Cactus

 Profile of Cactus Ransomware: The Thorny Menace of the Cyber Seas

Name: Cactus Ransomware

Type: Ransomware

Captain's Notes: Cactus Ransomware, much like a treacherous reef hidden beneath the waves, poses a significant threat in the cyber seas. This malevolent entity employs cunning and brute force to hijack systems and demand ransom. Its ability to disable security measures before striking makes it a perilous foe. As guardians of our digital domain, we must reinforce our defenses and educate our crew to navigate these perilous waters safely.

Primary Objective: Encrypting Data for Ransom

Known Targets: Targets a wide range of organizations, indiscriminately seeking to encrypt data for financial extortion.

Architecture Compatibility: Designed to infect multiple operating systems, showcasing its versatility in wreaking havoc across diverse digital landscapes.

Notable Characteristics:

• Encryption Barrage: Encrypts victims' files, rendering them inaccessible, followed by demands for ransom in exchange for decryption keys.
• Security Software Sabotage: Utilizes tools and scripts to disable security software, clearing its path to strike unhindered.
• Custom Evasion Tactics: Employs custom tactics to stay undetected, ensuring its malicious activities go unnoticed for as long as possible.

Tactical Approach:

• Sneaky Infiltration: Often introduced into systems through secondary payloads like Danabot, sneaking aboard like a hidden stowaway.
• Devious Delivery: Utilizes various methods for distribution, including phishing and exploiting vulnerabilities.

Associated Threat Actors: Linked to groups with motivations rooted in financial gain, particularly ransom from their digital hostages.

Pirate's Guidance:

• Robust Data Backups: Maintain regular, secure backups of critical data, ensuring they are stored separately and can be quickly restored.
• Heightened Security Measures: Implement comprehensive security solutions capable of detecting and preventing ransomware attacks.
• Continuous Training: Educate all hands on deck about the risks of ransomware and the importance of cautious online navigation.
• Swift Containment Strategies: Develop and rehearse quick-response plans to contain and neutralize ransomware attacks effectively.

Current Status: Cactus Ransomware remains an active and evolving threat in the cyber world, continuously refining its strategies to ensnare more victims.

Associated MITRE ATT&CK Techniques:

1. T1486 - Data Encrypted for Impact: Encrypts data on the victim's machine as its primary attack method.
2. T1490 - Inhibit System Recovery: Attempts to prevent system recovery by disabling backup and recovery software.
3. T1562 - Impair Defenses: Disables security software to facilitate its attack and persistence.
4. T1070 - Indicator Removal on Host: Modifies or deletes logs and other indicators to cover its tracks.
5. T1489 - Service Stop: Stops critical system services to exacerbate the impact of its attack.
6. T1027 - Obfuscated Files or Information: Uses obfuscation to hide its true nature and evade detection.
7. T1041 - Exfiltration Over C2 Channel: May exfiltrate sensitive data before encryption, adding to the threat.
8. T1112 - Modify Registry: Alters registry settings for persistence and to disable security features.