MAR-10337802-1.v1: DarkSide Ransomware

This report is provided "as is" for informational purposes only. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) does not provide any warranties of any kind regarding any information contained herein. The DHS does not endorse any commercial product or service referenced in this bulletin or otherwise.

This document is marked TLP:WHITE--Disclosure is not limited. Sources may use TLP:WHITE when information carries minimal or no foreseeable risk of misuse, in accordance with applicable rules and procedures for public release. Subject to standard copyright rules, TLP:WHITE information may be distributed without restriction. For more information on the Traffic Light Protocol (TLP), see http://www.cisa.gov/tlp.

Description

This Malware Analysis Report (MAR) is the result of analytic efforts by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). CISA processed three (3) files associated with a variant of DarkSide ransomware. NOTE: CISA has no evidence that this variant is related to the pipeline incident, referred to in Joint Cybersecurity Advisory AA21-131A: DarkSide Ransomware: Best Practices for Preventing Business Disruption from Ransomware Attacks.



Ransomware is designed to encrypt the victim's files to extort and ransom for their recovery. DarkSide is a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS)--the developers of the ransomware received a share of the proceeds from the cybercriminal actors who deploy it, known as "affiliates." This DarkSide ransomware variant executes a dynamic-link library (DLL) program used to delete Volume Shadow copies available on the system. The malware collects, encrypts, and send system information to the threat actor's command and control (C2) domains and generates a ransom note to the victim.



CISA is distributing this MAR, which includes suggested response actions and recommended mitigation techniques, to help network defenders identify and mitigate risks.



For a downloadable copy of IOCs, see: MAR-10337802-1.v1.WHITE.stix.

Click here for a PDF version of this report.

Submitted Files (3)

156335b95ba216456f1ac0894b7b9d6ad95404ac7df447940f21646ca0090673 (156335b95ba216456f1ac0894b7b9d...)

3ba456cafcb31e0710626170c3565aae305bc7c32a948a54f0331d0939e0fe8a (045621d9.BMP)

f6fba207c71d1f53f82d96a87c25c4fa3c020dca58d9b8a266137f33597a0b0e (README.045621d9.TXT)

Domains (2)

baroquetees.com

rumahsia.com

IPs (2)

176.103.62.217

99.83.154.118

156335b95ba216456f1ac0894b7b9d6ad95404ac7df447940f21646ca0090673

Tags

downloaderloaderransomwaretrojan

Details

Antivirus

YARA Rules

No matches found.

ssdeep Matches

No matches found.

PE Metadata

PE Sections

Packers/Compilers/Cryptors

Relationships

Description

This artifact is a 32-bit DLL that is a Darkside ransomware variant. The program is called ‘encryptor2.dll’. When it is executed, it will invoke the Volume Shadow service (vssvc.exe) to delete any Volume Shadow copies available on the system.



The malware collects information on the system to include the operating system, default language, username, hostname, domain, and operating system (OS) architecture. This information is encrypted and sent to one of the following command-and-control (C2) domains:



---Begin C2 Domains---

baroquetees[.]com

rumahsia[.]com

---End C2 Domains---



The malware reads the system GUID and uses the value to generate a unique eight character hexadecimal extension that it appends to the encrypted files. This extension is also used as the name of the running service the program uses to encrypt the user’s data.



---Begin Service Example---

HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\services\.045621d9

HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\services\.045621d9\DisplayName Data: “.045621d9”

HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\services\.045621d9\ObjectName Data: “LocalSystem”

HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\services\.045621d9\ImagePath Data: <Path to the DLL>

---End Service Example---



This variant of the malware contains a hard-coded key ‘_M8607761bf3212d6’ that it uses to decrypt an embedded base64 encoded configuration that runs the ransomware program. The program is configured to avoid encrypting any files located in directories that contain the following strings:



---Begin Avoided Directories---

$recycle.bin

config.msi

$windows.~bt

$windows.~ws

windows

appdata

application data

boot

google

mozilla

program files

program files (x86)

programdata

system volume information

tor browser

windows.old

intel

msocache

perflogs

x64dbg

public

all users

default

---End Avoided Directories---



Any files with the following extensions will not be encrypted:



