MVISION Insights: Threat Profile: Night Sky ransomware
Technical Articles ID:
KB95467
Last Modified: 4/5/2022
Last Modified: 4/5/2022
Environment
IMPORTANT: This Knowledge Base article discusses a specific threat that is being automatically tracked by MVISION Insights technology. The content is intended for use by MVISION Insights users, but is provided for general knowledge to all customers. Contact us for more information about MVISION Insights.
Summary
Description of Campaign
The first new malware of 2022, Night Sky, is a ransomware that targets corporate networks and conducts double-extortion with stolen data.
The operation of the malware started on December 27, 2021, and has already claimed two victims, for one of which, it has requested a ransom of $800,000.
New analysis shows that Night Sky seems to be a new version of Rook Ransomware.
When the malware is executed, it encrypts all files except those with .dll and .exe extensions or that are on a specific list of directories and files to not encrypt.
Once encrypted, the files have the extension .nightsky appended to them, as well as a ransom note on each directory that has files encrypted.
The ransomware is customized with a personalized ransom note containing hardcoded credentials for access to the victim's negotiation page.
The communication between victims and the attacker is carried out through email addresses or clear web websites running rocket chat as opposed to the usual usage of Tor hidden websites.
If the victims don't pay the ransom, the attacker leaks the data on a Tor hidden website.
How to use this article:
Campaign IOC
Minimum Content Versions
Detection Summary
Minimum set of Manual Rules to improve protection to block this campaign:
IMPORTANT: Always follow best practices when you enable new rules and signatures.
When you implement new rules or signatures, always set them to Report mode first and check the alerts generated. Resolve any issues that arise and then set the rules to Block. This step mitigates against triggering false positives and allows you to refine your configuration.
For more information, see KB87843 - List of and best practices for Endpoint Security Dynamic Application Containment rules.
Endpoint Security - Advanced Threat Protection:
Endpoint Security - Exploit Prevention:
Aggressive set of Manual Rules to improve protection to block this campaign:
IMPORTANT: Always follow best practices when you enable new rules and signatures.
When you implement new rules or signatures, always set them to Report mode first and check the alerts generated. Resolve any issues that arise and then set the rules to Block. This step mitigates against triggering false positives and allows you to refine your configuration.
For more information, see KB87843 - List of and best practices for Endpoint Security Dynamic Application Containment rules.
VirusScan Enterprise - Access Protection Rules:
Host Intrusion Prevention:
The first new malware of 2022, Night Sky, is a ransomware that targets corporate networks and conducts double-extortion with stolen data.
The operation of the malware started on December 27, 2021, and has already claimed two victims, for one of which, it has requested a ransom of $800,000.
New analysis shows that Night Sky seems to be a new version of Rook Ransomware.
When the malware is executed, it encrypts all files except those with .dll and .exe extensions or that are on a specific list of directories and files to not encrypt.
Once encrypted, the files have the extension .nightsky appended to them, as well as a ransom note on each directory that has files encrypted.
The ransomware is customized with a personalized ransom note containing hardcoded credentials for access to the victim's negotiation page.
The communication between victims and the attacker is carried out through email addresses or clear web websites running rocket chat as opposed to the usual usage of Tor hidden websites.
If the victims don't pay the ransom, the attacker leaks the data on a Tor hidden website.
How to use this article:
- If a Threat Hunting table has been created, use the rules contained to search for malware related to this campaign.
- Review the product detection table and confirm that your environment is at least on the specified content version.
To download the latest content versions, go to the Security Updates page. - Scroll down and review the "Product Countermeasures" section of this article. Consider implementing them if they are not already in place.
- Review
KB91836 - Countermeasures for entry vector threats . - Review KB87843 - Dynamic Application Containment rules and best practices.
- Review KB82925 - Identify what rule corresponds to an Adaptive Threat Protection and Threat Intelligence Exchange event.
Campaign IOC
| Type | Value |
Minimum Content Versions
| Content Type | Version |
Detection Summary
| IOC | Scanner | Detection |
| IOC | Scanner | Detection |
| IOC | Scanner | Detection |
| IOC | Scanner | Detection |
| IOC | Scanner | Detection |
| IOC | Scanner | Detection |
| IOC | Scanner | Detection |
| IOC | Scanner | Detection |
Minimum set of Manual Rules to improve protection to block this campaign:
IMPORTANT: Always follow best practices when you enable new rules and signatures.
When you implement new rules or signatures, always set them to Report mode first and check the alerts generated. Resolve any issues that arise and then set the rules to Block. This step mitigates against triggering false positives and allows you to refine your configuration.
For more information, see KB87843 - List of and best practices for Endpoint Security Dynamic Application Containment rules.
Endpoint Security - Advanced Threat Protection:
Rule ID: 4 Use GTI file reputation to identify trusted or malicious files
Endpoint Security - Exploit Prevention:
Rule ID: 6086 Powershell Command Restriction - Command
Aggressive set of Manual Rules to improve protection to block this campaign:
IMPORTANT: Always follow best practices when you enable new rules and signatures.
When you implement new rules or signatures, always set them to Report mode first and check the alerts generated. Resolve any issues that arise and then set the rules to Block. This step mitigates against triggering false positives and allows you to refine your configuration.
For more information, see KB87843 - List of and best practices for Endpoint Security Dynamic Application Containment rules.
VirusScan Enterprise - Access Protection Rules:
Prevent creation of new executable files in the Windows folder
Host Intrusion Prevention:
Rule ID: 2806 Attempt to create a hardlink to a file
Rule ID: 1148 CMD Tool Access by a Network Aware Application
Rule ID: 6010 Generic Application Hooking Protection
Rule ID: 6011 Generic Application Invocation Protection
Rule ID: 1020 Windows Agent Shielding - File Access
Rule ID: 1148 CMD Tool Access by a Network Aware Application
Rule ID: 6010 Generic Application Hooking Protection
Rule ID: 6011 Generic Application Invocation Protection
Rule ID: 1020 Windows Agent Shielding - File Access
