HardBit 4.0 Ransomware Analysis
Summary:
HardBit 4.0 is the latest iteration of the HardBit ransomware family, which has been active since 2022 and operates without a public data leak site. This version introduces enhancements in obfuscation and operational flexibility, including the use of the Neshta file inspector as a dropper mechanism to evade detection. HardBit 4.0 is distributed in both Command Line Interface (CLI) and Graphical User Interface (GUI) formats, catering to operators with varying levels of technical proficiency. Once deployed on systems, the malware will disable Windows Defender, remove backup and recovery options, and halt security and database services, ensuring the successful encryption of victim files.
Security Officer Comments:
Several capabilities in HardBit 4.0 stand out from its predecessors. The new variant requires a decoded authorization ID and encryption key at runtime, which complicates analysis and sandbox detection. It also modifies registry keys to disable critical features such as real-time monitoring, tamper protection, and anti-spyware. Most concerning is the inclusion of a GUI-based “Wiper” mode that is designed to permanently destroy data instead of encrypting it, provided specific configuration parameters are active.
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/resource/blog/hardbit-4.0-ransomware-analysis
HardBit 4.0 is the latest iteration of the HardBit ransomware family, which has been active since 2022 and operates without a public data leak site. This version introduces enhancements in obfuscation and operational flexibility, including the use of the Neshta file inspector as a dropper mechanism to evade detection. HardBit 4.0 is distributed in both Command Line Interface (CLI) and Graphical User Interface (GUI) formats, catering to operators with varying levels of technical proficiency. Once deployed on systems, the malware will disable Windows Defender, remove backup and recovery options, and halt security and database services, ensuring the successful encryption of victim files.
Security Officer Comments:
Several capabilities in HardBit 4.0 stand out from its predecessors. The new variant requires a decoded authorization ID and encryption key at runtime, which complicates analysis and sandbox detection. It also modifies registry keys to disable critical features such as real-time monitoring, tamper protection, and anti-spyware. Most concerning is the inclusion of a GUI-based “Wiper” mode that is designed to permanently destroy data instead of encrypting it, provided specific configuration parameters are active.
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/resource/blog/hardbit-4.0-ransomware-analysis