Sage 2.0 Ransomware

Sage 2.0 is a new variant of Crylocker (CC-727 ) that has been observed in a recent spam campaign.

Threat ID:: CC-1135
Category:: Ransomware
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:: Email spam
Published:: 2 February 2017 12:00 AM

Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

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Summary

Sage 2.0 is a new variant of Crylocker (CC-727 ) that has been observed in a recent spam campaign.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

All Windows Platforms

Threat details

The emails often have a missing subject line and no message within the body of text except for a zip file attachment containing malicious macros that download and execute the installer.

The installer stores its executable in the user’s ‘AppData\Roaming’ directory and creates a ‘scheduled task’ to ensure the ransomware runs every time the user logs in to Windows. Any backups taken as Windows Shadow Volume copies are deleted.

The installer execution depends on the user accepting a User Account Control (UAC) prompt to authorise its execution. Targeted files are appended with .sage extension and a ransom note is created in the same directory as the encrypted files.

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	If a computer on your network becomes infected with ransomware it will begin encrypting local machine files and files on any network the logged-in user has permission to access. For system administration accounts this may include backup storage locations. To avoid becoming infected with Ransomware, ensure that: ◦A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails. ◦All operating systems, antivirus and other security products are kept up to date. ◦All day to day computer activities such as checking email and browsing the web are performed using non- administrative accounts and that permissions are always assigned on the basis of least privilege. ◦Your organisation adopts a holistic all round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps To Cyber Security. Identifying the source of infection: Identifying the infected machine and unplugging / disconnecting or quarantining it from the network is essential to damage limitation. ◦Users should immediately report infections to their IT support provider, disconnect their network cable and power the computer down. ◦File auditing should be enabled and file server logs should be monitored to detect signs of unauthorised encryption and allow the source of encryption to be identified (i.e. the infected PC). To limit the damage of ransomware and enable recovery: ◦All critical data must be backed up, and these backups must be sufficiently protected/kept out of reach of ransomware. ◦Multiple backups should be created including at least one off-network backup (e.g. to tape). The only guaranteed way to recover from a ransomware infection is to restore all affected files from their most recent backup

Type

Step

If a computer on your network becomes infected with ransomware it will begin encrypting local machine files and files on any network the logged-in user has permission to access. For system administration accounts this may include backup storage locations.

To avoid becoming infected with Ransomware, ensure that:
◦A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails.
◦All operating systems, antivirus and other security products are kept up to date.
◦All day to day computer activities such as checking email and browsing the web are performed using non- administrative accounts and that permissions are always assigned on the basis of least privilege.
◦Your organisation adopts a holistic all round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps To Cyber Security.

Identifying the source of infection:

Identifying the infected machine and unplugging / disconnecting or quarantining it from the network is essential to damage limitation.
◦Users should immediately report infections to their IT support provider, disconnect their network cable and power the computer down.
◦File auditing should be enabled and file server logs should be monitored to detect signs of unauthorised encryption and allow the source of encryption to be identified (i.e. the infected PC).

To limit the damage of ransomware and enable recovery:
◦All critical data must be backed up, and these backups must be sufficiently protected/kept out of reach of ransomware.
◦Multiple backups should be created including at least one off-network backup (e.g. to tape).

The only guaranteed way to recover from a ransomware infection is to restore all affected files from their most recent backup

Last edited: 17 February 2020 11:38 am