Product ID: AA22-335A


December 1, 2022


Product ID: AA22-335A


# #StopRansomware: Cuba Ransomware 

## SUMMARY


_Note: This joint Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) is part of an_
_ongoing #StopRansomware effort to publish advisories for_
_network defenders that detail various ransomware variants_
_and ransomware threat actors. These #StopRansomware_
_advisories include recently and historically observed tactics,_
_techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and indicators of_
_compromise (IOCs) to help organizations protect against_
_ransomware._ _Visit_ _[stopransomware.gov](https://www.cisa.gov/stopransomware)_ _to_ _see_ _all_
_#StopRansomware advisories and to learn more about other_
_ransomware threats and no-cost resources._


**Actions to take today to mitigate**
**cyber threats from ransomware:**

 - Prioritize remediating [known](https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog)
[exploited vulnerabilities.](https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog)

 - Train users to recognize and
[report phishing attempts.](https://www.cisa.gov/publication/phishing-postcard)

 - Enable and enforce phishingresistant multifactor
[authentication.](https://www.cisa.gov/mfa)


The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are releasing this joint CSA to disseminate
known Cuba ransomware IOCs and TTPs associated with Cuba ransomware actors identified through
FBI investigations, third-party reporting, and open-source reporting. This advisory updates the
[December 2021 FBI Flash: Indicators of Compromise Associated with](https://www.ic3.gov/Media/News/2021/211203-2.pdf) Cuba Ransomware.

**Note: While this ransomware is known by industry as “Cuba ransomware,” there is no indication**
Cuba ransomware actors have any connection or affiliation with the Republic of Cuba.

Since the release of the December 2021 FBI Flash, the number of U.S. entities compromised by
Cuba ransomware has doubled, with ransoms demanded and paid on the increase.

This year, Cuba ransomware actors have added to their TTPs, and third-party and open-source
reports have identified a possible link between Cuba ransomware actors, RomCom Remote Access
Trojan (RAT) actors, and Industrial Spy ransomware actors.

FBI and CISA encourage organizations to implement the recommendations in the Mitigations section
of this CSA to reduce the likelihood and impact of Cuba ransomware and other ransomware
operations.

_To report suspicious or criminal activity related to information found in this joint Cybersecurity Advisory, contact your local FBI_
_[field office at fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices. When available, please include the following information regarding the incident:](http://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices)_
_date, time, and location of the incident; type of activity; number of people affected; type of equipment used for the activity; the_
_name of the submitting company or organization; and a designated point of contact. To request incident response resources_
_[or technical assistance related to these threats, contact CISA at Report@cisa.dhs.gov.](mailto:Report@cisa.dhs.gov)_

_This document is marked TLP:CLEAR. Disclosure is not limited. Sources may use TLP:CLEAR when information carries_
_minimal or no foreseeable risk of misuse, in accordance with applicable rules and procedures for public release. Subject to_
_standard copyright rules, TLP:CLEAR information may be distributed without restriction. For more information on the Traffic_
_[Light Protocol, see cisa.gov/tlp/.](http://www.cisa.gov/tlp/)_


-----

FBI | CISA


## TECHNICAL DETAILS

### Overview

[Since the December 2021 release of FBI Flash: Indicators of Compromise Associated with Cuba](https://www.ic3.gov/Media/News/2021/211203-2.pdf)
[Ransomware, FBI has observed Cuba ransomware actors continuing to target U.S. entities in the](https://www.ic3.gov/Media/News/2021/211203-2.pdf)
[following five critical infrastructure sectors: Financial Services, Government Facilities, Healthcare and](https://www.cisa.gov/critical-infrastructure-sectors)
Public Health, Critical Manufacturing, and Information Technology. As of August 2022, FBI has
identified that Cuba ransomware actors have:

  - Compromised 101 entities, 65 in the United States and 36 outside the United States.

  - Demanded 145 million U.S. Dollars (USD) and received 60 million USD in ransom payments.

### Cuba Ransomware Actors’ Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures

As previously reported by FBI, Cuba ransomware actors have leveraged the following techniques to
gain initial access into dozens of entities in multiple critical infrastructure sectors:

  - [Known vulnerabilities in commercial software [T1190]](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v12/techniques/T1190/)

  - [Phishing campaigns [T1566]](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v12/techniques/T1566/)

  - [Compromised credentials [T1078]](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v12/techniques/T1078/)

  - [Legitimate remote desktop protocol (RDP) tools [T1563.002]](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v12/techniques/T1563/002/)

After gaining initial access, the actors distributed Cuba ransomware on compromised systems
[through Hancitor—a loader known for dropping or executing stealers, such as Remote Access](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v12/software/S0499/)
Trojans (RATs) and other types of ransomware, onto victims’ networks.

