Dark Web Profile: Abyss Ransomware – SOCRadar

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In 2023, Abyss Locker ransomware emerged as a critical cybersecurity threat, aggressively targeting Windows and Linux systems across industries like finance, manufacturing, and technology. Known for its advanced encryption and multi-extortion tactics, Abyss Locker disrupts operations and demands hefty ransoms, making it a top concern for businesses worldwide.
Abyss Ransomware (also known as Abyss Locker) is a ransomware group that first appeared on the cybersecurity radar in 2023. Emerging as a potent threat, this group quickly gained notoriety for its aggressive targeting of various industries, including finance, manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology. Abyss Ransomware is believed to have roots in the infamous HelloKitty ransomware, leveraging its source code to develop its malicious operations.
Initially, the group focused on Windows systems, but it soon expanded its capabilities to include Linux environments, particularly VMware ESXi virtualized platforms. This expansion was marked by the introduction a specialized Linux encryptor designed to infiltrate and disrupt critical virtual environments. The group’s ability to adapt and evolve tactics has made it a significant player in ransomware.

Abyss Ransomware dark web platform
Abyss Ransomware operates as a multi-extortion ransomware group. It encrypts victims’ files and exfiltrates sensitive data, used as leverage in ransom negotiations. Victims who do not comply with the ransom demands face the threat of their data being exposed on a TOR-based website operated by the group.
The group’s operations are characterized by sophisticated tactics, including lateral movement within networks, termination of critical services and processes, and advanced encryption techniques. Abyss Ransomware has shown a particular focus on the United States, targeting sectors that include medical institutions, manufacturing companies, and tech firms. Their attacks have caused significant disruptions, often forcing organizations to negotiate and pay hefty ransoms to avoid further damage.
Despite its relatively recent emergence, the group has established itself as a formidable ransomware threat, demonstrating both technical prowess and a ruthless approach to extortion.

According to the researchers, Abyss Ransomware employs various sophisticated Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) to maximize its impact on targeted systems. The group’s operations are notable for their technical complexity and strategic execution, particularly in Windows and Linux environments.
Notably, Abyss has seen two main versions (v1 and v2), with v2 introducing updates primarily in ransom note messaging and TOR addresses while maintaining the core functionality of v1. Here’s a breakdown of how Abyss Ransomware operates:
Abyss Ransomware typically gains initial access to its targets through phishing emails, exploiting weak SSH configurations, or leveraging known vulnerabilities in exposed servers. The group has been observed using brute-force attacks against SSH to establish a foothold, particularly in Linux environments. Once inside, Abyss rapidly deploys its payload to begin the encryption process.
According to the researchers, the Windows variant of Abyss Ransomware is highly destructive and strategically turns off critical services and processes before beginning encryption. Here’s a closer look at the process:

Basic properties of a known sample, written in C++ (VirusTotal)

WhatHappened.txt (X)

Abyss Ransomware replaces the victim’s desktop wallpaper with a ransom note (X)
The Linux variant of Abyss Ransomware is particularly dangerous for environments utilizing VMware ESXi virtualized infrastructure. Here’s how it operates:

Basic properties of a known sample (VirusTotal)
In addition to encryption, Abyss Ransomware engages in data exfiltration, stealing sensitive information before locking down the victim’s files. This data is used as additional leverage in ransom negotiations. If the victim fails to pay, the group threatens to release the data publicly on their TOR-based leak site, which could lead to significant reputational damage and legal consequences for the victim.
Abyss Ransomware’s operations demonstrate a high level of sophistication, with carefully designed strategies to ensure maximum disruption and leverage against its victims. Its ability to operate across multiple platforms and utilize advanced encryption and exfiltration techniques makes it a significant threat in the current cybersecurity landscape.
Abyss ransomware has been highly active, targeting various industries and countries. Since its emergence, the group has launched numerous attacks, with a significant concentration in the United States.

Targeted Countries So Far
The Abyss ransomware group has primarily focused on the United States, with 48 out of the total attacks occurring there. Other countries affected include Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, Georgia, Italy, and Hong Kong.

Targeted Industries So Far
Abyss has shown a particular interest in the Manufacturing sector, which has been hit the hardest. Other targeted industries include Finance and Insurance, Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, and Construction.
Defending against Abyss Locker ransomware requires a multifaceted approach that incorporates advanced security tools and proactive strategies. Here are the key steps organizations should take:
By following these mitigation and protection strategies, organizations can significantly reduce their vulnerability to Abyss Locker ransomware and similar threats. A proactive, layered approach to security will help maintain resilience against the constantly evolving landscape of cyber threats.

SOCRadar provides comprehensive support to organizations facing the threat of ransomware like Abyss Locker, through a variety of advanced cybersecurity tools and services.
One of the key offerings is the Extended Threat Intelligence (XTI) platform, which delivers real-time threat detection capabilities. This platform monitors the evolving threat landscape continuously, enabling organizations to identify potential ransomware threats before they cause significant harm. By providing actionable insights into emerging threats, including specific Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) used by Abyss Ransomware, SOCRadar helps organizations stay one step ahead of attackers.

SOCRadar Attack Surface Management, Digital Footprint
Another crucial service is Attack Surface Management, which helps reduce vulnerabilities across your digital footprint. SOCRadar continuously scans for potential security gaps, providing organizations with a clear understanding of their exposure to external threats. By identifying and managing these vulnerabilities proactively, SOCRadar enables organizations to effectively minimize the risk of exploitation by ransomware like Abyss Locker.

SOCRadar Dark Web Monitoring
In addition to threat detection, SOCRadar’s Dark Web Monitoring service plays a crucial role in identifying potential risks early. Abyss Ransomware, like many other ransomware groups, may expose stolen data on dark web forums as part of their extortion strategy. SOCRadar’s monitoring service scans these hidden parts of the internet, detecting any mentions of your organization, leaked data, or indicators of an impending attack. By identifying these threats early, SOCRadar enables you to take preventive actions to protect your data and minimize potential damage.
Abyss Ransomware group has rapidly emerged as a formidable ransomware threat, targeting various industries with sophisticated tactics and advanced encryption techniques. Its ability to compromise both Windows and Linux environments, particularly within VMware ESXi virtualized platforms, underscores the need for organizations to adopt a robust and multifaceted cybersecurity strategy.
Proactive measures, such as regular system updates, strong authentication practices, comprehensive backup and disaster recovery planning, and continuous monitoring, are essential to mitigating the risks posed by Abyss Ransomware. Leveraging advanced tools like SOCRadar’s Extended Threat Intelligence, Attack Surface Management, and Dark Web Monitoring services further enhances an organization’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to these threats effectively.
Abyss Locker ransomware employs a variety of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) that align with the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Understanding these TTPs is crucial for developing effective defense strategies against this threat. Below are the key TTPs associated with Abyss Locker:
Hash Values:
File Indicators:

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