ZeroHour
Security Affairspublished ()ingested @securityaffairs1

Storm-1175 Replaces Medusa With New StormEncryptor Ransomware

AI summary · glm-5.3-flash

Microsoft reports China-linked ransomware group Storm-1175 switched from Medusa to a new C++ strain, StormEncryptor, likely exploiting N-able flaw CVE-2026-18577.

Microsoft Threat Intelligence reports that the financially motivated, China-linked group Storm-1175 began deploying a new ransomware strain called StormEncryptor on August 2, 2026, replacing its previous Medusa ransomware. StormEncryptor is written in C++, appends the .encrypted extension to files, and drops a !!!README_FIRST!!!.txt ransom note in each scanned directory. Microsoft assesses the group is likely exploiting CVE-2026-18577, an authentication bypass in N-able disclosed on August 2, 2026 and added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog the next day. Since 2023, Storm-1175 has exploited more than 16 vulnerabilities in products including Microsoft Exchange, Ivanti, ConnectWise ScreenConnect, JetBrains TeamCity, SimpleHelp, CrushFTP, and GoAnywhere MFT, often moving from initial access to data theft and ransomware deployment within days.

  • Storm-1175 deployed the new C++ ransomware StormEncryptor starting August 2, 2026, replacing its previous Medusa ransomware.
  • StormEncryptor encrypts files with the .encrypted extension and drops a !!!README_FIRST!!!.txt ransom note in each directory.
  • Microsoft assesses the group is likely exploiting N-able authentication bypass CVE-2026-18577, added to the CISA KEV catalog on August 3.
  • The group has exploited over 16 vulnerabilities since 2023, including flaws in Exchange, Ivanti, TeamCity, SimpleHelp, and GoAnywhere.
  • Attackers chain exploits and use AnyDesk, SimpleHelp, Mimikatz, PsExec, and RDP, deploying ransomware within as little as 24 hours.

Vulnerabilities mentionedAll →

CVEVulnerabilityCVSSEPSSFlagsAffectedExposurePublished
CVE-2023-21529
Authenticated Deserialization RCE in Microsoft Exchange Server (CVE-2023-21529)

CVE-2023-21529 is a deserialization-of-untrusted-data flaw (CWE-502) in on-premises Microsoft Exchange Server that allows remote code execution. Per its CVSS vector, an attacker with valid low-privileged credentials (PR:L) sends crafted untrusted serialized data to the server over the network, requiring no user interaction. Successful exploitation yields code execution on the Exchange server, exposing mail stores and providing a foothold for lateral movement, and related coverage ties it to the fast-moving Storm-1175 ransomware operation, with ransomware use listed as known in CISA's KEV entry. Organizations running self-hosted Exchange Server are in scope; the source data does not list specific affected builds, but the fix shipped in Microsoft's February 2023 Patch Tuesday updates. The flaw was added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2026-04-13, EPSS estimates a 62.1% probability of exploitation within 30 days (99th percentile), and no public proof-of-concept is known.

Do: Apply the February 2023 Exchange Server security updates to every on-premises Exchange server; U.S. federal agencies must mitigate or patch per BOD 22-01 following the KEV listing. Because exploitation requires authenticated low-privilege access, inventory exposed OWA/ECP endpoints, review and rotate credentials, and hunt for compromise indicators (unusual processes, webshells, unexpected mailbox activity) given known ransomware use.

8.862% KEV ransomware
  • Microsoft Exchange Server
mass≈50,000–100,000 internet-exposed on-prem Exchange servers; on-prem Exchange plausibly hosts 1M+ users worldwide
CVE-2023-27350
Authentication Bypass Leading to SYSTEM RCE in PaperCut MF/NG

PaperCut MF and PaperCut NG print management software contain an improper access control flaw (CWE-284) in the SetupCompleted class that allows an unauthenticated attacker to bypass authentication and reach internal administrative functionality. The flaw is triggered by sending crafted, unauthenticated requests to the PaperCut application's web interface, without requiring valid user credentials. A successful attacker gains the ability to execute code in the context of the SYSTEM account on the PaperCut server, typically a Windows print server, giving full control of that host. Any organization running PaperCut MF or NG is potentially affected, and exposure is highest where the server's web interface is reachable from the internet or by untrusted networks. Exploitation is confirmed in the wild: CISA added the flaw to the KEV on 2023-04-21 with known ransomware use, and EPSS rates exploitation probability at 100% within 30 days.

