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Medusa Ransomware

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Global rank
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IOCs

Medusa is a ransomware malware family targeting businesses and institutions. Medusa encrypts crucial data, rendering it inaccessible, and attempts to pressure users to pay to regain control of their information. The group behind this malicious software hosts a TOR website where it shares the list of the organizations whose infrastructure has been compromised. This malware utilizes various tactics, including exploiting vulnerabilities and employs a unique file extension (".MEDUSA") to mark encrypted files.

Ransomware
Type
Unknown
Origin
1 June, 2021
First seen
14 October, 2024
Last seen

How to analyze Medusa Ransomware with ANY.RUN

Type
Unknown
Origin
1 June, 2021
First seen
14 October, 2024
Last seen

IOCs

Hashes
bae48fe24d140f4c1c118edbfaee4ab6446c173a0d0b849585a88db3f38f01b8
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ead965866e72def7759c08492f5ddc40fd5ec1c3c172361906aed09c936f582a
54b8ca90cd5c6b8053a612d2e8d99bf05f427b36e7fccc0f63427e1f386db186
dbac4f2fffcb4e09aad772895647e8f161b1ac713592fe47c5e8207c85722f13
1e2335fef46f7320069623fff6702acb41c2877aff5fec83d94a561af37c3c7a
8b9bdc5cf5534d377a6201d1803a5aa0915b93c9df524307118fd61f361bdba2
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a5fdfacc22914d12eec28fb085f026401db10ae51d4e549dfec6160501be0dcf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73549f6017ad04e475e40e9d306b3e042d080843d8e7c029a5bb6b8ab7e34432
Domains
asfsafsakjfkjsa.xyz
umxkexskgtctvws.cn
sock.asfsafsakjfkjsa.xyz
ueihtnoujbedjiu.ru
fpuacswjcgpcxoe.ru
Last Seen at

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What is malware: Medusa Ransomware?

Medusa Ransomware is a type of malicious software employed by cybercriminals for extortion purposes. This tool is used in offensive campaigns that involve the encryption of critical data belonging to organizations, followed by a ransom demand for its decryption.

Medusa Ransomware first emerged in June 2021 and has since targeted various industries, including the education sector. In 2023 alone, it is reported to have affected over 70 organizations globally, operating under the Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) business model.

The cybercriminals behind Medusa Ransomware maintain a dedicated TOR website where they publish information about their victims, accompanied by a countdown clock indicating the time left before the data is released.

To prevent data leaks, victims are typically presented with three options. They can extend the time limit, pay a fee to have their stolen data deleted, or opt to download the compromised data, essentially buying back their own information.

One notable incident involving Medusa Ransomware took place in 2023. The group successfully infiltrated Toyota's European division, demanding a substantial ransom of $8 million. When negotiations broke down, the attackers proceeded to release the stolen data on their dark web portal.

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Medusa ransomware malicious software technical details

One of the primary signs of a Medusa ransomware attack is the addition of the ".MEDUSA" extension to encrypted files. However, this malware has been known to use various other extensions such as .1btc, .mylock, and .key1.

The variety of file extensions linked to Medusa ransomware indicates the existence of several versions. The ransom notes can appear in either TXT or HTML format (in newer versions). The note contains a unique 32-character hash value used for communication with the attackers.

For the encryption process, Medusa utilizes the strong AES256 algorithm, making decryption without the proper key extremely challenging. Additionally, the key used for encryption is itself encrypted using an RSA public key, further securing the encrypted data.

Medusa often infiltrates systems by exploiting existing vulnerabilities. In the past, it has targeted weaknesses such as CVE-2022-2294 and CVE-2022-21999 to deliver its payload.

To maintain persistence on the infected system, Medusa copies an executable file, usually named "svhost.exe" or "svhostt.exe", to a specific directory within the user's profile. This executable is then scheduled to run at regular intervals, ensuring the continued operation of the ransomware.

Medusa targets and terminates processes associated with security software. By doing so, it aims to disable potential detection and data recovery mechanisms.

Another strategy employed by Medusa is the deletion of Volume Shadow Copies, a Windows feature that creates backups of files at specific points in time. By eliminating these copies, Medusa removes a potential recovery method for victims.

Medusa Ransomware execution process

Medusa Ransomware can be analyzed in the ANY.RUN sandbox. To do this, we can upload its sample to the service.

Medusa ransomware typically infiltrates a system through phishing emails or malicious downloads, exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated software or weak security measures. Once executed, it stealthily encrypts files using strong encryption algorithms, rendering them inaccessible to the user. Medusa then displays a ransom note, usually demanding payment in cryptocurrency, in exchange for a decryption key. The ransom note often includes instructions on how to make the payment and how to contact the attackers. Meanwhile, Medusa may also attempt to spread laterally across the network, infecting other connected devices. Finally, the attackers await payment confirmation before providing the decryption key, although there's no guarantee they will uphold their end of the bargain. As a common activity for ransomware, Medusa halts system services and deletes shadow volumes.

Medusa ransom note shown in ANY.RUN Medusa ransom note demonstrated in ANY.RUN

Medusa Ransomware malware distribution methods

Similar to other malware, such as AsyncRAT and Remcos, phishing is one of the primary distribution methods employed by Medusa ransomware operators. Attackers send deceptive emails to potential victims, often disguising themselves as legitimate organizations or individuals. These emails typically contain malicious attachments or links, which, when clicked or downloaded, initiate the ransomware installation process.

Conclusion

Medusa ransomware's ability to compromise sensitive data poses a threat to businesses and individuals. The consequences of a successful attack can be severe, ranging from financial losses due to ransom demands to reputational damage caused by leaked information. Prioritizing preventive measures, such as learning about the malware’s TTPs and collecting its indicators of compromise (IOCs) can prove invaluable for any organization’s security posture. ANY.RUN is an online sandbox that enables users to do just that.

This interactive sandbox environment allows users to safely explore potential malware and quickly receive detailed technical reports. By leveraging this service, users can collect important information for making decisions needed for safeguarding their systems from harm.

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