The uncommon Internet Query file format lets attacks slip past defenses to effectively break into target networks.
Researchers have detected an attack campaign that leverages Internet Query files (IQY) to bypass enterprise defense systems and deliver a new variant of Paradise ransomware.
Paradise has been active since 2017; now, its operators are finding new ways to deliver the malware. IQY files are simple text files read by Microsoft Excel to download data from the Internet. It's one of the lesser known weaponizable Microsoft Office file formats, Lastline researchers say. Most organizations won't block or filter IQY because it's a legitimate file type. Further, the files may not register as malware because there is no payload; just a URL.
The campaign is designed to trick users into opening an IQY attachment, which retrieves a malicious Excel formula from the attacker's command-and-control server. This formula contains a command to run a PowerShell command, which downloads and deploys the ransomware. Lastline researchers were able to link the executable to the Paradise ransomware family.
Researchers don't know which criminal group is responsible for this campaign; however, it is worth noting the ransomware checks to see if a machine's language ID is Russian, Kazakh, Belarusian, Ukrainian, or Tatar. If one of these values is matched, the ransomware exits.
Read more details here.
Check out The Edge, Dark Reading's new section for features, threat data, and in-depth perspectives. Today's featured story: "Keys to Hiring Cybersecurity Pros When Certification Can't Help."
About the Author(s)
You May Also Like
Guarding the Cloud: Top 5 Cloud Security Hacks and How You Can Avoid Them
April 4, 2024Cybersecurity Strategies for Small and Med Sized Businesses
April 11, 2024Defending Against Today's Threat Landscape with MDR
April 18, 2024Securing Code in the Age of AI
April 24, 2024
Black Hat USA - August 3-8 - Learn More
August 3, 2024Cybersecurity's Hottest New Technologies: What You Need To Know
March 21, 2024Black Hat Asia - April 16-19 - Learn More
April 16, 2024