Do: Apply the vendor's updates as instructed (this is the required action in CISA KEV) — upgrade PaperCut MF/NG to the patched releases listed in PaperCut's security advisory rather than relying on unpatched installs. Until patched, restrict network access to the PaperCut web/admin interface so it is reachable only from trusted hosts, and check the server for signs of compromise given known ransomware use. Prioritize internet-facing PaperCut servers, which public scans show are exposed in the thousands.

9.8100% KEV ransomware PoC ×3
  • PaperCut MF
  • PaperCut NG
masstens of thousands of organizations (~70k+) and millions of users; thousands of internet-exposed PaperCut servers
CVE-2023-27351
Authentication Bypass in PaperCut NG/MF Print Management Software

CVE-2023-27351 is an improper authentication flaw (CWE-287) in the SecurityRequestFilter class of PaperCut NG and MF print management software, where the authentication algorithm is improperly implemented. A remote, unauthenticated attacker can trigger it over the network with no user interaction or special privileges to bypass authentication on the affected server (CVSS 3.1: 7.5). Once authentication is bypassed, the attacker gains access to the PaperCut system; in observed campaigns this access was leveraged to deliver Cl0p and LockBit ransomware, as confirmed by Microsoft. Organizations running PaperCut NG (version 22.0.5, Build 63914, is cited in the advisory) or PaperCut MF are affected. The flaw was exploited as a zero-day, is CISA KEV-listed (added 2026-04-20) with known ransomware use, and EPSS places the 30-day exploitation probability at 78.1%.

Do: Upgrade PaperCut NG/MF to the fixed release per the vendor's emergency patch advisory, first confirming the running build (NG 22.0.5, Build 63914, is cited as affected). Restrict internet-facing access to PaperCut servers and hunt for signs of post-exploitation, given confirmed use to deliver Cl0p and LockBit ransomware. US federal agencies must apply mitigations per CISA BOD 22-01 (or vendor instructions) or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

7.578% KEV ransomware
  • PaperCut NG 22.0.5 (Build 63914) explicitly cited as affected; CISA lists PaperCut NG broadly without a full version range
  • PaperCut MF affected per CISA listing; no specific version range provided in the data
large≈75,000+ sites/organizations (PaperCut NG/MF is deployed at tens of thousands of organizations; public scans have found thousands of servers directly…
CVE-2024-21887
+1 in the same advisory: …46805
Command Injection RCE in Ivanti Connect Secure and Policy Secure

Ivanti Connect Secure (formerly Pulse Connect Secure) and Ivanti Policy Secure appliances contain a command injection flaw (CWE-77) in their web components, triggered when an authenticated administrator sends crafted requests to the appliance. The bug can be chained with the separate authentication bypass CVE-2023-46805, allowing an unauthenticated attacker to achieve the same result. Successful exploitation lets an attacker execute arbitrary commands and code on the appliance, providing a foothold into the networks behind the VPN or network access control gateway. Any organization running these appliances, typically enterprises and government agencies often deployed directly on the internet perimeter, is affected. Exploitation is confirmed in the wild: the flaw was added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2024-01-10 with known ransomware use and EPSS assigns a 100% probability of exploitation within 30 days, although no public proof-of-concept is available.

Do: Apply Ivanti's mitigations or patched builds immediately per vendor instructions, addressing the chained authentication bypass CVE-2023-46805 at the same time, and discontinue or restrict use of any appliance for which mitigations are unavailable, especially if it is internet-facing. Because exploitation with ransomware use is known, assume compromise is possible: review appliance web logs for suspicious requests and run Ivanti's integrity-checking guidance to verify appliance images before and after remediation. Where feasible, restrict direct internet exposure of the appliance web interface and monitor for further vendor advisories.

