LLTP Ransomware

A new ransomware has been identified based on the Venus Locker ransomware.

Threat ID:: CC-1297
Category:: Ransomware
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:: Email spam
Published:: 30 March 2017 12:00 AM

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

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Summary

A new ransomware has been identified based on the Venus Locker ransomware.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows - all versions

Threat details

The ransomware is distributed through malicious spam emails with a malicious attachment; it has also been seen to be distributed via compromised websites that redirect the user to the malware’s landing page.

Once the malware is installed it connects to its Command and Control server (C2) to send details of the infected operating system. Additionally the C2 server provides the malware with an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) password that is used to encrypt the infected user’s files and provides a unique ID for the user, included in the ransom note.

LLTP encrypted files can be identified by the new extension of the original file name, the ransomware also deletes any shadow copies of targeted files to ensure the user can’t retrieve older versions.

The ransom note is then delivered displaying the users unique ID where they are directed to a link to pay the ransom.

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 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

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: 17 February 2020 11:33 am