partner Tools * Partner Tools Learn more * Partner Login * Partner Login Login * Education and Certification * Education and Certification Learn more * Partner Successes * Partner Successes Learn more * Distributors * Distributors Learn more * Find a Partner * Find a Partner Learn more * Company * Why Trend Micro * Why Trend Micro * Why Trend Micro Learn more * Customer Success Stories * Customer Success Stories Learn more * The Human Connection * The Human Connection Learn more * Industry Accolades * Industry Accolades Learn more * Strategic Alliances * Strategic Alliances Learn more * Compare Trend Micro * Compare Trend Micro Learn more * About Us * About Us * About Us Learn more * Trust Center * Trust Center Learn more * History * History Learn more * Diversity, Equity and Inclusion * Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Learn more * Corporate Social Responsibility * Corporate Social Responsibility Learn more * Leadership * Leadership Learn more * Security Experts * Security Experts Learn more * Internet Safety and Cybersecurity Education * Internet Safety and Cybersecurity Education Learn more * Legal * Legal Learn more * Investors * Investors Learn more * Formula E Racing * Formula E Racing Learn more * Connect with Us * Connect with Us * Connect with Us Learn more * Newsroom * Newsroom Learn more * Events * Events Learn more * Careers * Careers Learn more * Webinars * Webinars Learn more Back Back Back Back * Free Trials * Contact Us Looking for home solutions? Under Attack? 1 Alerts Back Unread All * #1 Channel Security Vendor in Canalys Global Cybersecurity Leadership Matrix close More on channel program > Folio (0) Support * Business Support Portal * Business Community * Virus and Threat Help * Education and Certification * Contact Support * Find a Support Partner Resources * Cyber Risk Index/Assessment * CISO Resource Center * DevOps Resource Center * What Is? * Threat Encyclopedia * Cloud Health Assessment * Cyber Insurance * Glossary of Terms * Webinars Log In * Support * Partner Portal * Cloud One * Product Activation and Management * Referral Affililate Back arrow_back search close Content has been added to your Folio Go to Folio (0) close Ransomware KASSEIKA RANSOMWARE DEPLOYS BYOVD ATTACKS, ABUSES PSEXEC AND EXPLOITS MARTINI DRIVER In this blog, we detail our investigation of the Kasseika ransomware and the indicators we found suggesting that the actors behind it have acquired access to the source code of the notorious BlackMatter ransomware. By: Emmanuel Panopio, Christian Jason Geollegue, Julius Keith Estrellado, Christian Alpuerto, Shawn Austin Santos, Emmanuel Roll, Rhio Manaog, Gerald Fernandez, Don Ovid Ladores, Raighen Sanchez, Raymart Yambot, Francesca Villasanta, Sophia Nilette Robles January 23, 2024 Read time: 6 min (1695 words) Save to Folio Subscribe -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Following an increase in bring-your-own-vulnerable-driver (BYOVD) attacks launched by ransomware groups in 2023, the Kasseika ransomware is among the latest groups to take part in the trend. Kasseika joins Akira, BlackByte, and AvosLocker in using the tactic that allows threat actors to terminate antivirus processes and services for the deployment of ransomware. In this case we investigated, the Kasseika ransomware abused Martini driver to terminate the victim machine’s antivirus-related processes. In our analysis of the Kasseika ransomware attack chain, we observed indicators that resemble the BlackMatter ransomware. These indicators include pseudo-ransom extensions and the use of extension string.README.txt as the ransom note file name and format. A closer look revealed that majority of the source code used by BlackMatter was used in this attack. Based on our research, the BlackMatter source code is not widely available, so its use in this Kasseika ransomware attack is suggestive of a mature actor in a limited group that acquired or bought access to it. BlackMatter respawned from DarkSide, which is known to have been used as the basis for ALPHV, more popularly known as BlackCat. Since its shutdown in 2021, other ransomware groups have been observed using similar techniques and tools to BlackMatter, while a more exclusive group of ransomware operators are able to access its old code and apply it to new strains. Figure 1. The Kasseika ransomware infection chain download Targeted phishing links via email for initial access In the Kasseika ransomware case that we investigated, we observed that it used targeted phishing techniques for initial access, as well as to gather credentials from one of the employees of its target company. It then uses remote administration tools (RATs) to gain privileged access and move laterally within its target network. Figure 2. PsExec Command to execute malicious .bat file (click to enlarge) Abusing PsExec for execution Kasseika abused the legitimate Windows RAT PsExec to execute its malicious files. PsExec was originally designed for network management, but its misuse allows threat actors to remotely deploy a malicious .bat file, as in this case. Figure 3. Kasseika terminates Martini runtime The Kasseika ransomware initially uses a batch script to load its malicious entities. The script begins by checking for the existence of the process named Martini.exe. If found, it then proceeds to terminate it to ensure that there is only one instance of the process running on the machine. Kasseika’s KILLAV mechanism for defense evasion Upon further analysis, Martini.exe first verifies whether the Martini.sys driver was successfully downloaded to the affected system. The signed driver Martini.sys, originally labeled as viragt64.sys, is part of VirIT Agent System developed by TG Soft. By exploiting its vulnerabilities, Kasseika