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Snatch Ransomware

Snatch is a newly observed ransomware-as-a-service tool primarily targeting American, Canadian, and European organisations.

Threat ID:
CC-3308
Category:
Ransomware
Threat Severity:
Medium
Threat Vector:
Insecure network
Published:
12 December 2019 12:00 AM
Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

Summary

Snatch is a newly observed ransomware-as-a-service tool primarily targeting American, Canadian, and European organisations.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Microsoft Windows

  • Microsoft Windows - All versions

Threat details

The group operating Snatch target exposed Microsoft Azure servers in opportunistic attacks to deliver the tool. Once identified, they will attempt to brute-force the vulnerable servers over Remote Desktop Services (TCP/UDP 3389) in order to obtain administrative credentials. The group then logs into the target network's domain controller using these credentials, where they will then monitor the network for several weeks. Snatch is then dropped, along with a number of other tools, on any systems connected to the network.

Once downloaded, Snatch will install itself as a Windows Safe Mode service called 'SuperBackupMan' in order to bypass anti-malware and security services, before force restarting the affected system. Snatch then attempts to remove or disable any recovery services and delete any backups, before encrypting all non-system files using an unknown algorithm.

Remediation steps

Type Step

If a device on your network becomes infected with ransomware it will begin encrypting local machine files and files on any network the logged-in user has permission to access. For system administration accounts this may include backup storage locations.

To avoid becoming infected with ransomware, ensure that:

  • A robust program of education and awareness training is delivered to users to ensure they don’t open attachments or follow links within unsolicited emails.
  • All operating systems, anti-virus and other security products are kept up to date.
  • All day to day computer activities such as email and internet are performed using non-administrative accounts and that permissions are always assigned based on the principle of least privilege.
  • Your organisation adopts a holistic all-round approach to Cyber Security as advocated by the 10 Steps to Cyber Security.

Identifying the source of infection:
Identifying the affected device and disconnecting or quarantining it from the network is essential to damage limitation.

  • Users should immediately report infections to their IT support provider, disconnect their network cable and power the computer down.
  • File auditing should be enabled, and file server logs should be monitored to detect signs of unauthorised encryption and allow the source of encryption to be identified (i.e. the infected device).

To limit the damage of ransomware and enable recovery:
All critical data must be backed up, and these backups must be sufficiently protected/kept out of reach of ransomware.

  • Multiple backups should be created including at least one off-network backup (e.g. to tape).
    The only guaranteed way to recover from a ransomware infection is to restore all affected files from their most recent backup.

Indicators of compromise

Main indicators

Last edited: 29 June 2021 11:57 am