9.1
group max
100% KEV ransomware PoC
  • Ivanti Connect Secure (ICS, formerly Pulse Connect Secure)
  • Ivanti Policy Secure
largetens of thousands of appliances (roughly 20,000-30,000 internet-exposed ICS gateways at disclosure; total deployed base likely higher)
CVE-2024-1709
+1 in the same advisory: …1708
Authentication Bypass in ConnectWise ScreenConnect Creates Rogue Admin Accounts

ConnectWise ScreenConnect (ConnectWise Control), a widely used remote-access and remote-monitoring tool, contains an authentication bypass (CWE-288) in its management interface. An attacker needs only network access to the management interface to trigger the flaw, with no valid credentials or user interaction required. A successful attacker gains administrative control of the ScreenConnect server by creating a new administrator-level account, providing a foothold that has already been used in ransomware campaigns against downstream managed environments. Any organization running ConnectWise ScreenConnect is affected, especially managed service providers and IT teams whose management interface is reachable from the internet; the source data specifies affected products but no version ranges. Exploitation is confirmed and urgent: CISA added the flaw to the KEV on 2024-02-22 with known ransomware use, EPSS assigns a 100% probability of exploitation within 30 days, and ConnectWise warned that no patch was available at the time of disclosure.

Do: Follow ConnectWise's instructions immediately: no patch existed at disclosure, so apply the vendor's mitigations or, per the CISA KEV required action, restrict internet exposure of the management interface or discontinue use until mitigations are available, then upgrade to the vendor's patched release as soon as it ships. Audit ScreenConnect servers for unexpectedly created administrator-level accounts and unusual remote sessions, which are the attack's artifacts. Prioritize any instance whose management interface is reachable from the internet, given confirmed in-the-wild exploitation and known ransomware use.

10.0
group max
100% KEV ransomware PoC ×3
  • ConnectWise ScreenConnect
masstens of thousands of internet-exposed ScreenConnect servers (on the order of 10,000-30,000 instances in public internet scans at disclosure), managing millions…
CVE-2024-27198
+1 in the same advisory: …27199
Authentication Bypass in JetBrains TeamCity CI/CD Server

CVE-2024-27198 is an authentication bypass (CWE-288) in JetBrains TeamCity, JetBrains' self-hosted on-premises continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) server, that allows an unauthenticated attacker to circumvent login and perform administrative actions. It is triggered by sending specially crafted requests to the TeamCity web interface that dodge the authentication check, after which the attacker gains full administrator access. With admin access, an attacker can create administrative accounts, alter build configurations, plant code that runs on the server and its build agents, and reach source code, credentials, and secrets stored in the CI/CD environment, which ransomware operators have already used as an entry point. Any TeamCity deployment an attacker can reach over the network is affected, with internet-facing instances at the highest risk. Exploitation is confirmed in the wild: CISA added the flaw to the KEV catalog on 2024-03-07 with known ransomware use, and EPSS estimates a 99.9% probability of exploitation within 30 days.

Do: Upgrade immediately to the patched TeamCity release per JetBrains' advisory (2023.11.4 or later fixes this vulnerability), or apply vendor mitigations or discontinue use per CISA guidance if patching is not possible. Audit instances for unexpected administrator accounts, modified build configurations, and other signs of compromise, since ransomware operators are known to be actively exploiting this bug. Restrict TeamCity's network exposure to trusted users and networks until the update is applied.

