JungleSec Ransomware

JungleSec is a ransomware tool that has been spread via unsecured Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) systems since November 2018.

Threat ID:: CC-2860
Category:: Ransomware
Threat Severity:: Medium
Threat Vector:: Insecure network
Published:: 2 January 2019 12:00 AM

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

Summary

JungleSec is a ransomware tool that has been spread via unsecured Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) systems since November 2018.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

Servers and other devices using IPMI

Threat details

Remote attackers can take control of servers and other devices using IPMI where they have not been properly configured, particularly when default credentials have not been changed. JungleSec has been found on Windows, Linux and Mac devices.

When the threat actors gain access to a device, they reboot it into single user mode to acquire root privileges. They then download, compile and execute the ccrypt program to encrypt files hosted on the device. Virtual machine disks may also be encrypted.

A ransom note is saved to the affected device that demands payment in bitcoin. A message is attached to the sudo command that prompts users to read this file. Users who pay the ransom report that they are still unable to recover their data. A backdoor is installed in some attacks that listens for activity on TCP port 64321, with a firewall rule being created to allow access to that port.

Remediation steps

Type	Step
	IPMI systems should be properly secured so that they cannot be utilised to compromise a device: Change any default passwords. Configure access control lists so that only trusted internal IP addresses can access these interfaces. Consider adding a password to any boot loaders that allow access to single user mode. If a device 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, anti-virus 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 based on the principle 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 affected device and 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 device). 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

IPMI systems should be properly secured so that they cannot be utilised to compromise a device:

Change any default passwords.
Configure access control lists so that only trusted internal IP addresses can access these interfaces.
Consider adding a password to any boot loaders that allow access to single user mode.

If a device 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, anti-virus 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 based on the principle 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 affected device and 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 device).

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: 14 February 2020 2:54 pm