Netwalker

Malware updated 9 months ago (2024-11-29T14:20:23.241Z)

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NetWalker is a highly profitable ransomware kit, known for its ability to disable antivirus software on Windows 10 systems and encrypt files, adding a random extension to the encrypted ones. Once executed, it disrupts operations and can even hold data hostage for ransom. It has been observed that NetWalker often infiltrates systems through suspicious downloads, emails, or websites, notably through an attachment that allegedly contains information about COVID-19. This file, named “CORONAVIRUS_COVID-19.vbs”, embeds a NetWalker ransomware executable and obfuscated code to extract and launch this ransomware on the victim’s computer. Spain has been identified as a hotspot for infections from this malware. The malware has been linked with various threat actors and affiliates such as Bentley, Cherry, and Zeus, who have been delivering crypted malware samples. Notably, "zevs" ("zeus") is associated with the prominent distribution group Hive0106 (aka TA551), which used the gtags ‘zev,’ ‘zem’ and ‘zvs’ during their Trickbot campaigns. Some of these campaigns may be delivered by threat actors using the handles 'Netwalker' and 'Cherry,' believed to be working within the ITG23 organization. In addition, other types of ransomware like SunCrypt have adopted attacking techniques from NetWalker and Maze ransomware. In response to the widespread NetWalker ransomware attacks, particularly those targeting vulnerable Pulse Secure VPN devices for initial access, the FBI released Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) in July 2020. The Department of Justice also launched global action against NetWalker Ransomware to counteract its harmful effects. Despite these measures, NetWalker remains a significant threat due to its sophisticated techniques and high profitability.

Description last updated: 2024-05-04T16:16:09.132Z

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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. Create a free account to see the source evidence for each alias, and help fix any errors.

Alias Description	Votes
Netwalker Ransomware is a possible alias for Netwalker. NetWalker ransomware is a form of malicious software (malware) that targets vulnerable systems, often infiltrating them through suspicious downloads, emails, or websites. Notably, it has been observed to target vulnerable Pulse Secure VPN devices for initial access, as indicated by IOCs released by	5

Miscellaneous Associations

Other elements of context that could aid in the identification of relevance

Ransomware

Bitcoin

Malware

RaaS

Extortion

Analyst Notes & Discussion

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Associated Malware

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Alias Description	Association Type	Votes
The cryptolocker Malware is associated with Netwalker. CryptoLocker is a type of malware known as ransomware that emerged as a significant cybersecurity threat. This malicious software infects systems through suspicious downloads, emails, or websites and then encrypts the user's documents, demanding a ransom for their recovery. It has been described as	Unspecified	2
The TrickBot Malware is associated with Netwalker. TrickBot is a notorious malware developed by cybercriminals to exploit and damage computer systems, often infiltrating through suspicious downloads, emails, or websites. This malicious software can steal personal information, disrupt operations, or even hold data hostage for ransom. Vladimir Dunaev,	Unspecified	2
The Lockbit Malware is associated with Netwalker. LockBit is a prominent ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) malware that has been involved in numerous cyberattacks, demonstrating its staying power and adaptability. The malware, which can infiltrate systems through suspicious downloads, emails, or websites, is designed to exploit and damage computers or	Unspecified	2
The REvil Malware is associated with Netwalker. REvil, also known as Sodinokibi, is a malicious software (malware) that operates on a Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) model. This model became increasingly popular in 2020, with first-stage malware like Dridex and Gootkit being linked to ransomware attacks such as BitPaymer and REvil respectively. Th	Unspecified	2
The Ryuk Malware is associated with Netwalker. Ryuk is a type of malware known as ransomware, which has been utilized by the threat group ITG23 for several years. This group has been notorious for crypting their malware, with crypters seen in use with other malware such as Trickbot, Emotet, Cobalt Strike, and Ryuk. In 2019, most ransomware inves	Unspecified	2
The Maze Malware is associated with Netwalker. Maze is a form of malicious software, or malware, that pioneered a novel double-extortion tactic in the cyber threat landscape. Its modus operandi involves stealing victims' files before encrypting them, thereby enabling the threat actors to threaten both the disruption of operations and the release	Unspecified	2
The Conti Malware is associated with Netwalker. Conti is a type of malware, specifically ransomware, which is designed to infiltrate and damage computer systems. This malicious software can enter systems through various methods such as suspicious downloads, emails, or websites, often without the user's knowledge. Once inside, it can steal persona	Unspecified	2
The WastedLocker Malware is associated with Netwalker. WastedLocker is a sophisticated malware developed by the Evil Corp Group, a notorious cybercriminal organization. This malware is a form of ransomware that targets both Windows and Android devices, encrypting users' data and demanding a ransom for its release. Originating in 2020, WastedLocker utili	Unspecified	2

Associated Threat Actors

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Alias Description	Association Type	Votes
The Sodinokibi Threat Actor is associated with Netwalker. Sodinokibi, also known as REvil, is a highly active and impactful threat actor first identified in April 2019. Operating as a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS), this group has been responsible for a significant proportion of global ransomware incidents. In 2020, Sodinokibi ransomware attacks accounted	Unspecified	2

Source Document References

Information about the Netwalker Malware was read from the documents corpus below. This display is limited to 20 results, create a free account to see more

Source Link	CreatedAt	Title
Securityaffairs	20 days ago	Britain targets Kyrgyz financial institutions, crypto networks aiding Kremlin
CrowdStrike	7 months ago	CrowdStrike Falcon Earns Perfect Score in SE Labs’ Ransomware Evaluation
CERT-EU	2 years ago	How to protect hospitals against the ransomware Netwalker
CERT-EU	2 years ago	Infographic: A History of Network Device Threats and What Lies Ahead
CERT-EU	2 years ago	Infographic: A History of Network Device Threats and What Lies Ahead \| #ransomware \| #cybercrime \| National Cyber Security Consulting
MITRE	2 years ago	Trickbot Rising — Gang Doubles Down on Infection Efforts to Amass Network Footholds
CERT-EU	2 years ago	Connect the Dots on State-Sponsored Cyber Incidents - Disruption of NetWalker ransomware
SecurityIntelligence.com	2 years ago	ITG23 Crypters Highlight Cooperation Between Cybercriminal Groups
CERT-EU	2 years ago	Connect the Dots on State-Sponsored Cyber Incidents - Disruption of NetWalker ransomware
CERT-EU	2 years ago	How the FBI Fights Back Against Worldwide Cyberattacks
CERT-EU	2 years ago	Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) Explained
CERT-EU	2 years ago	What Is Double Extortion Ransomware?
BankInfoSecurity	2 years ago	'Bulletproof' LolekHosted Down Following Police Operation
Securityaffairs	2 years ago	Police dismantled bulletproof hosting service provider Lolek Hosted
Flashpoint	2 years ago	Administrator of ‘Bulletproof’ Webhosting Domain Charged in Connection with Facilitation of NetWalker Ransomware
Naked Security	2 years ago	Crimeware server used by NetWalker ransomware seized and shut down
CERT-EU	2 years ago	LolekHosted seized, five admins arrested following police operation
InfoSecurity-magazine	2 years ago	Authorities Take Down Lolek Bulletproof Hosting Provider
CERT-EU	2 years ago	DOJ Reorganizes Units to Better Fight Ransomware
CERT-EU	2 years ago	DOJ Reorganizes Units to Better Fight Ransomware