Maze Ransomware

Introduction: Since its discovery in 2019, Maze ransomware has gained notoriety for its attacks on MSPs (Managed Service Providers) and its capability to move laterally to other networks. Despite reports of its shutdown in 2020, various similar ransomware strains continue to pose threats globally. Understanding Maze ransomware is crucial for organizations to enhance cybersecurity defenses against similar ransomware attacks.

Maze Ransomware Overview:

Payment Demands:
- Maze, like other ransomware, demands cryptocurrency payment for a decryption key. Notably, it employs double extortion, threatening to leak confidential data if the ransom is not paid.
Targeted Sectors:
- Targets a wide range of organizations globally, including healthcare, finance, engineering, government, and technology.
Infection Method:
- Spreads through exploiting OS or application vulnerabilities, malicious links or attachments, brute force attacks, malicious websites, ads, and exploit kits.

History:

Discovery:
- Discovered in 2019, Maze is believed to be offered as Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS).
Double Extortion Trendsetter:
- Maze popularized double extortion, encrypting files and threatening to publish exfiltrated data online, a tactic now common among ransomware groups.
Website Operation:
- The Maze group operated a dark web website where they listed victims, published stolen data, and included social media links for sharing.

Maze Ransomware Website:

Dark Web Presence:
- The Maze group operated a dark web website, showcasing victims and posted exfiltrated data.
- Announced shutdown in 2020, with claims of no further website updates.

Targets and Spread:

Typical Targets:
- Primarily targets large organizations, including healthcare, finance, engineering, government, and technology.
- Notorious for targeting MSPs, allowing attacks to cascade through clients.

Technical Details:

Payload Customization:
- Maze operators customize payloads for stealth on target machines.
- Exploits system-specific vulnerabilities such as RabbitMQ processes and Java Updater mechanism.
Attack on Cognizant:
- A notable attack on Cognizant involved a signed DLL payload (kepstl32.dll), encrypting supported file types.
- Attempts to inhibit recovery by deleting shadow copies via WMIC.exe.

Detection Strategies:

EDR is effective in detecting and preventing malicious behaviors and artifacts associated with Maze ransomware.

For those without EDR , detection involves:

Security Tools:
- Use antimalware software or security tools capable of detecting and blocking known ransomware variants.
Network Traffic Monitoring:
- Monitor network traffic for indicators of compromise and unusual patterns.
Security Audits:
- Regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities and ensure security controls are effective.
Education & Training:
- Educate employees on cybersecurity best practices to recognize and report threats.
Backup & Recovery Plan:
- Implement a robust backup plan for data recovery in case of an attack.

Mitigation Measures:

For EDR customers, the EDR can prevent Maze infections and restore systems to their pre-infection state (via Repair or Rollback).

For those without EDR , mitigation involves:

Employee Education:
- Educate employees on ransomware risks and train them to identify and avoid threats.
Strong Passwords:
- Implement strong, regularly updated passwords for user accounts.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
- Enable MFA for user accounts to add an extra layer of security.
System Updates and Patching:
- Regularly update and patch systems to fix vulnerabilities and prevent exploitation.
Backup and Disaster Recovery (BDR):
- Establish and test regular backup and disaster recovery processes for quick data restoration.

Incident Response:

If a ransomware attack is suspected:
1. Disconnect infected devices promptly.
2. Run a malware scan to remove the ransomware.
3. Restore files from backups.
4. Consult with security experts if needed.

Public Decryption Tool(s):

The No More Ransom project provides decryption tools: No More Ransom Decryption Tools

Proactive security measures, user education, and robust backup strategies are essential to effectively mitigate the risk of Maze ransomware attacks.

Cyber Threat Overview: Mindware Ransomware

Introduction: Mindware ransomware emerged in March 2022 as a sophisticated multi-pronged extortion threat, believed to be an evolution of the SFile ransomware. It employs advanced techniques such as Reflective DLL injection to encrypt devices, and it stands out for exfiltrating sensitive data before initiating encryption. This analysis provides insights into Mindware ransomware, its targets, working mechanisms, technical details, and effective detection and mitigation strategies.

Mindware Ransomware Overview:

Emergence:
- First identified in March 2022, Mindware is recognized for its multi-pronged extortion approach, evolving from SFile ransomware.
Exfiltration Strategy:
- Mindware operators exfiltrate enticing data before encrypting devices, using the threat of data leakage as an additional leverage point for ransom payment.

Targets:

Industries:
- Primarily targets government, healthcare, engineering, and finance sectors.
- Notably focuses on non-profit and mental health-related entities.

Infection Mechanism:

Entry Vectors:
- Exploits exposed and vulnerable applications and services like Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and third-party frameworks (e.g., Empire, Metasploit, Cobalt Strike).
- RDP brute force is a common entry vector shared with the SFile ransomware.