Since spring 2022, Cuba ransomware actors have modified their TTPs and tools to interact with
[compromised networks and extort payments from victims.[1],[2]](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/atoms/tropicalscorpius/)

Cuba ransomware actors have exploited known vulnerabilities and weaknesses and have used tools
[to elevate privileges on compromised systems. According to Palo Alto Networks Unit 42,[2] Cuba](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/cuba-ransomware-tropical-scorpius/)
ransomware actors have:

  - [Exploited CVE-2022-24521 in the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver to steal](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-24521)
system tokens and elevate privileges.

  - Used a PowerShell script to identify and target service accounts for their associated Active
Directory Kerberos ticket. The actors then collected and cracked the Kerberos tickets offline
[via Kerberoasting [T1558.003].](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v12/techniques/T1558/003/)

  - Used a tool, called KerberCache, to extract cached Kerberos tickets from a host’s Local
[Security Authority Server Service (LSASS) memory [T1003.001].](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v12/techniques/T1003/001/)

  - [Used a tool to exploit CVE-2020-1472](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-1472) (also known as “ZeroLogon”) to gain Domain
[Administrative privileges [T1068]. This tool and its intrusion attempts have been reportedly](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v12/techniques/T1068/)
[related to Hancitor and Qbot.](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v12/software/S0499/)

According to Palo Alto Networks Unit 42, Cuba ransomware actors use tools to evade detection while
moving laterally through compromised environments before executing Cuba ransomware.
Specifically, the actors, “leveraged a dropper that writes a kernel driver to the file system called
```
ApcHelper.sys. This targets and terminates security products. The dropper was not signed;

```

-----

FBI | CISA


however, the kernel driver was signed using the certificate found in the LAPSUS NVIDIA leak."

[[T1562.001].[2]](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v12/techniques/T1562/001/)

In addition to deploying ransomware, the actors have used “double extortion” techniques, in which
they exfiltrate victim data, and (1) demand a ransom payment to decrypt it and, (2) threaten to publicly
[release it if a ransom payment is not made.[2]](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/cuba-ransomware-tropical-scorpius/)

### Cuba Ransomware Link to RomCom and Industrial Spy Marketplace

Since spring 2022, third-party and open-source reports have identified an apparent link between
Cuba ransomware actors, RomCom RAT actors, and Industrial Spy ransomware actors:

  - According to Palo Alto Networks Unit 42, Cuba ransomware actors began using RomCom
[malware, a custom RAT, for command and control (C2).[2]](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/cuba-ransomware-tropical-scorpius/)

  - Cuba ransomware actors may also be leveraging Industrial Spy ransomware. According to
third-party reporting, suspected Cuba ransomware actors compromised a foreign healthcare
company. The threat actors deployed Industrial Spy ransomware, which shares distinct
similarities in configuration to Cuba ransomware. Before deploying the ransomware, the actors
moved laterally using [Impacket](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v12/software/S0357/) and deployed the RomCom RAT and Meterpreter Reverse
[Shell HTTP/HTTPS proxy via a C2 server [T1090].](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v12/techniques/T1090/)

  - Cuba ransomware actors initially used their leak site to sell stolen data; however, around May
2022, the actors began selling their data on Industrial Spy’s online market for selling stolen
[data.[2]](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/cuba-ransomware-tropical-scorpius/)

RomCom actors have targeted foreign military organizations, IT companies, and food brokers and
[manufacturers.[3][4] The actors copied legitimate HTML code from public-facing webpages, modified](https://blogs.blackberry.com/en/2022/10/unattributed-romcom-threat-actor-spoofing-popular-apps-now-hits-ukrainian-militaries)
[the code, and then incorporated it in spoofed domains [T1584.001], which allowed the RomCom](https://attack.mitre.org/versions/v12/techniques/T1584/001/)
actors to:

  - Host counterfeit Trojanized applications for
```
     o SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor (NPM),
     o KeePass password manager, 
     o PDF Reader Pro, (by PDF Technologies, Inc., not an Adobe Acrobat or Reader

```
product), and
```
     o Advanced IP Scanner software;

```
  - Deploy the RomCom RAT as the final stage.


-----

FBI | CISA


## INDICATORS OF COMPROMISE

See tables 1 through 5 for Cuba ransomware IOCs that FBI obtained during threat response
investigations as of late August 2022. In addition to these tables, see the publications in the
References section below for aid in detecting possible exploitation or compromise.

