Hackers Using Remote Desktop Application To Install “Zeppelin” Ransomware & Encrypt Windows Files

Cybercriminals abusing a Remote Desktop application ConnectWise Control that previously known as (ScreenConnect) to deliver the Zeppelin Ransowmare (aka Vega) and encrypt the victim’s files in Windows PC.

ConnectWise is a remote desktop software mostly used in the enterprise network and MSPs to connect the systems remotely for support. You’ll also find session recording and screen sharing with this remote access program. 

ConnectWise Control already abused by hackers to breach the largest IT service provider Wipro network and gained access to Wipro systems.

GBHackers recently reported that the Zeppelin ransomware campaign targets IT and healthcare companies in Europe and the U.S.

The newly observed campaign now expand its operation and targeting the real estate industries, and it employed the additional info-stealers, and Cobalt beacons to deliver the ransomware payload.

Researchers observed that the attackers try to exfiltrate the information from the Windows database server by stealing the backup information and propagate the ransomware across the network.

Zeppelin Ransomware Module

Initially, Zeppelin ransomware deliver via ScreenConnect remote desktop control application.

Once ScreenConnect CMD shell gets executed, ScreenConnect service creates and executes a temporarily hidden run.cmd file that contains the remotely executed commands.

Later the attackers execute the PowerShell command to download the next stage of the command from the C2 server hxxp://45.142.213[.]167/oxf where it again connect the C2 server to downloads the Zeppelin ransomware artifact. 

According to Morphisec report, As part of different campaigns, we observed the adversary using two versions for each ransomware or stealer variant. In this specific campaign, we identified the same ransomware delivered in packed (with a custom packer framework) and unpacked ways.

The ransomware also using the delivery method such as vidar info stealer, cobalt strike beacons, PS2EXE tools, banker trojans from the same IP and one more IP hosted through colocation services.

Attackers also having a list of commands to stop the database process to prevent the victims the replace the backup with the infected data.

You can read here the complete infection process of Zeppelin ransomware.

Indicators of Compromise

CFCBD89AC2A32EF179CB39ABB569A952	P1.exe (Info stealer)
BFDFD9874072B6340660B501F1BD7A33	P2.exe
FEE6BA9A0D7A805B3281D4F955821C1C	Oxfordnew.exe (Zeppelin)
A8E670C63E257049A7BCAE632C9ACEF6	Oxford.exe (Zeppelin)
0E06F623BC4EEFA97A84EDEDFBB6BB7E	Work.exe
3F120DE1249E8724EC1C1EF255F26067	Rdp.exe (PS2EXE)
0D442C4D8B4C4312840675CAC8D69661	Vid.exe (Vidar)
58F53C8034A1E0AC1174595909DDF88C	Vids.exe
386157F4CAB9327D01A7210DA9237EF0	Zeppelin.exe
357B149A0F40224DB5D359DB104A6778	doe_install.exe
68CCFAF0F453CC45FAAA8F653AB9C983	4.exe
AED10704BFB8F9EFF057D5523B9AD431	Artvnch.exe