Cyber Security Threat Summary:
“The new NoEscape ransomware operation is believed to be a rebrand of Avaddon, a ransomware gang that shut down and released its decryption keys in 2021. NoEscape launched in June 2023 when it began targeting the enterprise in double-extortion attacks. As part of these attacks, the threat actors steal data and encrypt files on Windows, Linux, and VMware ESXi servers. The threat actors then threaten to publicly release stolen data if a ransom is not paid. BleepingComputer is aware of NoEscape ransomware demands ranging between hundreds of thousands of dollars to over $10 million. Like other ransomware gangs, NoEscape does not allow its members to target CIS (ex-Soviet Union) countries, with victims from those countries receiving free decryptors and information on how they were breached. At this time, the ransomware gang has listed ten companies from different countries and industries on their data leak site, illustrating that they are not targeting a particular vertical” (Bleeping Computer, 2023).

According to ransomware expert Michael Gillespie, NoEscape’s and Avaddon’s ransomware encryptors are very similar, with the encryption logic and file formats being almost identical. Furthermore, both encryptors seem to use the same configuration file and directives. This suggests that NoEscape threat actors either purchased the source code from Avaddon or that Avaddon’s core members have rebrands under the new moniker “NoEscape.”

Security Officer Comments:
Taking a closer look at a NoEscape sample that was uncovered, the strain contains commands designed to delete Windows Shadow Volume Copies, making it difficult for victims to recover their files. NoEscape is also designed to terminate various processes on the victim’s system including those associated with security software, backup applications, and web and database servers. It will also terminate Windows services associated with databases, virtual machine platforms, etc.

For the encryption process, NoEscape uses Salsa20 algorithm to encrypt files. Depending on the size of the files being targeted, researchers note that NoEscape uses either of the three modes of encryption:

Full the entire file is encrypted Partial Only the first X megabytes are encrypted. Chunked Uses intermittent encryption to encrypt chunks of data.

Files encrypted by NoEscape are appended with a 10 character extension that is randomly generated for each victim. Like any other strain, a ransom note is also left behind after successful encryption, with instructions for victims to recover their files. If the victim fails to pay the ransom demanded, then their data will be lea

Suggested Correction(s):
Backup your data, system images, and configurations, regularly test them, and keep the backups offline: Ensure that backups are regularly tested and that they are not connected to the business network, as many ransomware variants try to find and encrypt or delete accessible backups. Maintaining current backups offline is critical because if your network data is encrypted with ransomware, your organization can restore systems.

Update and patch systems promptly: This includes maintaining the security of operating systems, applications, and firmware in a timely manner. Consider using a centralized patch management system; use a risk- based assessment strategy to drive your patch management program.

Test your incident response plan: There's nothing that shows the gaps in plans more than testing them. Run through some core questions and use those to build an incident response plan: Are you able to sustain business operations without access to certain systems? For how long? Would you turn off your manufacturing operations if business systems such as billing were offline?

Check Your Security Team's Work: Use a 3rd party pen tester to test the security of your systems and your ability to defend against a sophisticated attack. Many ransomware criminals are aggressive and sophisticated and will find the equivalent of unlocked doors.

Segment your networks: There's been a recent shift in ransomware attacks – from stealing data to disrupting operations. It's critically important that your corporate business functions and manufacturing/production operations are separated and that you carefully filter and limit internet access to operational networks, identify links between these networks and develop workarounds or manual controls to ensure ICS networks can be isolated and continue operating if your corporate network is compromised. Regularly test contingency plans such as manual controls so that safety critical functions can be maintained during a cyber incident.

Train employees: Email remains the most vulnerable attack vector for organizations. Users should be trained how to avoid and spot phishing emails. Multi Factor authentication can help prevent malicious access to sensitive services.

Link(s):
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/