**Note: For IOCs as of early November 2021, see** [FBI Flash: Indicators of Compromise Associated](https://www.ic3.gov/Media/News/2021/211203-2.pdf)
[with Cuba Ransomware.](https://www.ic3.gov/Media/News/2021/211203-2.pdf)

_Table 1: Cuba Ransomware Associated Files and Hashes, as of Late August 2022_

|File Name|File Path|File Hash|
|---|---|---|
|netping.dll|c:\windows\temp|SHA256: f1103e627311e73d5f29e877243e7ca203292f9419303c66 1aec57745eb4f26c|
|shar.bat||MD5: 4c32ef0836a0af7025e97c6253054bca SHA256: a7c207b9b83648f69d6387780b1168e2f1eabd23ae6e162 dd700ae8112f8b96c|
|Psexesvc.exe||SHA256: 141b2190f51397dbd0dfde0e3904b264c91b6f81febc823ff 0c33da980b69944|
|1.bat|||
|216155s.dll|||
|23246s.bat||SHA256: 02a733920c7e69469164316e3e96850d55fca9f5f9d19a2 41fad906466ec8ae8|
|23246s.dll||SHA256: 0cf6399db55d40bc790a399c6bbded375f5a278dc57a14 3e4b21ea3f402f551f|
|23246st.dll||SHA256: f5db51115fa0c910262828d0943171d640b4748e51c9a1 40d06ea81ae6ea1710|
|259238e.exe|||
|31-100.bat|||
|3184.bat|||
|3184.dll|||
|45.dll||SHA256: 857f28b8fe31cf5db6d45d909547b151a66532951f26cda 5f3320d2d4461b583|
|4ca736d.exe|||
|62e2e37.exe|||
|64.235.39.82|||
|64s.dll|||
|7z.sfx|||
|7zCon.sfx|||
|7-zip.chm|||
|82.ps1|||


-----

|File Name|File Path|File Hash|
|---|---|---|
|9479.bat||SHA256: 08eb4366fc0722696edb03981f00778701266a2e57c40c d2e9d765bf8b0a34d0|
|9479p.bat||SHA256: f8144fa96c036a8204c7bc285e295f9cd2d1deb0379e39e e8a8414531104dc4a|
|9479p.ps1||SHA256: 88d13669a994d2e04ec0a9940f07ab8aab8563eb845a9c 13f2b0fec497df5b17|
|a.exe||MD5: 03c835b684b21ded9a4ab285e4f686a3 SHA1: eaced2fcfdcbf3dca4dd77333aaab055345f3ab4 SHA256: 0f385cc69a93abeaf84994e7887cb173e889d309a515b5 5b2205805bdfe468a3 SHA256: 0d5e3483299242bf504bd3780487f66f2ec4f48a7b38baa 6c6bc8ba16e4fb605 SHA256: 7e00bfb622072f53733074795ab581cf6d1a8b4fc269a50 919dda6350209913c SHA256: af4523186fe4a5e2833bbbe14939d8c3bd352a47a2f7759 2d8adcb569621ce02|
|a220.bat|||
|a220.dll||SHA256: 8a3d71c668574ad6e7406d3227ba5adc5a230dd3057ed ddc4d0ec5f8134d76c3|
|a82.exe||SHA256: 4306c5d152cdd86f3506f91633ef3ae7d8cf0dd25f3e37be c43423c4742f4c42|
|a91.exe||SHA256: 3d4502066a338e19df58aa4936c37427feecce9ab8d43a bff4a7367643ae39ce|
|a99.exe||SHA256: f538b035c3de87f9f8294bec272c1182f90832a4e86db1e 47cbb1ab26c9f3a0b|
|aa.exe|||
|aa2.exe|||
|aaa.stage.1654904 0.dns.alleivice.com|||


