Hermes ransomware, first observed in 2017, represents a significant chapter in the history of cybercrime. While not as widely known as some of its contemporaries, its role as a precursor and component within the devastating Ryuk ransomware operation highlights its importance in understanding the evolution of sophisticated ransomware attacks. This analysis focuses primarily on version 2.1 of Hermes, providing a detailed examination of its functionality, techniques, and implications. The connection to Fabian Wosar's research and its relationship to the broader Fabian ransomware family will also be explored.
Origins and Evolution:
The initial emergence of Hermes in 2017 marked it as a relatively early player in the ransomware landscape. Unlike some later variants that employed sophisticated evasion techniques and polymorphic code, early versions of Hermes presented a simpler, albeit effective, attack model. This simplicity, however, shouldn't be misinterpreted as a lack of potency. Its core functionality – file encryption and ransom demand – was executed with ruthless efficiency. The evolution of Hermes, particularly its integration into the Ryuk ransomware operation, showcases the adaptive nature of cybercriminal groups. The incorporation of Hermes into Ryuk suggests a strategic decision to leverage its existing capabilities within a larger, more complex attack framework. This highlights the fluid nature of ransomware development, where existing codebases are repurposed and improved upon to create more potent threats.
Technical Analysis of Hermes (v2.1):
This section delves into the technical specifics of Hermes v2.1, focusing on its encryption methods, command-and-control (C&C) infrastructure, and overall architecture. Analyzing the malware's binary code reveals crucial insights into its operation and potential weaknesses.
* Encryption Algorithm: A detailed examination of the encryption algorithm used by Hermes v2.1 is crucial to understanding its resilience against decryption efforts. The choice of algorithm, key generation methods, and implementation details all contribute to the difficulty of recovering encrypted data. Identifying the specific algorithm used allows researchers to assess the feasibility of developing decryption tools or exploring potential vulnerabilities within the encryption process. Understanding whether the encryption is symmetric or asymmetric, and the key length used, provides critical information about the strength of the encryption.
* File Targeting: Hermes, like most ransomware, targets specific file types known to hold valuable data. Understanding which file extensions are encrypted helps organizations prioritize data backup and recovery strategies. Identifying the file types targeted allows for the development of preventative measures, such as access control lists or file-level encryption for critical data. This analysis should include an investigation into the methods used to identify and select target files, including potentially recursive searches through directories and subdirectories.
* Command-and-Control (C&C) Infrastructure: The C&C infrastructure plays a vital role in the Hermes ransomware operation. This infrastructure facilitates communication between the infected machine and the attackers. Analyzing the C&C communication protocols and server locations reveals valuable information about the attackers' operational methods and geographical location. Identifying the C&C infrastructure allows for the disruption of communication channels, potentially hindering the attackers' ability to collect ransom payments and deploy further attacks. This analysis should include an investigation into the methods used for domain generation algorithms (DGAs) or other obfuscation techniques employed to hide the C&C infrastructure.
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