Since its emergence in June 2022, the Play ransomware group, also known as PlayCrypt, has significantly impacted organizations across North America, South America, Europe, and Australia. By October 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had identified approximately 300 entities affected by this group’s activities. ([cisa.gov](https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2023/12/18/fbi-cisa-and-asds-acsc-release-advisory-play-ransomware?utm_source=openai))
Initial Access Methods
Play ransomware actors employ various strategies to infiltrate target networks:
– Exploitation of Public-Facing Applications: They have exploited known vulnerabilities in FortiOS (CVE-2018-13379 and CVE-2020-12812) and Microsoft Exchange (ProxyNotShell vulnerabilities CVE-2022-41040 and CVE-2022-41082). ([cyber.gov.au](https://www.cyber.gov.au/about-us/view-all-content/alerts-and-advisories/stopransomware-play-ransomware?utm_source=openai))
– Abuse of Valid Accounts: Utilizing compromised credentials, they gain unauthorized access to systems.
– Use of External-Facing Services: Services such as Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are exploited to establish a foothold within networks.
Discovery and Defense Evasion Techniques
Once inside a network, Play ransomware actors employ several tools and methods to evade detection and gather information:
– Active Directory Queries: Tools like AdFind are used to query Active Directory, aiding in network reconnaissance.
– Network Enumeration and Anti-Virus Scanning: Custom tools such as Grixba assist in mapping the network and identifying security software.
– Disabling Security Measures: Utilities like GMER, IOBit, and PowerTool are utilized to disable anti-virus programs and delete log files, thereby concealing their activities.
Lateral Movement and Execution
To expand their reach within a compromised network, Play ransomware actors:
– Deploy Command and Control Tools: Applications like Cobalt Strike and SystemBC facilitate lateral movement and command execution.
– Utilize Credential Dumping: Tools such as Mimikatz are employed to extract credentials, enabling escalation to domain administrator privileges.
– Execute Commands Remotely: PsExec is used to run commands on remote systems, aiding in the spread of the ransomware.
Data Exfiltration and Encryption
The group follows a double-extortion model, involving:
– Data Compression and Exfiltration: Compromised data is segmented and compressed using tools like WinRAR, then transferred to actor-controlled accounts via WinSCP.
– File Encryption: Files are encrypted using an AES-RSA hybrid encryption method, with encrypted files bearing a .play extension.
– Ransom Note Deployment: A ransom note titled ReadMe.txt is placed in the C: directory, instructing victims to contact the attackers via an email address ending in @gmx.de.
Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)
Organizations should be vigilant for the following IOCs associated with Play ransomware:
– File Hashes: Specific SHA256 hashes linked to Play ransomware tools and binaries.
– Network Indicators: Unusual outbound connections, especially to known malicious IP addresses or domains.
– File Extensions: Presence of files with the .play extension.
Mitigation Strategies
To defend against Play ransomware, organizations are advised to:
– Patch Known Vulnerabilities: Regularly update systems to remediate exploited vulnerabilities.
– Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA for all services, particularly webmail, VPNs, and critical system accounts.
– Conduct Regular Updates and Assessments: Keep software and applications up to date and perform routine vulnerability assessments.
– Monitor Network Traffic: Implement monitoring to detect unusual activity indicative of compromise.
– Enhance Email Security: Strengthen email protections to prevent phishing attacks that could lead to initial access.
By understanding the tactics, techniques, and procedures of Play ransomware, organizations can better prepare and implement effective defenses against this evolving threat.