FBI | CISA


-----

|File Name|File Path|File Hash|
|---|---|---|
|add2.exe|||
|advapi32.dll|||
|agent.13.ps1|||
|agent.bat||SHA256: fd87ca28899823b37b2c239fbbd236c555bcab7768d672 03f86d37ede19dd975|
|agent.dll|||
|agent13.bat|||
|agent13.ps1||SHA256: 1817cc163482eb21308adbd43fb6be57fcb5ff11fd74b344 469190bb48d8163b|
|agent64.bin||SHA256: bff4dd37febd5465e0091d9ea68006be475c0191bd8c7a7 9a44fbf4b99544ef1|
|agsyst121.bat|||
|agsyst121.dll|||
|all.bat||SHA256: ecefd9bb8b3783a81ab934b44eb3d84df5e58f0289f089ef 6760264352cf878a|
|all.dll||SHA256: db3b1f224aec1a7c58946d819d729d0903751d1867113a ae5cca87e38c653cf4|
|anet.exe||SHA1: 241ce8af441db2d61f3eb7852f434642739a6cc3 SHA256: 74fbf3cc44dd070bd5cb87ca2eed03e1bbeec4fec644a25 621052f0a73abbe84 SHA256: b160bd46b6efc6d79bfb76cf3eeacca2300050248969dec ba139e9e1cbeebf53 SHA256: f869e8fbd8aa1f037ad862cf6e8bbbf797ff49556fb100f219 7be4ee196a89ae|
|App.exe|||
|appnetwork.exe|||
|AppVClient.man|||
|aswSP_arPot2|||
|aus.exe||SHA256: 0c2ffed470e954d2bf22807ba52c1ffd1ecce15779c0afdf1 5c292e3444cf674 SHA256: 310afba59ab8e1bda3ef750a64bf39133e15c89e8c7cf4a c65ee463b26b136ba|


FBI | CISA


-----

|File Name|File Path|File Hash|
|---|---|---|
|av.bat||SHA256: b5d202456ac2ce7d1285b9c0e2e5b7ddc03da1cbca51b5 da98d9ad72e7f773b8|
|c2.ps1|||
|c2.ps1|||
|cdzehhlzcwvzcmcr. aspx|||
|check.exe|||
|checkk.exe|||
|checkk.txt||SHA256: 1f842f84750048bb44843c277edeaa8469697e97c4dbf8d c571ec552266bec9f|
|client32.exe|||
|comctl32 .dll|||
|comp2.ps1|||
|comps2.ps1|||
|cqyrrxzhumiklndm.a spx|||
|defendercontrol.exe|||
|ff.exe||SHA256: 1b943afac4f476d523310b8e3afe7bca761b8cbaa9ea2b9 f01237ca4652fc834|
|File __agsyst121.dll|||
|File __aswArPot.sys|||
|File __s9239.dll|||
|File_agsyst121.dll|||
|File_aswArPot.sys|||
|File_s9239.dll|||
|ga.exe|||
|gdi32 .dll|||
|geumspbgvvytqrih.a spx|||
|IObit UNLOCKER.exe|||
|kavsa32.exe||MD5: 236f5de8620a6255f9003d054f08574b SHA1: 9b546bd99272cf4689194d698c830a2510194722|
|kavsyst32.exe|||
|kernel32.dll|||
|komar.bat||SHA256: B9AFE016DBDBA389000B01CE7645E7EEA1B0A5082 7CDED1CBAA48FBC715197BB|
|komar.dll|||
|komar121.bat|||
|komar121.dll|||


FBI | CISA


-----

|File Name|File Path|File Hash|
|---|---|---|
|komar2.ps1||SHA256: 61971d3cbf88d6658e5209de443e212100afc8f033057d9 a4e79000f6f0f7cc4|
|komar64.dll||SHA256: 8E64BACAF40110547B334EADCB0792BDC891D7AE2 98FBFFF1367125797B6036B|
|mfcappk32.exe|||
|newpass.ps1||SHA256: c646199a9799b6158de419b1b7e36b46c7b7413d6c35bf ffaeaa8700b2dcc427|
|npalll.exe||SHA256: bd270853db17f94c2b8e4bd9fa089756a147ed45cbc44d 6c2b0c78f361978906|
|ole32.dll|||
|oleaut32.dll|||
|open.bat||SHA256: 2EB3EF8A7A2C498E87F3820510752043B20CBE35B0 CBD9AF3F69E8B8FE482676|
|open.exe|||
|pass.ps1||SHA256: 0afed8d1b7c36008de188c20d7f0e2283251a174261547 aab7fb56e31d767666|
|pdfdecrypt.exe|||
|powerview.ps1|||
|prt3389.bat||SHA256: e0d89c88378dcb1b6c9ce2d2820f8d773613402998b8dc db024858010dec72ed|
|ra.ps1||SHA256: 571f8db67d463ae80098edc7a1a0cad59153ce6592e42d 370a45df46f18a4ad8|
|rg1.exe|||
|Rg2.exe|||
|rundll32|||
|s64174.bat||SHA256: 10a5612044599128981cb41d71d7390c15e7a2a0c2848 ad751c3da1cbec510a2 SHA256: 1807549af1c8fdc5b04c564f4026e41790c554f339514d3 26f8b55cb7b9b4f79|
|s64174.dll|||
|s9239.bat|||
|s9239.dll|||
|shell32.dll|||
|stel.exe|||
|syskav64.exe|||


