Play Ransomware Debuts Linux Variant that Targets VMware ESXi

The Play ransomware gang is the latest to develop a dedicated Linux locker for encrypting VMware ESXi virtual machines.

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Researchers who identified this new variant report that the locker first verifies if it's operating in an ESXi environment before execution, and it can avoid detection on Linux systems.

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"This development suggests that the group may be expanding its attacks on the Linux platform, potentially increasing its victim pool and achieving more successful ransom negotiations,” Bleeping Computer reports.

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For years, ransomware groups have been targeting ESXi virtual machines as enterprises adopted them for data storage and critical applications due to their efficient resource management.

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Disabling an organization's ESXi VMs can cause significant business disruptions and outages, while encrypting files and backups severely limits the victims' ability to recover affected data.

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Takeaway: Attackers are increasingly focusing on Linux servers for several reasons. Disrupting Linux servers can cause significant damage, and attackers know that more disruption translates to higher ransom demands and greater financial gain.

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The "always on, always available" nature of Linux systems makes them attractive targets for threat actors. Compromising these systems provides a strategic foothold for moving laterally across an organization's network.

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The open-source nature of Linux offers attackers deep insights into system operations, giving them a head start in customizing their attacks. Linux powers many critical operations, including a significant portion of a nation's critical infrastructure. Recently, more ransomware groups have started developing Linux-specific versions.

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Linux operates approximately 80% of web servers and is the dominant operating system for constrained, embedded, and IoT devices in sectors like energy and manufacturing. It also underpins most government and military networks, financial and banking systems, and the backbone of the Internet.

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Additionally, Linux runs most organizations' database servers, file servers, and email servers, unifying the IT stack and simplifying network management. If attackers gain access to a Linux environment, they can infiltrate an organization's most critical systems and data.

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Despite its limited market share for desktops and laptops, Linux security offerings are often overlooked. Many endpoint security solutions do not cover Linux, leaving few options for protection. This makes defending Linux systems particularly challenging.

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The targeting of Linux systems could lead to disruptions far greater than any ransomware attacks we've seen so far. The consequences of not enhancing our defenses for Linux systems could be catastrophic. However, by taking proactive measures now, we can mitigate the threat and reduce the potential impact of major disruptions.

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Halcyon.ai is the leading anti-ransomware company that closes endpoint protection gaps and defeats ransomware through built-in bypass and evasion protection, key material capture, automated decryption, and data exfiltration prevention – talk to a Halcyon expert today to find out more. Halcyon also publishes a quarterly RaaS and extortion group reference guide, Power Rankings: Ransomware Malicious Quartile.