Microsoft SQL servers are succumbing to FARGO ransomware, security researchers at AhnLab Security Emergency Response Center (ASEC) have warned.
Alongside GlobeImposter, FARGO has become one of the most widespread ransomware that targets vulnerable MS-SQL servers, the company stated in a blog post. Statistical data from “ID Ransomware” attests to the burgeoning growth.
RELATED RESOURCE
How to reduce the risk of phishing and ransomware
Top security concerns and tips for mitigation
The strain was previously codenamed “Mallox” after analysts discerned the ransomware added a “.mallox” extension to encrypted files. Avast detailed the same strain in a report in February, labelling the ransomware “TargetCompany”.
Additionally, the cyber security firm released a decryption utility to help TargetCompany ransomware victims recover their files for free. However, the decryptor could only restore encrypted files under limited circumstances.
Decoding active exploits by FARGO ransomware, ASEC stated the strain causes a compromised machine to download a .NET file using cmd.exe and powershell.exe.
“The loaded malware generates and executes a BAT file which shuts down certain processes and services, in the %temp% directory,” added the company.
After injecting itself into AppLaunch.exe, the ransomware payload attempts to delete the registry key for the open-source ransomware vaccine Raccine. But that’s not all. The malware deactivates database processes and executes a recovery deactivation command to unencrypt confidential data.
“Administrators of MS-SQL servers should use passwords that are difficult to guess for their accounts and change them periodically to protect the database server from brute force attacks and dictionary attacks, and update to the latest patch to prevent vulnerability attacks,” advised ASEC.
-
Cohere's Aleph Alpha merger could create a transatlantic sovereign AI powerhouseAnalysis The merger between Cohere and Aleph Alpha aims to capitalize on the burgeoning sovereign AI market
-
Everything you need to know about OpenAI's new workspace agentsNews New ‘workspace agents’ from OpenAI will automate tasks for workers and can be customized for specific roles
-
Threat actors ditch ‘spray and pray’ attacks in shift to targeted exploitationNews A dip in ransomware volumes points to a more targeted approach focused on vulnerability exploitation
-
Security leaders overconfident about ransomware recoveryNews Few manage to recover all their data, and many experience business disruption
-
German authorities want your help finding the hackers behind GandCrab and REvilNews Daniil Maksimovich Shchukin and Anatoly Sergeevitsch Kravchuk are believed to have made millions from ransomware as a service schemes
-
The rise of teen hackers ‘makes for a good headline’, but cyber crime activities peak later in life
News With family responsibilities and mortgages to pay, it's not teenagers dishing out malware or carrying out cyber extortion
-
Ransomware gangs are using employee monitoring software as a springboard for cyber attacksNews Two attempted attacks aimed to exploit Net Monitor for Employees Professional and SimpleHelp
-
Ransomware gangs are sharing virtual machines to wage cyber attacks on the cheap – but it could be their undoingNews Thousands of attacker servers all had the same autogenerated Windows hostnames, according to Sophos
-
Google issues warning over ShinyHunters-branded vishing campaignsNews Related groups are stealing data through voice phishing and fake credential harvesting websites
-
The FBI has seized the RAMP hacking forum, but will the takedown stick? History tells us otherwiseNews Billing itself as the “only place ransomware allowed", RAMP catered mainly for Russian-speaking cyber criminals