FBI | CISA


-----

|File Name|File Path|File Hash|
|---|---|---|
|sysra64,exe|||
|systav332.bat||SHA256: 01242b35b6def71e42cc985e97d618e2fabd616b16d23f7 081d575364d09ca74|
|TC- 9.22a.2019.3.exe|||
|TeamViewer.exe|||
|testDLL.dll|||
|tug4rigd.dll||SHA256: 952b34f6370294c5a0bb122febfaa80612fef1f32eddd48a 3d0556c4286b7474|
|UpdateNotificationP ipeline.002.etl|||
|user32.dll|||
|v1.bat|||
|v2.bat|||
|v3.bat|||
|veeamp.exe||SHA256: 9aa1f37517458d635eae4f9b43cb4770880ea0ee171e7e 4ad155bbdee0cbe732|
|version.dll|||
|vlhqbgvudfnirmzx.a spx|||
|wininet.dll|||
|wlog.exe|||
|wpeqawzp.sys|||
|y3lcx345.dll|||
|zero.exe||SHA256: 3a8b7c1fe9bd9451c0a51e4122605efc98e7e4e13ed117 139a13e4749e211ed0|
||||
||||


FBI | CISA


-----

FBI | CISA


_Table 2: Cuba Ransomware Associated Email Addresses, as of Late August 2022_

**Email Provider** **Email Addresses**
**Cuba-supp[.]com** admin@cuba-supp[.]com
**Encryption-support[.]com** admin@encryption-support[.]com
**Mail.supports24[.]net** inbox@mail.supports24[.]net

_Table 3: Cuba Ransomware Associated Jabber Address, as of Late August 2022_

cuba_support@exploit[.]im

_Table 4: IP Addresses Associated with Cuba Ransomware, as of Late August 2022_
**_Note: Some of these observed IP addresses are more than a year old. FBI and CISA recommend_**
_vetting or investigating these IP addresses prior to taking forward-looking action such as blocking._

|Email Provider|Email Addresses|
|---|---|
|Cuba-supp[.]com|admin@cuba-supp[.]com|
|Encryption-support[.]com|admin@encryption-support[.]com|
|Mail.supports24[.]net|inbox@mail.supports24[.]net|

|193.23.244[.]244|144.172.83[.]13|216.45.55[.]30|
|---|---|---|
|94.103.9[.]79|149.255.35[.]131|217.79.43[.]148|
|192.137.101[.]46|154.35.175[.]225|222.252.53[.]33|
|92.222.172[.]39|159.203.70[.]39|23.227.198[.]246|
|92.222.172[.]172|171.25.193[.]9|31.184.192[.]44|
|10.13.102[.]1|185.153.199[.]169|37.120.247[.]39|
|10.13.102[.]58|192.137.100[.]96|37.44.253[.]21|
|10.133.78[.]41|192.137.100[.]98|38.108.119[.]121|
|10.14.100[.]20|192.137.101[.]205|45.164.21[.]13|
|103.114.163[.]197|193.34.167[.]17|45.32.229[.]66|
|103.27.203[.]197|194.109.206[.]212|45.86.162[.]34|
|104.217.8[.]100|195.54.160[.]149|45.91.83[.]176|
|107.189.10[.]143|199.58.81[.]140|64.52.169[.]174|
|108.170.31[.]115|204.13.164[.]118|64.235.39[.]82|
|128.31.0[.]34|209.76.253[.]84|79.141.169[.]220|
|128.31.0[.]39|212.192.241[.]230|84.17.52[.]135|
|131.188.40[.]189|213.32.39[.]43|86.59.21[.]38|
|141.98.87[.]124|216.45.55[.]3||


