Cuba Ransomware is a highly sophisticated and dangerous piece of malware that has been used in targeted attacks against a wide range of organizations and individuals. It is believed to be developed by a Russian-based cybercrime group, and it is known for its ability to infiltrate and encrypt systems, making it nearly impossible for victims to regain access to their data without paying a ransom. In December 2022, CISA and FBI released a joint advisory on Cuba ransomware as a part of their #StopRansomware initiative.

In this report, we will provide a detailed analysis of the Cuba Ransomware, including its technical capabilities, its methods of distribution, and the steps that organizations can take to protect themselves from this threat. We will also provide a list of indicators of compromise (IOCs) that can be used to identify and prevent future attacks.

Technical Analysis

The Cuba Ransomware is a variant of the REvil (Sodinokibi) ransomware family, which is known for its advanced capabilities and its ability to cause significant damage to infected systems. It is typically distributed through phishing emails or via exploit kits that take advantage of vulnerabilities in software or operating systems.

Once the malware has been downloaded onto a system, it will begin to encrypt the victim’s files using a strong encryption algorithm, such as AES-256. It will then display a ransom demand on the victim’s screen, instructing them to pay a certain amount of money in exchange for the decryption key.

One of the key features of the Cuba Ransomware is its ability to evade detection by security software. It uses a variety of techniques to evade antivirus programs and other security measures, including the use of code obfuscation, anti-debugging techniques, and the injection of malicious code into legitimate processes.

The Cuba Ransomware is also known for its ability to spread quickly within a network. It can propagate itself via remote desktop protocol (RDP) connections and through the use of network shares. This allows it to quickly infect multiple systems within an organization, making it especially difficult to contain and remove.

Methods of Distribution

The Cuba Ransomware is typically distributed through phishing emails that contain malicious attachments or links. These emails are designed to appear legitimate and often contain urgent or threatening language in an attempt to persuade the victim to open the attachment or click on the link.

The emails may contain a variety of different types of attachments, including Word documents, PDFs, or Excel spreadsheets. When the victim opens the attachment, the malware is downloaded and installed onto their system.

Another method of distribution for the Cuba Ransomware is through the use of exploit kits. These kits take advantage of vulnerabilities in software or operating systems and can be delivered through a variety of means, including malicious ads or compromised websites.

Cuba Ransomware Ransom Note

Cuba Ransomware Leak Site in Dark Web

Protection and Prevention

There are several steps that organizations can take to protect themselves from the Cuba Ransomware and other similar threats. These include:

1. Implementing strong security measures: This includes installing and maintaining up-to-date antivirus software and firewall protection, as well as implementing proper password management practices.
2. Training employees on cybersecurity best practices: This includes educating employees on the importance of not opening suspicious emails or clicking on unknown links, and teaching them how to recognize and report potential threats.
3. Regularly patching and updating systems: It is important to keep all software and operating systems up to date with the latest patches and updates to reduce the risk of vulnerabilities being exploited.
4. Backing up important data: Regularly backing up important data can help ensure that it is not lost in the event of a ransomware attack. It is also important to store backups in a separate, secure location.

How To Know If You’re Infected?

There are several indicators that organizations can look for to detect and prevent future attacks by the Cuba Ransomware. Some of these include:

1. Suspicious emails: Look for emails with urgent or threatening language, or emails that contain attachments or links that you were not expecting to receive.
2. Network activity: Monitor network activity for signs of unauthorized access or unusual patterns of activity that could indicate the presence of malware.
3. File encryption: If you notice that files on your system are being encrypted, this could be a sign of a ransomware attack.
4. Ransom demands: If you receive a ransom demand on your screen, it is likely that your system has been infected with the Cuba Ransomware.
5. Malicious processes: Keep an eye out for any suspicious or unknown processes running on your system, as these could be indicators of malware activity.