Esxi Args

Malware Profile Updated 3 months ago
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ESXi Args is a harmful malware program designed to exploit and damage computer systems, with the ultimate intent of deploying a new form of ransomware. The malware can infiltrate systems through suspicious downloads, emails, or websites, often without the user's knowledge. Once inside, it has the potential to steal personal information, disrupt operations, and even hold data hostage for ransom. The primary goal of the attacker is to deploy ESXi Args ransomware, which can have devastating effects on the victim's system. Analysis indicates that ESXi Args is likely based on leaked Babuk source code, previously used by other ESXi ransomware campaigns, such as CheersCrypt and the Quantum/Dagon group’s PrideLocker encryptor. This suggests a potential connection between these various forms of ransomware, all of which are designed to exploit vulnerabilities in the ESXi platform. However, the exact relationship between these different pieces of malware remains unclear, and further investigation is needed to fully understand the origins and capabilities of ESXi Args. Interestingly, ESXi Args and CheerScrypt share similar ransom notes, suggesting a possible link between the two. However, their encryption methods differ, which raises questions about whether ESXi Args is a new variant of CheerScrypt, or if they simply share a common Babuk codebase. This uncertainty makes it difficult to predict how ESXi Args will evolve in the future, and underscores the need for continued vigilance and robust cybersecurity measures.
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Possible Aliases / Cluster overlaps
It's hard to track cluster overlaps and naming conventions between vendors, so here are some possible overlapping names / profiles you also may want to look at.
IDVotesProfile Description
Cheerscrypt
1
Cheerscrypt is a malicious software (malware) that was discovered in May 2022, specifically designed to target ESXi servers, which are extensively used by enterprises for server virtualization. This discovery was made following the reporting of DarkSide ransomware variants in May 2021. Cheerscrypt,
Miscellaneous Associations
Other elements of context that could aid in the identification of relevance
Ransomware
Esxi
Ransom
Encryption
Associated Malware
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IDTypeVotesProfile Description
BabukUnspecified
1
Babuk is a type of malware, specifically ransomware, which is designed to infiltrate systems and hold data hostage for ransom. It can be delivered through suspicious downloads, emails, or websites, often without the user's knowledge. Once inside a system, Babuk can disrupt operations and steal perso
Associated Threat Actors
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IDTypeVotesProfile Description
No associations to display
Associated Vulnerabilities
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IDTypeVotesProfile Description
Quantum/dagonUnspecified
1
None
Source Document References
Information about the Esxi Args Malware was read from the documents corpus below. This display is limited to 20 results, create a free account to see more
SourceCreatedAtTitle
CERT-EU
a year ago
ESXiArgs Ransomware: Targeting VMware ESXi Servers | SecureReading