-----

FBI | CISA


_Table 5: Cuba Bitcoin Wallets Receiving Payments, as of Late August 2022_

bc1q4vr25xkth35qslenqwd7aw020w85qrvlrhv7hc

bc1q5uc0fdnz0ve5pg4nl4upa9ly586t6wmnghfe7x

bc1q6rsj3cn37dngypu5kad9gdw5ykhctpwhjvun3z

bc1q6zkemtyyrre2mkk23g93zyq98ygrygvx7z2q0t

bc1q9cj0n9k2m282x0nzj6lhqjvhkkd4h95sewek83

bc1qaselp9nhejc3safcq3vn5wautx6w33x0llk7dl

bc1qc48q628t93xwzljtvurpqhcvahvesadpwqtsza

bc1qgsuf5m9tgxuv4ylxcmx8eeqn3wmlmu7f49zkus

bc1qhpepeeh7hlz5jvrp50uhkz59lhakcfvme0w9qh

bc1qjep0vx2lap93455p7h29unruvr05cs242mrcah

bc1qr9l0gcl0nvmngap6ueyy5gqdwvm34kdmtevjyx

bc1qs3lv77udkap2enxv928x59yuact5df4t95rsqr

bc1qyd05q2m5qt3nwpd3gcqkyer0gspqx5p6evcf7h

bc1qzz7xweq8ee2j35tq6r5m687kctq9huskt50edv

bc1qvpk8ksl3my6kjezjss9p28cqj4dmpmmjx5yl3y

bc1qhtwfcysclc7pck2y3vmjtpzkaezhcm6perc99x

bc1qft3s53ur5uq5ru6sl3zyr247dpr55mnggwucd3

bc1qp7h9fszlqxjwyfhv0upparnsgx56x7v7wfx4x7

bc1q4vr25xkth35qslenqwd7aw020w85qrvlrhv7hc

bc1q5uc0fdnz0ve5pg4nl4upa9ly586t6wmnghfe7x

bc1q6rsj3cn37dngypu5kad9gdw5ykhctpwhjvun3z

bc1q6zkemtyyrre2mkk23g93zyq98ygrygvx7z2q0t

bc1q9cj0n9k2m282x0nzj6lhqjvhkkd4h95sewek83

bc1qaselp9nhejc3safcq3vn5wautx6w33x0llk7dl

bc1qc48q628t93xwzljtvurpqhcvahvesadpwqtsza

bc1qgsuf5m9tgxuv4ylxcmx8eeqn3wmlmu7f49zkus

bc1qhpepeeh7hlz5jvrp50uhkz59lhakcfvme0w9qh

bc1qjep0vx2lap93455p7h29unruvr05cs242mrcah

bc1qr9l0gcl0nvmngap6ueyy5gqdwvm34kdmtevjyx

bc1qs3lv77udkap2enxv928x59yuact5df4t95rsqr

bc1qyd05q2m5qt3nwpd3gcqkyer0gspqx5p6evcf7h

bc1qzz7xweq8ee2j35tq6r5m687kctq9huskt50edv

See figure 1 for an example of a Cuba ransomware note.


-----

FBI | CISA


#### Greetings! Unfortunately we have to report that your company were  compromised. All your files were  encrypted and you can’t restore them without our private key. Trying  to restore it without our help may  cause complete loss of your data. Also we researched whole your  corporate network and downloaded all  your sensitive data to our servers. If we will not get any contact  from you in the next 3 days we will public  it in our news site. You can find it there (  https[:]// cuba4ikm4jakjgmkeztyawtdgr2xymvy6nvgw5cglswg3si76icnqd.onion/ ) Tor Browser is needed ( https[:]//www.torproject.org/download/ ) Also we respect your work and time and we are open for communication.  In that case we are ready to discuss  recovering your files and work. We can grant absolute privacy and  compliance with agreements by our side.  Also we can provide all necessary evidence to confirm performance of  our products and statements. Feel free to contact us with quTox ( https[:]//tox.chat/download.html )
 Our ToxID: 37790E2D198DFD20C9D2887D4EF7C3E295188842480192689864DCCA3C8BD808A 18956768271

 Alternative method is email: inbox@mail.supports24[.]net
 Mark your messages with your personal ID: 


_Figure 1: Sample Cuba Ransom Note 2, as of late August 2022_

Additional resources to detect possible exploitation or compromise:

  - [Palo Alto Networks blog: Novel News on Cuba Ransomware: Greetings from Tropical](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/cuba-ransomware-tropical-scorpius/)
[Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/cuba-ransomware-tropical-scorpius/)

  - [BlackBerry blog: RomCom Threat Actor Abuses KeePass and SolarWinds to Target Ukraine](https://blogs.blackberry.com/en/2022/11/romcom-spoofing-solarwinds-keepass)
[and Potentially the United Kingdom](https://blogs.blackberry.com/en/2022/11/romcom-spoofing-solarwinds-keepass)

  - [BlackBerry blog: Unattributed RomCom Threat Actor Spoofing Popular Apps Now Hits](https://blogs.blackberry.com/en/2022/10/unattributed-romcom-threat-actor-spoofing-popular-apps-now-hits-ukrainian-militaries)
Ukrainian Militaries


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FBI | CISA


## MITRE ATT&CK TECHNIQUES

Cuba ransomware actors use the ATT&CK techniques listed in Table 6. Note: For details on TTPs
listed in the table, see FBI Flash [Indicators of Compromise Associated with Cuba Ransomware.](https://www.ic3.gov/Media/News/2021/211203-2.pdf)

