Trellix Insights: Zeoticus ransomware
Technical Articles ID:
KB94401
Last Modified: 2022-09-06 13:41:41 Etc/GMT
Last Modified: 2022-09-06 13:41:41 Etc/GMT
Environment
IMPORTANT: This Knowledge Base article discusses a specific threat that is being automatically tracked by Trellix Insights technology. The content is intended for use by Trellix Insights users, but is provided for general knowledge to all customers. Contact us for more information about Trellix Insights.
Summary
Zeoticus is a ransomware targeting the Windows operating system. The developers claim the malware affects all versions of Windows and does not require communication with a command and control server to achieve its objective. It is also noted that Zeoticus is prohibited from use within the CIS, more specifically Russia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan. The ransomware was first identified in early 2020 and has been maintained and updated by its developers, the most recent update, Zeoticus 2.0 is advertised on many underground forums. We will continue to monitor and update events attributed to Zeoticus 2.0 and disseminate information that is deemed appropriate.
Our Threat Research team gathers and analyzes information from multiple open and closed sources before disseminating intelligence reports. This campaign was researched by SentinelOne and shared publicly.
How to use this article:
- If a Threat Hunting table has been created, use the rules contained to search for malware related to this campaign.
- Review the product detection table and confirm that your environment is at least on the specified content version.
To download the latest content versions, go to the Security Updates page. - Scroll down and review the "Product Countermeasures" section of this article. Consider implementing them if they are not already in place.
- Review
KB91836 - Countermeasures for entry vector threats . - Review KB87843 - Dynamic Application Containment rules and best practices.
- Review KB82925 - Identify what rule corresponds to an Adaptive Threat Protection and Threat Intelligence Exchange event.
Campaign IOC
Type | Value |
Minimum Content Versions:
Content Type | Version |
Detection Summary
IOC | Scanner | Detection |
IOC | Scanner | Detection |
Minimum set of Manual Rules to improve protection to block this campaign
IMPORTANT: Always follow best practices when you enable new rules and signatures.
When you implement new rules or signatures, always set them to Report mode first and check the alerts generated. Resolve any issues that arise and then set the rules to Block. This step mitigates against triggering false positives and allows you to refine your configuration.
For more information, see KB87843 - List of and best practices for Endpoint Security Dynamic Application Containment rules.
Endpoint Security - Advanced Threat Protection:
Rule ID: 4 Use GTI file reputation to identify trusted or malicious files
Endpoint Security - Access Protection Custom Rules:
*
Subrules:
Subrule Type: Files
Operations:
create
Targets (Include):
*.2020end
VirusScan Enterprise - Access Protection Custom Rules:
Process to include: *
File or folder name to block: *.2020end
File actions to prevent: Create
Aggressive set of Manual Rules to improve protection to block this campaign
IMPORTANT: Always follow best practices when you enable new rules and signatures.
When you implement new rules or signatures, always set them to Report mode first and check the alerts generated. Resolve any issues that arise and then set the rules to Block. This step mitigates against triggering false positives and allows you to refine your configuration.
For more information, see KB87843 - List of and best practices for Endpoint Security Dynamic Application Containment rules.
Endpoint Security - Dynamic Application Containment:
Modifying the Services registry location
Endpoint Security - Exploit Prevention:
Rule ID: 6135 Unmanaged Powershell Detected
Virusscan Enterprise - Access Protection Rules:
Prevent programs registering to autorun
Host Intrusion Prevention:
Rule ID: 993 System Drive Executable Modification
Rule ID: 6011 Generic Application Invocation Protection
Rule ID: 6010 Generic Application Hooking Protection
Rule ID: 1020 Windows Agent Shielding - File Access
Rule ID: 2218 Autorun File Read Blocked
Rule ID: 1148 CMD Tool Access by a Network Aware Application
Rule ID: 6053 Accessing other users home directory
Rule ID: 2805 Opening Email client as Administrator
Rule ID: 1001 Windows Agent Shielding - File Modification
Rule ID: 6135 Unmanaged Powershell Detected
Endpoint Security - Access Protection Rules:
Registering of programs to autorun
Remotely accessing local files or folders