Possible Akira Ransomware VM Shutdown via vim-cmd
- Product
- linux
- Category
- process_creation
- Author
- HuntRule
- Published
- 2026-09-09
- Updated
- 2026-09-09
ATT&CK techniques
ImpactRecon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact
What it detects
This rule detects use of vim-cmd to power off virtual machines on an ESXi host, a step the Akira Rust ransomware performs before encrypting VM files. The encryptor enumerates guests with getallvms and forces them off to release locked disks. Detecting it can stop the attack before mass encryption begins.
Reporting behind it
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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