The talk below details Javascript-based malware threats that we have observed in the wild. Traditionally, malware is developed in languages such as C and C++, and so studying Javascript-based malware threats has been an interesting exercise for us.
In this CascadiaJS talk, I share intricacies of the RAA ransomware, the first ransomware written entirely in Javascript, and Cryptojacking attacks. CascadiaJS was a great venue to share this analysis since it brings together Javascript experts and enthusiasts. Please watch the talk embedded below.
I recently spoke at ToorCon XX about the dangers of modern ransomware and cryptojacking attacks. These are the top malware threats in 2018 and as part of the Security Research Group at MSU, I was closely following the threat patterns. The video for the talk has now been released by ToorCon, and the video and talk abstract are provided below.
Ransomware and cryptojacking have been recognized as the top malware
threats in 2018. Financially motivated cybercriminals are attracted to
both since both remain viable means of generating illicit income. In
this talk, we delve deep into the latest characteristics observed in
ransomware and cryptojacking attacks. Modern ransomware go beyond mere
data encryption and come bundled with other threats, while cryptojacking
attacks exploit unsuspecting web users by deploying embedded JavaScript
miners concealed in websites. We discuss the intricate characteristics
of sophisticated modern ransomware variants, cryptojacking attacks, and
the results of our web crawl identifying websites involved in
cryptojacking. Finally, we compare ransomware and cryptojacking in terms
of their potential to generate illicit income for cybercriminals versus
the levels of sophistication required to implement their respective
campaigns.
Modern malware present multi-faceted threats that leverage a variety of
attack vectors. Leading the malware threatscape in 2018 are ransomware
and cryptojacking attacks, and the more evolved variants are now
implementing targeted attacks against organizations (e.g. SamSam). These
modern ransomware include a hybrid cryptosystem that uses a combination
of symmetric and asymmetric cryptography. In recent practice,
ransomware are going beyond mere data encryption and come bundled with
other threats. We present real-world cases of ransomware where we
observed these cryptoviral extortions drop trojan horses (e.g. RAA
dropping pony) and cryptominers (e.g. BlackRuby). Our research shows
that these secondary infections remain active on host even after the
ransom is paid. During this talk, we will also discuss how elliptic
curve cryptography (ECIES) is deployed in modern ransomware (e.g. Petya
and PetrWrap) and the tactical advantages it provides (over RSA) to
ransomware operators. We will show how many ransomware variants purge
shadow copies (via vssadmin), encrypt network backups (using
WNetAddConnection2), and use the latest anti-virus circumvention
techniques such as “process doppelganging” (e.g. SynAck ransomware). In
addition, we will discuss the results of our preliminary web crawl that
identified cryptojacking scripts embedded across a variety of websites.
We will discuss just how cryptojacking works, why it is rampantly
spreading, how it effects organizations and individuals and how to
effectively protect an organization and its employees against it.
In conclusion, we will discuss the future of the most potent ransomware
and cryptojacking malware as predicted via analysis of real-world
malware samples observed lately in the wild. We will also explore new
attack vectors (besides phishing) deployed by these malware such as
exploiting critical vulnerabilities (e.g. the infamous EternalBlue) or
brute forcing remote services (e.g. RDP or SSH). All arguments presented
during the talk will be backed by empirical evidence in form of system
snapshots, code snippets, and network packet dumps as collected from
real-world malware.
I recently spoke at GrrCon 2018 about how ransomware actually implement key management models by abusing the resident CryptoAPI on host systems. This 25 minute talk goes deep into explaining what the CryptoAPI entails on a Windows system, what DLLs the ransomware imports, what functions from these DLLs are used by the ransomware, and how Cryptographic Service Providers (CSPs) come into the picture.
This talk also demonstrates the concepts by taking the example of the infamous "NotPetya" ransomware. We reverse engineer the NotPeya malware in IDA disassembler and discuss the cryptographic functions being imported from DLLs on Windows.
Ransomware such as WannaCry and Petya have been heavily focused upon in the news but are their cryptographic models different from predecessors? Key management is crucial to these cryptoviral extortions and for convenience, they harness the power of resident Crypto APIs available on host. Simply stated, they command victim’s resources to lock victim’s resources. In this talk, we examine popular key management models deployed in infamous cryptovirii with the ultimate objective of providing a deeper comprehension of exactly how resident APIs are being used against users. On a Windows host, CryptoAPI (CAPI) provides cryptographic services to applications. CSPs are sets of DLLs that are associated with CAPI implementing cryptographic functions such as CryptAcquireContext, CryptGenKey, CryptEncrypt, CryptImportKey, CryptExportKey, CryptDestroyKey. In Windows Vista and later, CNG replaces CAPI and the ransomware menace persists. We explain cryptographic functions exploited by several ransomware families and explore answers to crucial questions such as how and where the encryption key is generated, where it is stored, how it is protected while encrypting user data, and how it is securely purged. We provide graphical representations combined with pseudo-codes embodying real-world Crypto API function calls pertaining to key management in ransomware. This talk delves deep into key management in present-day ransomware and is a direct result of real-world case studies of highly virulent infections. Dissections will be shown to back up the arguments.
As of November 2017, I have started posting a series of videos detailing and demonstrating several penetration testing concepts on a YouTube channel here:
The purpose of this channel is to foster a deeper understanding of security concepts and, more importantly, how hackers operate. To beat the enemy, it is crucial to comprehend how they operate. Knowing the adversary is our best defense.
The format of the videos will be a demonstration of a security concept on Kali Linux, that is, a practical lab scenario. I will explain as much as I can in the short videos but at this point I will assume that visitors will do background reading on the theory behind my demonstrations on their own. In future, if time permits, I might include some theory videos as well.
Please subscribe, like, and comment on the channel to show your support. Pursuing a doctoral degree in computer science keeps me very busy and this support encourages me to keep posting regularly despite my busy schedule.