leverages this driver to effectively disable various security tools. If Martini.sys does not exist, the malware will terminate itself and not proceed with its intended routine. Figure 4. “Martini.sys” file properties and certificate information download After confirming the presence of the system file, Kasseika proceeds to create a service and then initiates it. Figure 5. The service created by PINCAV trojan, a 64-bit Windows PE file written in C++ The driver Martini.sys is then loaded by Martini.exe using the CreateFileW function. Figure 6. The “Martini.sys” driver loaded by “Martini.exe” After loading Martini.sys, Martini.exe continuously scans all active processes in the system. Upon detecting a listed process, it conveys this information to the driver through the DeviceIoControl function. Figure 7. The “DeviceIoControl” function The control code 0x82730030 is sent to the driver, instructing it to terminate at least 991 processes within its list, including antivirus products, security tools, analysis tools, and system utility tools. A complete list of the terminated processes can be found here. Figure 8. The “Martini.sys” case function Figure 9. ZwTerminateProcess at “0x82730030” memory address is responsible for process termination. Kasseika also makes use of the FindWindowA API to compare strings. Figure 10. Kasseika comparing application window names for defense evasion (click to enlarge) download Figure 11. Kasseika comparing strings for defense evasion The Kasseika ransomware discovers applications that are related to process monitoring, system monitoring, and analysis tools. OLLYDBG 18467-41 GBDYLLO FilemonClass pediy06 File Monitor – Sysinternals: www.sysinternals.com RegmonClass PROCMON_WINDOW_CLASS Registry Monitor – Sysinternals: www.sysinternals.com Process Monitor – Sysinternals: www.sysinternals.com Table 1. A list of process monitoring, system monitoring, and analysis tools that Kasseika looks for The Kasseika ransomware levels up its defense evasion techniques by discovering running processes that are related to security and analysis tools. It will terminate itself if these processes are present in the system. ntice.sys CisUtMonitor iceext.sys FileMonitor.sys Syser.sys REGMON HanOlly.sys Regsys extrem.sys Sysregm FRDTSC.SYS PROCMON fengyue.sys Revoflt Kernel Detective Filem Table 2. A list of process names related to security and analysis Figure 12 shows that the script will remove any directories under the malicious batch script to ensure a clean state. Kasseika will set up the variables to store various paths and executable file names. These variables enable the script to be more flexible, allowing easy modification of file paths and names for future use. Figure 12. Initialization of variables Figure 13. Execution of payloads Kasseika then transfers files from a network share to a local directory. The utilization of the /E switch ensures the comprehensive copying of all subdirectories, including empty ones. Following this, Martini.exe is executed to terminate any processes associated with antivirus vendors. Subsequently, the execution proceeds to launch smartscreen_protected.exe, which we identified as the Kasseika ransomware binary. Finally, clear.bat is executed to erase any traces of the operation on the machine. Figure 14. The contents of “clear.bat” for final cleanup Kasseika payload analysis The Kasseika ransomware is a 32-bit Windows PE file packed by Themida. Themida-packed binaries are known to have formidable code obfuscation and anti-debugging techniques, making it hard to reverse-engineer them. Figure 15. Kasseika ransomware packed with Themida Before encryption, Kasseika terminates all processes and services that are currently accessing Windows Restart Manager. Kasseika first starts a new session, modifying the Owner value from the registry keys in the following list. It then starts enumerating session hashes (SessionHash) of processes and services from the registry keys in the same list. After termination, it retrieves the paths of the terminated files that will be checked later for encryption: * HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\RestartManager\Session{numbers} * Owner = {hex values} * * HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\RestartManager\Session{numbers} * SessionHash = {hex values} * * HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\RestartManager\Session{numbers} * Sequence = 0x01 * * HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\RestartManager\Session{numbers} * RegFiles{numbers} = {encrypted path and file} * * HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\RestartManager\Session{numbers} * RegFilesHash = {hex values} The Kasseika ransomware deletes the shadow copies of the affected system by using Windows Management Instrumentation command-line (WMIC) queries to enumerate them. * SELECT * Win32_ShadowCopies The Kasseika ransomware then decrypts its encrypted extension by first retrieving a hard-coded string from CryptoPP::StringSinkTemplate. Next, it uses Base64 to encode the first nine characters of the string. Finally, since the characters “+”, “/”, and “=” in Base64 are not compatible in a file extension, the ransomware replaces them with “a”, “l”, and “e”, respectively. Figure 16. The Kasseika ransomware decrypting its file extension Kasseika retrieves its encryption algorithm key, ChaCha20, together with the RSA encryption algorithm from open-source C++ library CryptoPP. Kasseika then generates a modified version of the ChaCha20 matrix that consists of randomly generated bytes. The matrix is copied to a buffer that will be encrypted by the RSA public key, after which the encrypted buffer is written into the modified version of the ChaCha20 matrix. The Kasseika ransomware then uses the modified ChaCha20 matrix to encrypt target files. Figure 17. The function used by Kasseika to use ChaCha20 algorithm for file encryption After successful encryption, the Kasseika ransomware renames the encrypted files by appending the following encrypted extension in the encrypted files: * {original filename}.