nubis Ransomware Targets Global Victims with Wiper Functionality
Summary:
Anubis ransomware, first observed in December 2024 and evolved from a prototype known as Sphinx, is a Ransomware-as-a-Service operation gaining traction for its combination of data encryption and an optional file-wiping feature that permanently destroys victim data. Promoted on cybercrime forums under aliases like “superSonic,” Anubis offers customizable affiliate programs and additional monetization through access sales and data extortion. It has targeted organizations across healthcare, engineering, and construction sectors in countries including Australia, Canada, Peru, and the United States, indicating opportunistic targeting based on access availability rather than industry focus.
Technically, Anubis typically begins attacks via spear-phishing emails containing malicious links or attachments, bypassing defenses through human error. Once executed, it uses command and scripting interpreters to run configurable parameters controlling its behavior, including encryption, privilege escalation attempts, and optional data wiping. Anubis checks for administrative privileges through system-level methods such as accessing \.\PHYSICALDRIVE0, allowing it to escalate privileges stealthily and adapt its operations across environments. Before encryption, it scans directories while excluding critical system and developer folders to maximize impact while maintaining system operability and delaying detection.
For encryption, Anubis utilizes the Elliptic Curve Integrated Encryption Scheme (ECIES), leveraging Go-based libraries to generate key pairs, encrypt session keys, and manage encryption processes efficiently, with built-in error handling to maintain execution stability. It also deletes Volume Shadow Copies to inhibit recovery and terminates various processes and services, including databases, security tools, and productivity applications, ensuring encryption and potential wiping operations proceed without interference.
Security Officer Comments:
Anubis marks encrypted files with a .anubis extension and drops ransom notes titled RESTORE FILES.html, which threaten public exposure of stolen data if payment is not made, employing a double extortion model. Additionally, it attempts to change desktop wallpapers and file icons to visually reinforce its presence, dropping branded assets like an ICO and JPG into the system. This combination of technical precision, robust encryption, privilege-aware execution, and psychological pressure tactics makes Anubis a potent and adaptable threat for organizations across sectors.
Suggested Corrections:
Backup your data, system images, and configurations, regularly test them, and keep the backups offline: Ensure that backups are regularly tested and that they are not connected to the business network, as many ransomware variants try to find and encrypt or delete accessible backups. Maintaining current backups offline is critical because if your network data is encrypted with ransomware, your organization can restore systems.
Update and patch systems promptly: This includes maintaining the security of operating systems, applications, and firmware in a timely manner. Consider using a centralized patch management system; use a risk-based assessment strategy to drive your patch management program.
Test your incident response plan: There's nothing that shows the gaps in plans more than testing them. Run through some core questions and use those to build an incident response plan: Are you able to sustain business operations without access to certain systems? For how long? Would you turn off your manufacturing operations if business systems such as billing were offline?
Check your security team's work: Use a 3rd party pen tester to test the security of your systems and your ability to defend against a sophisticated attack. Many ransomware criminals are aggressive and sophisticated and will find the equivalent of unlocked doors.
Segment your networks: There's been a recent shift in ransomware attacks – from stealing data to disrupting operations. It's critically important that your corporate business functions and manufacturing/production operations are separated and that you carefully filter and limit internet access to operational networks, identify links between these networks, and develop workarounds or manual controls to ensure ICS networks can be isolated and continue operating if your corporate network is compromised. Regularly test contingency plans such as manual controls so that safety-critical functions can be maintained during a cyber incident.
Train employees: Email remains the most vulnerable attack vector for organizations. Users should be trained on how to avoid and spot phishing emails.
Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA): External-facing assets that leverage single-factor authentication (SFA) are highly susceptible to brute-forcing attacks, password spraying, or unauthorized remote access using valid (stolen) credentials. Implementing MFA enhances security and adds an extra layer of protection.
