Malicious ESXiArgs Encryptor Execution Referencing Dropped Public Key (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Impact

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact
- T1486Data Encrypted for Impact

What it detects

This rule detects execution of a process referencing the public.pem key used by the ESXiArgs ransomware encryptor which reads the dropped RSA public key and an argsfile to encrypt virtual machine disks on VMware ESXi hosts. Command lines invoking this key indicate the encryption stage of the intrusion and should be contained immediately.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1486 — drag to rearrange

Malicious ESXiArgs Ransomware Public Key Drop in Temp Directory (via file_event)

Malicious TellYouThePass Ransomware Note Creation

Malicious CrazyHunter Ransomware Toolkit Execution from Public Directory

Malicious Black Basta ESXi Ransomware Volume Enumeration and Encryption via Command Line (via process_creation)

Malicious DarkAngels Linux Ransomware Ransom Note Creation via File System (via file_event)

Malicious DarkAngels Linux Ransomware Encrypted Extension and Log Artifacts via File System (via file_event)

Malicious Cyclops Ransomware File Artifacts (via file_event)

Malicious Mallox Ransomware Encryption Artifacts via Ransom Note and Extension (via file_event)

Malicious Backup and Recovery Destruction Chain via Dire Wolf Ransomware (via process_creation)

Malicious ESXiArgs Encryptor Execution Referencing Dropped Public Key (via process_creation)

Pivot detection · T1486 · 9 related

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.

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