Shamoon 2.0

2012 the data-wiping malware, Shamoon also called Disttrack, was targeting the Middle East, more recently it has been updated to include ransomware features and has made an appearance in Europe.

Threat ID:: CC-1267
Category:: Worm
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:
Published:: 16 March 2017 12:00 AM

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Summary

2012 the data-wiping malware, Shamoon also called Disttrack, was targeting the Middle East, more recently it has been updated to include ransomware features and has made an appearance in Europe.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Windows all versions

Threat details

Shamoon consists of three main components;
Dropper – When an attacker launches the malware on a network via the internet, it then spreads to hard disks of other computers in the network.
Reporter –The malware compiles a list of files on each infected computer as well as the domain name and IP address and sends this information back to the attacker.
Wiper – This function deletes some or all of the compromised files and finally overwrites the Master boot Record (MBR) of the computer so that it cannot reboot and restore the lost file from backups.

The updated version of Shamoon allows the attackers to obtain administrator credentials for the user's network then they build a custom wiper which leverages these credentials to spread widely inside a network. Finally, on a predefined date, the wiper activates, rendering the user’s machines completely inoperable. It should be noted that the final stages of the attacks have their activity completely automated, without the need for communication with the Command and Control Server.

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	Securing RDP If RDP is not used then ensure: Port 3389 is blocked at your internet firewall If RDP is used: Ensure only authorised users are granted RDP permissions. Authorised users have a strong password. RDP connections are protected with multifactor authentication. For additional security only allow RDP to run through VPN connections. 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 email and internet 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

Securing RDP
If RDP is not used then ensure:

Port 3389 is blocked at your internet firewall

If RDP is used:

Ensure only authorised users are granted RDP permissions.
Authorised users have a strong password.
RDP connections are protected with multifactor authentication.
For additional security only allow RDP to run through VPN connections.

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 email and internet 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: 11 January 2022 4:49 pm