_Table 6: Cuba Ransomware Actors ATT&CK Techniques for Enterprise_

|Resource Development|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Technique Title|ID|Use|
|Compromise Infrastructure: Domains|T1584.001|Cuba ransomware actors use compromised networks to conduct their operations.|
|Initial Access|||
|Technique Title|ID|Use|
|Valid Accounts|T1078|Cuba ransomware actors have been known to use compromised credentials to get into a victim’s network.|
|External Remote Services|T1133|Cuba ransomware actors may leverage external-facing remote services to gain initial access to a victim’s network.|
|Exploit Public-Facing Application|T1190|Cuba ransomware actors are known to exploit vulnerabilities in public-facing systems.|
|Phishing|T1566|Cuba ransomware actors have sent phishing emails to obtain initial access to systems.|
|Execution|||
|Technique Title|ID|Use|
|Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell|T1059.001|Cuba ransomware actors have used PowerShell to escalate privileges.|
|Software Deployment Tools|T1072|Cuba ransomware actors use Hancitor as a tool to spread malicious files throughout a victim’s network.|


-----

|Privilege Escalation|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Technique Title|ID|Use|
|Exploitation for Privilege Escalation|T1068|Cuba ransomware actors have exploited ZeroLogon to gain administrator privileges.[2]|
|Defense Evasion|||
|Technique Title|ID|Use|
|Impair Defenses: Disable or Modify Tools|T1562.001|Cuba ransomware actors leveraged a loader that disables security tools within the victim network.|
|Lateral Movement|||
|Technique Title|ID|Use|
|Remote Services Session: RDP Hijacking|T1563.002|Cuba ransomware actors used RDP sessions to move laterally.|
|Credential Access|||
|Technique Title|ID|Use|
|Credential Dumping: LSASS Memory|T1003.001|Cuba ransomware actors use LSASS memory to retrieve stored compromised credentials.|
|Steal or Forge Kerberos Tickets: Kerberoasting|T1558.003|Cuba ransomware actors used the Kerberoasting technique to identify service accounts linked to active directory.[2]|
|Command and Control|||
|Technique Title|ID|Use|
|Proxy: Manipulate Command and Control Communications|T1090|Industrial Spy ransomware actors use HTTP/HTTPS proxy via a C2 server to direct traffic to avoid direct connection. [2]|


FBI | CISA


-----

FBI | CISA


## MITIGATIONS

FBI and CISA recommend network defenders apply the following mitigations to limit potential
adversarial use of common system and network discovery techniques and to reduce the risk of
compromise by Cuba ransomware:

  - **Implement a recovery plan to maintain and retain multiple copies of sensitive or proprietary**
data and servers in a physically separate, segmented, and secure location (i.e., hard drive,
storage device, the cloud).

  - **Require all accounts with password logins (e.g., service account, admin accounts, and**
[domain admin accounts) to comply with National Institute for Standards and Technology](https://pages.nist.gov/800-63-3/)
[(NIST) standards for developing and managing password policies.](https://pages.nist.gov/800-63-3/)
```
     o Use longer passwords consisting of at least 8 characters and no more than 64

```
characters in length.
```
     o Store passwords in hashed format using industry-recognized password managers.
     o Add password user “salts” to shared login credentials.
     o Avoid reusing passwords.
     o Implement multiple failed login attempt account lockouts.
     o Disable password “hints.”
     o Refrain from requiring password changes more frequently than once per year. 

```
**Note: NIST guidance suggests favoring longer passwords instead of requiring regular**
and frequent password resets. Frequent password resets are more likely to result in
users developing password “patterns” cyber criminals can easily decipher.
```
     o Require administrator credentials to install software.

```
  - **Require** **[multifactor authentication](https://www.cisa.gov/mfa)** for all services to the extent possible, particularly for
webmail, virtual private networks, and accounts that access critical systems.

  - **Keep all operating systems, software, and firmware up to date. Timely patching is one of**
the most efficient and cost-effective steps an organization can take to minimize its exposure to
[cybersecurity threats. Prioritize patching SonicWall firewall vulnerabilities and known exploited](https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog)
[vulnerabilities in internet-facing systems. Note: SonicWall maintains a vulnerability list that](https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog)
includes Advisory ID, CVE, and mitigation. Their list can be found at
[psirt.global.sonicwall.com/vuln-list.](https://psirt.global.sonicwall.com/vuln-list)

  - **Segment networks to prevent the spread of ransomware. Network segmentation can help**
prevent the spread of ransomware by controlling traffic flows between—and access to—
various subnetworks and by restricting adversary lateral movement.

