Cactus Ransomware Group Targets Dillard Door

Cactus ransomware group claimed an attack against Dillard Door. No further information was disclosed about the compromised data. Dillard Door provides complete security solutions, installing everything from entrance gates to security cameras to complete Access Control Systems.

Cactus's Operation Since March 2023

Cactus has been in operation since at least March 2023. Cactus has been observed employing known vulnerabilities within VPN appliances to initiate an initial breach. Once gaining entry to the network, Cactus operators engage in activities such as enumerating local and network user accounts and identifying accessible endpoints. They then proceed to generate new user accounts and utilize custom scripts for the automated rollout and activation of the ransomware encryptor through scheduled tasks.

Unique Characteristics of Cactus's Ransomware

It is noteworthy that the ransomware encryptor utilized by Cactus exhibits a unique characteristic – it necessitates a decryption key for the execution of the binary, likely implemented to evade detection by anti-virus software. This decryption key is concealed within a file containing random text named ntuser.dat, which is loaded through a scheduled task.