---Begin File Extensions---

.386

.adv

.ani

.bat

.bin

.cab

.cmd

.com

.cpl

.cur

.deskthemepack

.diagcab

.diagcfg

.diagpkg

.dll

.drv

.exe

.hlp

.icl

.icns

.ico

.ics

.idx

.ldf

.lnk

.mod

.mpa

.msc

.msp

.msstyles

.msu

.nls

.nomedia

.ocx

.prf

.ps1

.rom

.rtp

.scr

.shs

.spl

.sys

.theme

.themepack

.wpx

.lock

.key

.hta

.msi

.pdb

.sql

---End File Extensions---



Before the encryption routine starts, the program will check to determine if any of the following processes are running, and shut them down:



---Begin Running Processes---

oracle

ocssd

dbsnmp

synctime

agntsvc

isqlplussvc

xfssvccon

mydesktopservice

ocautoupds

encsvc

firefox

tbirdconfig

mydesktopqos

ocomm

dbeng50

sqbcoreservice

excel

infopath

msaccess

mspub

onenote

outlook

powerpnt

steam

thebat

thunderbird

visio

winword

wordpad

notepad

---End Running Processes---



The following services will also be terminated:



---Begin Terminated Services---

.vss

.sql

svc$

memtas

mepocs

sophos

veeam

backup

GxVss

GxBlr

GxFWD

GxCVD

GxCIMgr

---End Terminated Services---



After the encryption routine runs, a bitmap image file is created in the path C:\ProgramData with the same name as the encryption extension, e.g. ‘045621d9.BMP’. The following registry keys are created that generate a ransom note wallpaper on the user’s desktop:



---Begin Wallpaper Registry Keys---

HKU\DEFAULT\ControlPanel\Desktop\Wallpaper Data: <Path to .BMP file>

HKCU\ControlPanel\Desktop\Wallpaper    Data: <Path to .BMP file>

---End Wallpaper Registry Keys---



The .BMP file contains instructions to the victim for recovering data (Figure 1).



In each directory that the program has encrypted files, a ransom note is dropped with the naming format ‘README.<UniqueID>.TXT’. The file contains instructions for the victim to follow to recover files.



The following is an example of the recovery instructions:



---Begin Recovery Instructions---







----------- [ Welcome to DarkSide ] ------------->



What happend?

----------------------------------------------

Your computers and servers are encrypted, backups are deleted. We use strong encryption algorithms, so you cannot decrypt your data.

But you can restore everything by purchasing a special program from us - universal decryptor. This program will restore all your network.

Follow our instructions below and you will recover all your data.



What guarantees?

----------------------------------------------

We value our reputation. If we do not do our work and liabilities, nobody will pay us. This is not in our interests.

All our decryption software is perfectly tested and will decrypt your data. We will also provide support in case of problems.

We guarantee to decrypt one file for free. Go to the site and contact us.



How to get access on website?

----------------------------------------------

Using a TOR browser:

1) Download and install TOR browser from this site: hxxps[:]//torproject.org/

2) Open our website: hxxp[:]//dark24zz36xm4y2phwe7yvnkkkkhxionhfrwp67awpb3r3bdcneivoqd.onion/ZWQHXVE7MW9JXE5N1EGIP6IMEFAGC7LNN6WJCBVKJFKB5QXP6LUZV654ASG7977V



When you open our website, put the following data in the input form:

Key:



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



!!! DANGER !!!

DO NOT MODIFY or try to RECOVER any files yourself. We WILL NOT be able to RESTORE them.

!!! DANGER !!!



---End Recovery Instructions---

Screenshots

baroquetees.com

Tags

command-and-control

Ports

• 443 TCP

Whois

Domain Name: BAROQUETEES.COM

Registry Domain ID: 2536327775_DOMAIN_COM-VRSN

Registrar WHOIS Server: whois.namecheap.com

Registrar URL: http://www.namecheap.com

Updated Date: 2021-02-27T09:49:39Z

Creation Date: 2020-06-11T14:12:08Z

Registry Expiry Date: 2021-06-11T14:12:08Z

Registrar: NameCheap, Inc.

