Thursday, March 28, 2024

FTCODE Ransomware Attack Windows To Encrypt Files & Steals Stored Login Credentials From Browsers

Researchers discovered a new wave of FTCODE ransomware campaign that steal browsers login credentials and Encrypt files in Windows systems.

FTCODE ransomware was first observed in 2013, it uses the Windows PowerShell program to perform file encryption.

The ransomware resurfaced again starting from last year September, according to Certego analysis of the FTCODE ransomware, it is still in active development.

Threat actors behind the ransomware strain use weaponized word documents to deliver the ransomware. If the victim opens the documents and disables protected view then it triggers the execution of the malicious macro.

Once executed the macro runs a PowerShell process to download a piece of Powershell code which is FTCODE and save the request only in memory, in an attempt to avoid antivirus detection.

FTCODE Ransomware New Version

Researchers from Zscaler observed a new version of FTCODE ransomware 1117.1, that contains different infection method and password-stealing capabilities.

The ransomware distributed through spam Emails, and the macro documents containing links to VBScripts which further downloads the PowerShell script known as FTCODE ransomware.

To trick the users the script first downloads a decoy document, and in the background, it downloads and runs the run the ransomware.

FTCODE ensures persistence by creating a shortcut file called windowsIndexingService.lnk in the victim’s startup folder, so it will get executed every time system boots.

Before encryption it checks in all drives to see at least 50kb of free space is left, here are the extensions it encrypts.

FTCODE Ransomware
File Extensions

Once the encryption completed it drops a ransom note “READ_ME_NOW.htm” in the directory of the encrypted files.

Encryption note

The ransom note directs a Tor website for victims to make the payment, the Tor site contains a Bitcoin address and asks victim’s to pay $500 to recover files.

FTCODE Ransomware
payment Website

Some users reported that “someone paid the ransom and did not get the decryptor.”

Password Stealer

The new version of the ransomware includes password-stealing capability, which is not present with the older versions.

It steals the login credentials from browsers and email clients:

  • Internet Explorer
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Mozilla Thunderbird
  • Google Chrome
  • Microsoft Outlook

FTCODE Ransomware is evolving, in a short period, multiple versions were spotted. At the moment there is no decryptor available for the ransomware strain.

IOCs:

Md5

  • d597ea78067725ae05a3432a9088caae
  • c8a214f432fc9d74c913c02e7918fc0
  • f96253923e833362ecac97729d528f8c
  • cc0f64afa3101809b549cc5630bbd948
  • 328ce454698307f976baa909e5c646c7
  • 71a8d8c0543a99b8791e1cfaeeeb9211
  • f0aa45bb9dd09cfac9d93427a8f5c72c
  • d6da191bfc5966dd4262376603d4e8c1
  • cc5946ce893ff37ace8de210923467a2
  • 7f5bb4529b95a872a916cc24b155c4cc
  • edd5fbe846fa51f3b555185627d0d6c5
  • a2e88f9486cc838eae038a8ba32352f3
  • eab63ee2434417bc46466df07dc6b5b5
  • fd46c05b99d00e11d34b93eae2c7ff2b
  • 98d2;221445c2c8528cef06e4ef3c9e36

Also Read: Ransomware Attack Response and Mitigation Checklist

Website

Latest articles

Wireshark 4.2.4 Released: What’s New!

Wireshark stands as the undisputed leader, offering unparalleled tools for troubleshooting, analysis, development, and...

Zoom Unveils AI-Powered All-In-One AI Work Workplace

Zoom has taken a monumental leap forward by introducing Zoom Workplace, an all-encompassing AI-powered...

iPhone Users Beware! Darcula Phishing Service Attacking Via iMessage

Phishing allows hackers to exploit human vulnerabilities and trick users into revealing sensitive information...

2 Chrome Zero-Days Exploited at Pwn2Own 2024: Patch Now

Google has announced a crucial update to its Chrome browser, addressing several vulnerabilities, including...

The Moon Malware Hacked 6,000 ASUS Routers in 72hours to Use for Proxy

Black Lotus Labs discovered a multi-year campaign by TheMoon malware targeting vulnerable routers and...

Hackers Actively Exploiting Ray AI Framework Flaw to Hack Thousands of Servers

A critical vulnerability in Ray, an open-source AI framework that is widely utilized across...

Chinese Hackers Attacking Southeast Asian Nations With Malware Packages

Cybersecurity researchers at Unit 42 have uncovered a sophisticated cyberespionage campaign orchestrated by two...
Guru baran
Guru baranhttps://gbhackers.com
Gurubaran is a co-founder of Cyber Security News and GBHackers On Security. He has 10+ years of experience as a Security Consultant, Editor, and Analyst in cybersecurity, technology, and communications.

Mitigating Vulnerability Types & 0-day Threats

Mitigating Vulnerability & 0-day Threats

Alert Fatigue that helps no one as security teams need to triage 100s of vulnerabilities.

  • The problem of vulnerability fatigue today
  • Difference between CVSS-specific vulnerability vs risk-based vulnerability
  • Evaluating vulnerabilities based on the business impact/risk
  • Automation to reduce alert fatigue and enhance security posture significantly

Related Articles