Ransomware is a computer malware that installs covertly on a victim’s computer, executes a cryptovirology attack that adversely affects system, which prevents or limits users from accessing their system, and demands a ransom payment to decrypt it or not to publish it.

Security researchers from Checkpoint identified a new variant of Cerber ransomware. The new ransomware versions released perform slender, yet very interesting, changes that may affect the way they are being detected.

CERBER

It was first spotted on March and from that point it’s evolving rapidly.

Cerber 2.0 was spotted in August (Encrypt files).

Cerber 4.0 Spotted in October (which kills database process MYSQL,MSSQL,ORACLE).

Cerber 4.1.6 Spotted in November 23rd (Encrypting Databses).

Cerber 5.0 Spotted in November 24 (Consist of Vb script as additional feature which implements Communication channel).

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Cerber 5.0 and New Range of IP’S

On (November 23rd, 2016) Cerber 4.1.6 was released, within 24 hours Cerber 5.0 released, which is the one we are going to see in this article. As an noticeable change Cerber 5.0 consist of new IP ranges used in Command and control communications.

Following are the IP ranges

194.165.17.0/24

194.165.18.0/24

194.165.19.0/24

15.93.12.0/27

63.55.11.0/27

The old IP range still in use:

194.165.16.0/24

Where as in Previous  version’s Cerber broadcasts IP address to all ranges via UDP(User Datagram Protocol).

Cerber is currently distributed through Spam Email campaigns, specifically Rig-V Exploit Kit. Encrypted files will generate a random 4 digit number as like in previous Cerber versions. As like version Cerber 4.0, it uses to focus on databases and files associated with that. In addition it also informs users which version of Ransomware they are encrypted with.

Cerber’s new version presents new IP ranges together with an old IP range. However, most other features remain the same.

Locky Ransomware

Ever changing ransomware released a new variant with new techniques to evade security vendor’s Counter measures. As we know locky is being downloaded as a dll file using JavaScript based down-loader. The new variant acts just as the same, the JavaScript downloader pulls disguised .TDB file which turns to be a PE file.

With all the recent releases locky ransomware turns it file extension to .ZZZ. With Cerber 5.0, another noticeable change, is the varying ransom payment from 0.5 to 3 bitcoints. The payment amount may vary according to the victim’s characteristics, especially number of encrypted files.

SYNOPSIS

As the Cerber and locky creators use to adapt new techniques to evade security vendor’s Counter measures, Cerber 5.0 and Locky .zzz are the most recent one’s. Security Vendors should stay ahead.