GO Language Based Ebyte Ransomware – A Brief Analysis
Summary:
Security firm Cyfirma has uncovered details of a new ransomware strain dubbed, “Ebyte” which has been made publicly available on GitHub by its developer, EvilByteCode. Written in the Go programming language, Ebyte utilizes a combination of ChaCha20 and ECIES encryption to lock victim files. Ebytes comes with a dedicated web-based dashboard making it easy for actors to execute the ransomware, facilitate C2 communication, and keep track of infections. Like any other ransomware strain, Ebyte will delete shadow volume copies, making it difficult to recover files. The strain also uses standard HTTP traffic to blend in with legitimate network activity and deletes/alters logs to evade detection.
Ebyte is capable of encrypting all files on targeted systems, while deliberately avoiding system files to minimize the likelihood of detection by antivirus software. Once encryption is successfully completed, affected files are appended with the ".EByteLocker" extension. Additionally, Ebyte modifies the victim's desktop wallpaper and leaves behind a ransom note called "Decryption Instructions.txt,” with instructions on how the victim can recover their files.
Security Officer Comments:
Ebyte's developer, EvilByteCode, claims to be a purple team cybersecurity enthusiast and has previously authored several other projects, including Sryxen, ThunderKitty ransomware, among others. While EvilByteCode has made Ebyte publicly available on GitHub for "educational purposes," this decision inadvertently opens the door for cybercriminals to exploit the tool in attacks. Additionally, interested parties can purchase the full source code directly from EvilByteCode via Telegram, providing an opportunity for attackers to modify and adapt the ransomware to suit their own objectives.
Suggested Corrections:
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 on how to avoid and spot phishing emails. Multi-factor authentication can help prevent malicious access to sensitive services.
Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA):
External-facing assets that leverage single-factor authentication (SFA) are highly susceptible to brute-forcing attacks, password spraying, or unauthorized remote access using valid (stolen) credentials. Implementing MFA enhances security and adds an extra layer of protection.
Link(s):
https://www.cyfirma.com/research/go-language-based-ebyte-ransomware-a-brief-analysis/
Security firm Cyfirma has uncovered details of a new ransomware strain dubbed, “Ebyte” which has been made publicly available on GitHub by its developer, EvilByteCode. Written in the Go programming language, Ebyte utilizes a combination of ChaCha20 and ECIES encryption to lock victim files. Ebytes comes with a dedicated web-based dashboard making it easy for actors to execute the ransomware, facilitate C2 communication, and keep track of infections. Like any other ransomware strain, Ebyte will delete shadow volume copies, making it difficult to recover files. The strain also uses standard HTTP traffic to blend in with legitimate network activity and deletes/alters logs to evade detection.
Ebyte is capable of encrypting all files on targeted systems, while deliberately avoiding system files to minimize the likelihood of detection by antivirus software. Once encryption is successfully completed, affected files are appended with the ".EByteLocker" extension. Additionally, Ebyte modifies the victim's desktop wallpaper and leaves behind a ransom note called "Decryption Instructions.txt,” with instructions on how the victim can recover their files.
Security Officer Comments:
Ebyte's developer, EvilByteCode, claims to be a purple team cybersecurity enthusiast and has previously authored several other projects, including Sryxen, ThunderKitty ransomware, among others. While EvilByteCode has made Ebyte publicly available on GitHub for "educational purposes," this decision inadvertently opens the door for cybercriminals to exploit the tool in attacks. Additionally, interested parties can purchase the full source code directly from EvilByteCode via Telegram, providing an opportunity for attackers to modify and adapt the ransomware to suit their own objectives.
Suggested Corrections:
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 on how to avoid and spot phishing emails. Multi-factor authentication can help prevent malicious access to sensitive services.
Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA):
External-facing assets that leverage single-factor authentication (SFA) are highly susceptible to brute-forcing attacks, password spraying, or unauthorized remote access using valid (stolen) credentials. Implementing MFA enhances security and adds an extra layer of protection.
Link(s):
https://www.cyfirma.com/research/go-language-based-ebyte-ransomware-a-brief-analysis/