Registrar IANA ID: 1068

Registrar Abuse Contact Email: abuse@namecheap.com

Registrar Abuse Contact Phone: +1.6613102107

Domain Status: clientTransferProhibited https://icann.org/epp#clientTransferProhibited

Name Server: DNS1.REGISTRAR-SERVERS.COM

Name Server: DNS2.REGISTRAR-SERVERS.COM

DNSSEC: unsigned



Domain name: baroquetees.com

Registry Domain ID: 2536327775_DOMAIN_COM-VRSN

Registrar WHOIS Server: whois.namecheap.com

Registrar URL: http://www.namecheap.com

Updated Date: 0001-01-01T00:00:00.00Z

Creation Date: 2020-06-11T14:12:08.00Z

Registrar Registration Expiration Date: 2021-06-11T14:12:08.00Z

Registrar: NAMECHEAP INC

Registrar IANA ID: 1068

Registrar Abuse Contact Email: abuse@namecheap.com

Registrar Abuse Contact Phone: +1.6613102107

Reseller: NAMECHEAP INC

Domain Status: clientTransferProhibited https://icann.org/epp#clientTransferProhibited

Registrant Name: Withheld for Privacy Purposes

Registrant Organization: Privacy service provided by Withheld for Privacy ehf

Registrant Street: Kalkofnsvegur 2

Registrant City: Reykjavik

Registrant State/Province: Capital Region

Registrant Postal Code: 101

Registrant Country: IS

Registrant Phone: +354.4212434

Registrant Email: b261116753cd4019a6d879fad2cd43ca.protect@withheldforprivacy.com

Admin Name: Withheld for Privacy Purposes

Admin Organization: Privacy service provided by Withheld for Privacy ehf

Admin Street: Kalkofnsvegur 2

Admin City: Reykjavik

Admin State/Province: Capital Region

Admin Postal Code: 101

Admin Country: IS

Admin Phone: +354.4212434

Admin Email: b261116753cd4019a6d879fad2cd43ca.protect@withheldforprivacy.com

Tech Name: Withheld for Privacy Purposes

Tech Organization: Privacy service provided by Withheld for Privacy ehf

Tech Street: Kalkofnsvegur 2

Tech City: Reykjavik

Tech State/Province: Capital Region

Tech Postal Code: 101

Tech Country: IS

Tech Phone: +354.4212434

Tech Email: b261116753cd4019a6d879fad2cd43ca.protect@withheldforprivacy.com

Name Server: dns1.registrar-servers.com

Name Server: dns2.registrar-servers.com

DNSSEC: unsigned

Relationships

Description

The ransomware collects system information and sends it to this domain.

176.103.62.217

Tags

command-and-control

Relationships

Description

At the time of analysis the domain baroquetees[.]com resolved to this Internet protocol (IP) address.

rumahsia.com

Tags

command-and-control

Whois

Domain Name: RUMAHSIA.COM

Registry Domain ID: 2519337945_DOMAIN_COM-VRSN

Registrar WHOIS Server: whois.namecheap.com

Registrar URL: http://www.namecheap.com

Updated Date: 2021-04-28T07:21:46Z

Creation Date: 2020-04-27T16:07:26Z

Registry Expiry Date: 2022-04-27T16:07:26Z

Registrar: NameCheap, Inc.

Registrar IANA ID: 1068

Registrar Abuse Contact Email: abuse@namecheap.com

Registrar Abuse Contact Phone: +1.6613102107

Domain Status: clientTransferProhibited https://icann.org/epp#clientTransferProhibited

Name Server: DNS101.REGISTRAR-SERVERS.COM

Name Server: DNS102.REGISTRAR-SERVERS.COM

DNSSEC: unsigned



Domain name: rumahsia.com

Registry Domain ID: 2519337945_DOMAIN_COM-VRSN

Registrar WHOIS Server: whois.namecheap.com

Registrar URL: http://www.namecheap.com

Updated Date: 0001-01-01T00:00:00.00Z

Creation Date: 2020-04-27T16:07:26.00Z

Registrar Registration Expiration Date: 2021-04-27T16:07:26.00Z

Registrar: NAMECHEAP INC

Registrar IANA ID: 1068

Registrar Abuse Contact Email: abuse@namecheap.com

Registrar Abuse Contact Phone: +1.6613102107

Reseller: NAMECHEAP INC

Domain Status: clientTransferProhibited https://icann.org/epp#clientTransferProhibited