  - **Identify, detect, and investigate abnormal activity and potential traversal of the**
**indicated ransomware with a networking monitoring tool. To aid in detecting the**
ransomware, implement a tool that logs and reports all network traffic, including lateral
movement activity on a network. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools are particularly
useful for detecting lateral connections as they have insight into common and uncommon
network connections for each host.

  - **Install, regularly update, and enable real time detection for antivirus software on all**
hosts.


-----

FBI | CISA



  - **Review domain controllers, servers, workstations, and active directories for new and/or**
unrecognized accounts.

  - **Audit user accounts with administrative privileges and configure access controls according**
to the principle of least privilege.

  - **Disable unused** **ports.**

  - **Consider adding an email banner to emails received from outside your organization.**

  - **Disable hyperlinks in received emails.**

  - **Implement time-based access for accounts set at the admin level and higher. For**
example, the Just-in-Time (JIT) access method provisions privileged access when needed
and can support enforcement of the principle of least privilege (as well as the Zero Trust
model). JIT sets a network-wide policy in place to automatically disable admin accounts at the
Active Directory level when the account is not in direct need. Individual users may submit their
requests through an automated process that grants them access to a specified system for a
set timeframe when they need to support the completion of a certain task.

  - **Disable command-line and scripting activities and permissions. Privilege escalation and**
lateral movement often depend on software utilities running from the command line. If threat
actors are not able to run these tools, they will have difficulty escalating privileges and/or
moving laterally.

  - **Maintain offline backups of data, and regularly maintain backup and restoration. By**
instituting this practice, the organization ensures they will not be severely interrupted, and/or
only have irretrievable data.

  - **Ensure all backup data is encrypted, immutable (i.e., cannot be altered or deleted), and**
covers the entire organization’s data infrastructure.

## RESOURCES

  - [Stopransomware.gov](https://www.stopransomware.gov/) is a whole-of-government approach that gives one central location for
ransomware resources and alerts.

  - [Resource to mitigate a ransomware attack: CISA-Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis](https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/CISA_MS-ISAC_Ransomware%20Guide_S508C.pdf)
[Center (MS-ISAC) Joint Ransomware Guide.](https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/CISA_MS-ISAC_Ransomware%20Guide_S508C.pdf)

  - [No-cost cyber hygiene services: Cyber Hygiene Services and Ransomware Readiness](https://www.cisa.gov/cyber-hygiene-services)
Assessment.

## REPORTING

FBI is seeking any information that can be shared, to include boundary logs showing communication
to and from foreign IP addresses, a sample ransom note, communications with ransomware actors,
Bitcoin wallet information, decryptor files, and/or a benign sample of an encrypted file.

FBI and CISA do not encourage paying ransom as payment does not guarantee victim files will be
recovered. Furthermore, payment may also embolden adversaries to target additional organizations,
encourage other criminal actors to engage in the distribution of ransomware, and/or fund illicit
activities. Regardless of whether you or your organization have decided to pay the ransom, FBI and


-----

FBI | CISA


[CISA urge you to promptly report ransomware incidents immediately. Report to a local FBI Field](https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices)
[Office, or CISA at us-cert.cisa.gov/report.](https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices)

## DISCLAIMER

The information in this report is being provided “as is” for informational purposes only. FBI and CISA
do not endorse any commercial product or service, including any subjects of analysis. Any reference
to specific commercial products, processes, or services by service mark, trademark, manufacturer, or
otherwise, does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by FBI or CISA.

## ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

FBI and CISA would like to thank BlackBerry, ESET, The National Cyber-Forensics and Training
Alliance (NCFTA), and Palo Alto Networks for their contributions to this CSA.

## REFERENCES

[[1] Palo Alto Networks: Tropical Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/atoms/tropicalscorpius/)

[[2] Palo Alto Networks: Novel News on Cuba Ransomware - Greetings From Tropical Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/cuba-ransomware-tropical-scorpius/)

[[3] BlackBerry: Unattributed RomCom Threat Actor Spoofing Popular Apps Now Hits Ukrainian](https://blogs.blackberry.com/en/2022/10/unattributed-romcom-threat-actor-spoofing-popular-apps-now-hits-ukrainian-militaries)
[Militaries](https://blogs.blackberry.com/en/2022/10/unattributed-romcom-threat-actor-spoofing-popular-apps-now-hits-ukrainian-militaries)

[[4] BlackBerry: RomCom Threat Actor Abuses KeePass and SolarWinds to Target Ukraine and](https://blogs.blackberry.com/en/2022/11/romcom-spoofing-solarwinds-keepass)
[Potentially the United Kingdom](https://blogs.blackberry.com/en/2022/11/romcom-spoofing-solarwinds-keepass)


-----