Full Report
Community Feature - @cPeterrIn this blog post, Curated Intelligence member Chuong Dong shared his findings after reverse engineering the PLAY ransomware's code obfuscation and encryption features.https://chuongdong.com/reverse%20engineering/2022/09/03/PLAYRansomware/Chuong's analysis highlighted that PLAY uses a hybrid-cryptography scheme of RSA and AES to encrypt files. The ransomware executable is also highly obfuscated with various different anti-analysis tricks that are rarely seen in malware families that came before it.Curated Intel Community Features are sourced using our Member Content channel on Discord. If you have recently produced a noteworthy piece of writing, a project, a podcast, an infographic or other CTI content let us know!
Analysis Summary
# Tool/Technique: PLAY Ransomware
## Overview
PLAY Ransomware is a malicious software designed to encrypt victim files and demand a ransom for their decryption. Analysis of its code revealed a highly obfuscated executable and a hybrid encryption scheme utilizing RSA and AES algorithms.
## Technical Details
- Type: Malware family (Ransomware)
- Platform: Not explicitly stated, but typical for modern ransomware targeting Windows systems.
- Capabilities: File encryption, heavy obfuscation to evade analysis.
- First Seen: September 05, 2022 (Date of article publication referencing analysis)
## MITRE ATT&CK Mapping
The provided text describes the *functionality* (encryption and obfuscation) rather than specific ATT&CK steps. Based on the description of ransomware activity, likely mappings include:
- TA0011 - Command and Control (Implied for delivery/key exchange)
- T1071 - Application Layer Protocol (Implied for C2 if present)
- TA0040 - Impact
- T1486 - Data Encrypted for Impact
- TA0005 - Defense Evasion
- T1027 - Obfuscated Files or Information
## Functionality
### Core Capabilities
- Utilizes a **hybrid-cryptography scheme** combining **RSA and AES** algorithms for file encryption.
- Encrypts files on the targeted system.
### Advanced Features
- The ransomware executable is **highly obfuscated** using various anti-analysis tricks that were described as rarely seen in preceding malware families.
## Indicators of Compromise
- File Hashes: [None provided in the text]
- File Names: [None provided in the text]
- Registry Keys: [None provided in the text]
- Network Indicators: [None provided in the text]
- Behavioral Indicators: Obfuscated execution, file modification via encryption routines.
## Associated Threat Actors
- [No specific threat actor is named in the provided summary text, though the analysis was conducted by community members.]
## Detection Methods
- [Signature-based detection] (Applicable once signatures for the binary are created)
- [Behavioral detection] (Detection based on file write/encryption operations and network communication patterns)
- [YARA rules if available] (Implied need for rules targeting the unique obfuscation techniques)
## Mitigation Strategies
- [Prevention measures] (Implementing robust backup strategies is crucial for recovery.)
- [Hardening recommendations] (Focus on monitoring for file system modifications and suspicious process behavior related to encryption.)
## Related Tools/Techniques
- Obfuscation techniques (Generic defense evasion methods)
- Hybrid cryptography implementations in other ransomware strains