9.8
group max
100% KEV ransomware
  • JetBrains TeamCity
largetens of thousands of internet-exposed TeamCity servers (roughly 20,000–30,000 per public scans at disclosure)
CVE-2024-57726
+2 in the same advisory: …57727 …57728
Missing-Authorization Privilege Escalation in SimpleHelp Remote Support <= 5.5.7

SimpleHelp remote support software versions 5.5.7 and earlier contain a missing-authorization flaw (CWE-862) that lets low-privileged technicians create API keys with excessive permissions. A network attacker holding only a technician-level account can mint such an over-privileged API key and use it to escalate to the SimpleHelp server admin role, with no user interaction required (CVSS 3.1 score 9.9, scope changed). Successful exploitation yields full administrative control of the SimpleHelp server, the remote-access/RMM platform support staff use to reach endpoints, which can also expose downstream customer environments when the server is run by an MSP. Any organization running SimpleHelp 5.5.7 or earlier is affected, with MSPs at particular risk given their downstream reach. The flaw is confirmed exploited in the wild: it was added to CISA KEV on 2026-04-24 with known ransomware use, carries a 66.6% EPSS score (99th percentile), and public reporting describes ransomware operators chaining SimpleHelp flaws in double-extortion attacks against an MSP and its customers.

Do: Upgrade SimpleHelp to the latest vendor release newer than 5.5.7 and apply vendor mitigation guidance; federal agencies must meet BOD 22-01 requirements or discontinue use. Audit existing API keys (especially those created by technician accounts) for excessive permissions, review audit logs for unexpected key creation or admin activity, and restrict internet exposure of SimpleHelp servers. Organizations whose MSP uses SimpleHelp should confirm the MSP's instance is patched before trusting remote sessions.

9.9
group max
67% KEV ransomware
  • SimpleHelp remote support software 5.5.7 and earlier
moderatelow thousands of exposed self-hosted SimpleHelp server deployments (est.), amplified to many downstream endpoints where instances are run by MSPs
CVE-2025-10035
Deserialization Flaw in Fortra GoAnywhere MFT License Servlet Enables RCE

CVE-2025-10035 is a critical (CVSS 9.8) deserialization-of-untrusted-data flaw (CWE-502) in the License Servlet of Fortra GoAnywhere Managed File Transfer (MFT). It is triggered when the servlet processes a license response carrying a validly forged signature, causing it to deserialize an arbitrary attacker-controlled object; the CVSS vector indicates the attack is network-based and requires no privileges or user interaction. Successful exploitation can lead to command injection (CWE-77), effectively giving an attacker command execution on the MFT server and access to the files and credentials that flow through it. Any organization running GoAnywhere MFT, which is commonly deployed as a central file-transfer hub, is affected, although specific affected/fixed version ranges are not provided in the available data. Exploitation is confirmed in the wild: the flaw was added to CISA's KEV catalog on 2025-09-29 with known ransomware use, Microsoft attributes attacks to the Storm-1175 ransomware affiliate (Medusa, now reportedly replaced by StormEncryptor), and EPSS assigns a 99.8% probability of exploitation within 30 days.

Do: Apply mitigations or patches per Fortra's vendor instructions immediately, as this is a KEV entry carrying BOD 22-01 requirements for federal agencies (patch or discontinue use if mitigations are unavailable). Because a ransomware affiliate (Storm-1175, using Medusa/StormEncryptor) is actively exploiting it, hunt for compromise: review License Servlet traffic and logs for forged license responses, check for unexpected processes or new accounts, and look for signs of lateral movement. Until patched, restrict or remove internet exposure of GoAnywhere MFT admin and license interfaces.

9.8100% KEV ransomware
  • Fortra GoAnywhere Managed File Transfer (MFT)
moderatelow thousands of internet-exposed GoAnywhere MFT instances (estimate)
CVE-2025-31161
Authentication Bypass in CrushFTP File Transfer Servers (CVE-2025-31161)

CrushFTP contains an authentication bypass (CWE-305) in its handling of the HTTP authorization header, allowing crafted header values to grant access without valid credentials. A remote, unauthenticated attacker who can reach the server's HTTP/HTTPS interface can use this flaw to authenticate as any known or guessable account, such as the built-in crushadmin user. With administrative access, the attacker can typically achieve full compromise of the file-transfer server, including access to hosted files and user accounts. Any organization running CrushFTP is affected, with internet-exposed instances at the highest risk. The flaw is being actively exploited: it was added to CISA's KEV on 2025-04-07 with known ransomware use, and EPSS assigns it a 100% probability of exploitation within 30 days.