Link(s):
https://www.picussecurity.com/resou...rgets-global-victims-with-wiper-functionality
Anubis ransomware, first observed in December 2024 and evolved from a prototype known as Sphinx, is a Ransomware-as-a-Service operation gaining traction for its combination of data encryption and an optional file-wiping feature that permanently destroys victim data. Promoted on cybercrime forums under aliases like “superSonic,” Anubis offers customizable affiliate programs and additional monetization through access sales and data extortion. It has targeted organizations across healthcare, engineering, and construction sectors in countries including Australia, Canada, Peru, and the United States, indicating opportunistic targeting based on access availability rather than industry focus.
Technically, Anubis typically begins attacks via spear-phishing emails containing malicious links or attachments, bypassing defenses through human error. Once executed, it uses command and scripting interpreters to run configurable parameters controlling its behavior, including encryption, privilege escalation attempts, and optional data wiping. Anubis checks for administrative privileges through system-level methods such as accessing \.\PHYSICALDRIVE0, allowing it to escalate privileges stealthily and adapt its operations across environments. Before encryption, it scans directories while excluding critical system and developer folders to maximize impact while maintaining system operability and delaying detection.
For encryption, Anubis utilizes the Elliptic Curve Integrated Encryption Scheme (ECIES), leveraging Go-based libraries to generate key pairs, encrypt session keys, and manage encryption processes efficiently, with built-in error handling to maintain execution stability. It also deletes Volume Shadow Copies to inhibit recovery and terminates various processes and services, including databases, security tools, and productivity applications, ensuring encryption and potential wiping operations proceed without interference.
Security Officer Comments:
Anubis marks encrypted files with a .anubis extension and drops ransom notes titled RESTORE FILES.html, which threaten public exposure of stolen data if payment is not made, employing a double extortion model. Additionally, it attempts to change desktop wallpapers and file icons to visually reinforce its presence, dropping branded assets like an ICO and JPG into the system. This combination of technical precision, robust encryption, privilege-aware execution, and psychological pressure tactics makes Anubis a potent and adaptable threat for organizations across sectors.
Suggested Corrections:
Backup your data, system images, and configurations, regularly test them, and keep the backups offline: Ensure that backups are regularly tested and that they are not connected to the business network, as many ransomware variants try to find and encrypt or delete accessible backups. Maintaining current backups offline is critical because if your network data is encrypted with ransomware, your organization can restore systems.
Update and patch systems promptly: This includes maintaining the security of operating systems, applications, and firmware in a timely manner. Consider using a centralized patch management system; use a risk-based assessment strategy to drive your patch management program.
Test your incident response plan: There's nothing that shows the gaps in plans more than testing them. Run through some core questions and use those to build an incident response plan: Are you able to sustain business operations without access to certain systems? For how long? Would you turn off your manufacturing operations if business systems such as billing were offline?
Check your security team's work: Use a 3rd party pen tester to test the security of your systems and your ability to defend against a sophisticated attack. Many ransomware criminals are aggressive and sophisticated and will find the equivalent of unlocked doors.
Segment your networks: There's been a recent shift in ransomware attacks – from stealing data to disrupting operations. It's critically important that your corporate business functions and manufacturing/production operations are separated and that you carefully filter and limit internet access to operational networks, identify links between these networks, and develop workarounds or manual controls to ensure ICS networks can be isolated and continue operating if your corporate network is compromised. Regularly test contingency plans such as manual controls so that safety-critical functions can be maintained during a cyber incident.
Train employees: Email remains the most vulnerable attack vector for organizations. Users should be trained on how to avoid and spot phishing emails.
Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA): External-facing assets that leverage single-factor authentication (SFA) are highly susceptible to brute-forcing attacks, password spraying, or unauthorized remote access using valid (stolen) credentials. Implementing MFA enhances security and adds an extra layer of protection.
Link(s):
https://www.picussecurity.com/resou...rgets-global-victims-with-wiper-functionality