{original extension}. CBhwKBgQD Figure 18. Sample encrypted files by the Kasseika ransomware Afterward, Kasseika reuses the encrypted file extension as the name of its ransom note, CBhwKBgQD.README.txt, which Kasseika will drop in every directory that it will encrypt in the affected system. Figure 19. A Kasseika ransom note At the end of its encryption routine, the Kasseika ransomware changes the wallpaper of the affected system, as shown in Figure 20. Figure 20. Kasseika changes the wallpaper of the infected machine with its ransom note Clearing traces of the attack As Figure 21 shows, the Kasseika ransomware also has the capability to wipe its traces by clearing the system’s event logs through the execution of the commands. Figure 21. The commands that Kasseika uses to clear the event logs The command wevutil.exe efficiently clears the Application, Security, and System event logs on the Windows system. This technique is used to operate discreetly, making it more challenging for security tools to identify and respond to malicious activities. Security Recommendations The following is a list of measures that organizations can employ as best practices to minimize the chances of falling victim to ransomware attacks such as those launched by the Kasseika ransomware: * Only grant employees administrative rights and access when necessary. * * Ensure that security products are updated regularly and perform period scans. * * Secure regular backups of critical data in case of any loss. * * Exercise good email and website safety practices — download attachments, select URLs, and execute programs only from trusted sources. * * Encourage users to alert the security team of potentially suspicious emails and files and use tools to block malicious emails. * * Conduct regular user education around the dangers and signals of social engineering. A multilayered approach can help organizations guard possible entry points into their system (endpoint, email, web, and network). Security solutions can detect malicious components and suspicious behavior, which can help protect enterprises. Trend Vision One™ provides multilayered protection and behavior detection, which helps block questionable behavior and tools before ransomware can do any damage. Trend Cloud One™ – Workload Security protects systems against both known and unknown threats that exploit vulnerabilities. This protection is made possible through techniques such as virtual patching and machine learning. Trend Micro™ Deep Discovery™ Email Inspector employs custom sandboxing and advanced analysis techniques to effectively block malicious emails, including phishing emails that can serve as entry points for ransomware. Trend Micro Apex One™ offers next-level automated threat detection and response against advanced concerns such as fileless threats and ransomware, ensuring the protection of endpoints. Indicators of compromise The Kasseika ransomware indicators of compromise can be found here. Tags Articles, News, Reports | Ransomware | Research AUTHORS * Emmanuel Panopio Threat Researcher * Christian Jason Geollegue Threat Response Engineer * Julius Keith Estrellado Cybersecurity Threat Engineer * Christian Alpuerto Threat Response Engineer * Shawn Austin Santos Threat Response Engineer * Emmanuel Roll Threat Response Engingeer * Rhio Manaog Threat Response Engineer * Gerald Fernandez Threat Response Engineer * Don Ovid Ladores Threats Analyst * Raighen Sanchez Threat Response Engineer * Raymart Yambot Threats Analyst * Francesca Villasanta Threats Analyst * Sophia Nilette Robles Threat Analyst Contact Us Subscribe RELATED ARTICLES * CVE-2023-36025 Exploited for Defense Evasion in Phemedrone Stealer Campaign * 18X a Leader in Gartner Magic Quadrant for EPP * Protecting Your Network Security from Ivanti Zero-Day Threat See all articles Try our services free for 30 days * Start your free trial today * * * * * RESOURCES * Blog * Newsroom * Threat Reports * DevOps Resource Center * CISO Resource Center * Find a Partner SUPPORT * Business Support Portal * Contact Us * Downloads * Free Trials * * ABOUT TREND * About Us * Careers * Locations * Upcoming Events * Trust Center * Select a country / region United States expand_more close THE AMERICAS * United States * Brasil * Canada * México MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA * South Africa * Middle East and North Africa EUROPE * België (Belgium) * Česká Republika * Danmark * Deutschland, Österreich Schweiz * España * France * Ireland * Italia * Nederland * Norge (Norway) * Polska (Poland) * Suomi (Finland) * Sverige (Sweden) * Türkiye (Turkey) * United Kingdom ASIA & PACIFIC * Australia * Центральная Азия (Central Asia) * Hong Kong (English) * 香港 (中文) (Hong Kong) * भारत गणराज्य (India) * Indonesia * 日本 (Japan) * 대한민국 (South Korea) * Malaysia * Монголия (Mongolia) and рузия (Georgia) * New Zealand * Philippines * Singapore * 台灣 (Taiwan) * ประเทศไทย (Thailand) * Việt Nam Privacy | Legal | Accessibility | Site map Copyright ©2024 Trend Micro Incorporated. All rights reserved sXpIBdPeKzI9PC2p0SWMpUSM2NSxWzPyXTMLlbXmYa0R20xk This website uses cookies for website functionality, traffic analytics, personalization, social media functionality and advertising. Our Cookie Notice provides more information and explains how to amend your cookie settings.Learn more Cookies Settings Accept word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word word mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 Sumo