Registrant Name: REACTIVATION PERIOD

Registrant Organization: Withheld for Privacy Purposes

Registrant Street: Kalkofnsvegur 2

Registrant City: Reykjavik

Registrant State/Province: Capital Region

Registrant Postal Code: 101

Registrant Country: IS

Registrant Phone: +354.4212434

Registrant Email: reactivation-pending@mail.withheldforprivacy.com

Admin Name: REACTIVATION PERIOD

Admin Organization: Withheld for Privacy Purposes

Admin Street: Kalkofnsvegur 2

Admin City: Reykjavik

Admin State/Province: Capital Region

Admin Postal Code: 101

Admin Country: IS

Admin Phone: +354.4212434

Admin Email: reactivation-pending@mail.withheldforprivacy.com

Tech Name: REACTIVATION PERIOD

Tech Organization: Withheld for Privacy Purposes

Tech Street: Kalkofnsvegur 2

Tech City: Reykjavik

Tech State/Province: Capital Region

Tech Postal Code: 101

Tech Country: IS

Tech Phone: +354.4212434

Tech Email: reactivation-pending@mail.withheldforprivacy.com

Name Server: dns101.registrar-servers.com

Name Server: dns102.registrar-servers.com

DNSSEC: unsigned

Relationships

Description

The ransomware collects system information and sends it to this domain.

99.83.154.118

Tags

command-and-control

Relationships

Description

At the time of analysis the domain rumahsia[.]com resolved to this IP address.

3ba456cafcb31e0710626170c3565aae305bc7c32a948a54f0331d0939e0fe8a

Tags

ransomware

Details

Antivirus

No matches found.

YARA Rules

No matches found.

ssdeep Matches

No matches found.

Relationships

Description

This bitmap image is the wallpaper used by the ransomware.

f6fba207c71d1f53f82d96a87c25c4fa3c020dca58d9b8a266137f33597a0b0e

Tags

ransomwaretrojan

Details

Antivirus

YARA Rules

No matches found.

ssdeep Matches

No matches found.

Relationships

Description

This is the ransom note created by the Darkside ransomware variant. The note contains the .onion address and the preshared key to be sent to decrypt one file for free.

Screenshots

CISA recommends that users and administrators consider using the following best practices to strengthen the security posture of their organization's systems. Any configuration changes should be reviewed by system owners and administrators prior to implementation to avoid unwanted impacts.

• Maintain up-to-date antivirus signatures and engines.
• Keep operating system patches up-to-date.
• Disable File and Printer sharing services. If these services are required, use strong passwords or Active Directory authentication.
• Restrict users' ability (permissions) to install and run unwanted software applications. Do not add users to the local administrators group unless required.
• Enforce a strong password policy and implement regular password changes.
• Exercise caution when opening e-mail attachments even if the attachment is expected and the sender appears to be known.
• Enable a personal firewall on agency workstations, configured to deny unsolicited connection requests.
• Disable unnecessary services on agency workstations and servers.
• Scan for and remove suspicious e-mail attachments; ensure the scanned attachment is its "true file type" (i.e., the extension matches the file header).
• Monitor users' web browsing habits; restrict access to sites with unfavorable content.
• Exercise caution when using removable media (e.g., USB thumb drives, external drives, CDs, etc.).
• Scan all software downloaded from the Internet prior to executing.
• Maintain situational awareness of the latest threats and implement appropriate Access Control Lists (ACLs).

Additional information on malware incident prevention and handling can be found in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-83, "Guide to Malware Incident Prevention & Handling for Desktops and Laptops".

• 1-888-282-0870
• CISA Central (UNCLASS)
• CISA SIPR (SIPRNET)
• CISA IC (JWICS)

CISA continuously strives to improve its products and services. You can help by answering a very short series of questions about this product at the following URL: https://us-cert.cisa.gov/forms/feedback/

What is a MIFR? A Malware Initial Findings Report (MIFR) is intended to provide organizations with malware analysis in a timely manner. In most instances this report will provide initial indicators for computer and network defense. To request additional analysis, please contact CISA and provide information regarding the level of desired analysis.

What is a MAR? A Malware Analysis Report (MAR) is intended to provide organizations with more detailed malware analysis acquired via manual reverse engineering. To request additional analysis, please contact CISA and provide information regarding the level of desired analysis.

Can I edit this document? This document is not to be edited in any way by recipients. All comments or questions related to this document should be directed to the CISA at 1-888-282-0870 or CISA Service Desk.

Can I submit malware to CISA? Malware samples can be submitted via three methods:

• Web: https://malware.us-cert.gov
• E-Mail: submit@malware.us-cert.gov
• FTP: ftp.malware.us-cert.gov (anonymous)

CISA encourages you to report any suspicious activity, including cybersecurity incidents, possible malicious code, software vulnerabilities, and phishing-related scams. Reporting forms can be found on CISA's homepage at www.cisa.gov.