Do: Upgrade to the vendor's fixed releases (10.8.0 for the 10.x line and 11.3.1 for the 11.x line, per vendor advisories); federal agencies must follow BOD 22-01 timelines or discontinue use if mitigations are unavailable. Until patched, restrict network access to the CrushFTP HTTP/HTTPS interface and audit authentication logs for unexpected logins to privileged accounts such as crushadmin. Given confirmed ransomware use, treat internet-exposed instances as actively targeted and verify there are no signs of prior compromise after patching.

9.8100% KEV ransomware PoC ×4
  • CrushFTP
moderate≈5,000–10,000 internet-exposed CrushFTP servers (public scan counts), with additional uncounted internal enterprise deployments
CVE-2025-52691
Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Upload RCE in SmarterTools SmarterMail

SmarterTools SmarterMail contains an unrestricted file upload flaw (CWE-434, CVSS 10.0) that lets an unauthenticated attacker upload files of dangerous types over the network without any credentials or user interaction. Because the uploaded files can be written to any location on the mail server, an attacker can drop a file into an executable path and achieve remote code execution on the host, which is why the CVSS scope is changed with high confidentiality, integrity and availability impact. An attacker who lands this foothold gains control of the mail server, and CISA notes known ransomware use, with press coverage linking the wave of SmarterMail exploitation to groups such as Storm-1175 and Warlock. Any organization running an internet-facing SmarterMail server — typically hosting providers, MSPs and SMBs using it as a Windows mail platform — is exposed. Exploitation is active: the flaw was added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2026-01-26, EPSS puts the 30-day exploitation probability at 85.7% (100th percentile), and a public proof-of-concept exploit is available from watchTowr.

Do: Upgrade SmarterMail to the patched build referenced in the vendor advisory (exact build number not provided in the source data), prioritizing internet-exposed servers, and note that news reports indicate exploit activity began within roughly two days of the patch release, so unpatched systems should be assumed targeted. Check servers for signs of compromise — unexpected files in web-accessible or executable paths, new admin accounts, webshells, and ransomware indicators — and restrict webmail endpoints to trusted networks if immediate patching is not possible. US federal agencies must apply the required mitigation or discontinue use under BOD 22-01 timelines.

10.086% KEV ransomware PoC
  • SmarterTools SmarterMail Affected build range not enumerated in the source data; a vendor patch was available by the time of the CISA KEV listing (2026-01-26), so all unpatched SmarterM
moderateseveral thousand internet-exposed SmarterMail servers (niche Windows mail server with a total install base in the low tens of thousands)
CVE-2026-1731
Pre-Authentication OS Command Injection RCE in BeyondTrust Remote Support and PRA

BeyondTrust Remote Support (RS) and certain older versions of Privileged Remote Access (PRA) contain a critical (CVSS 4.0: 9.9) pre-authentication operating system command injection vulnerability (CWE-78). By sending specially crafted requests to the appliance, an unauthenticated remote attacker can execute operating system commands in the context of the site user, gaining code execution without credentials or user interaction. Any organization running RS or PRA appliances that are reachable from the internet, which is their typical deployment mode for remote support and privileged access, is affected. Exploitation is active: the flaw was added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2026-02-13 with known ransomware use, carries an EPSS of 89.5% (100th percentile), has a public proof-of-concept, and press coverage links the newly patched BeyondTrust RCE to fast-moving ransomware activity (Storm-1175). BeyondTrust has released fixes, so unpatched, internet-exposed instances should be treated as high-priority compromise targets.

Do: Upgrade all internet-exposed Remote Support and Privileged Remote Access appliances to the fixed releases in BeyondTrust's security advisory immediately, per the CISA KEV required action (apply vendor mitigations or discontinue use if mitigation is unavailable). Until patched, restrict network access to the appliance and review appliance/web logs for suspicious unauthenticated requests, given known ransomware exploitation and the availability of a public proof-of-concept.

9.990% KEV ransomware PoC
  • BeyondTrust Remote Support (RS)
  • BeyondTrust Privileged Remote Access (PRA) Certain older versions (per the CVE description); exact affected and fixed ranges per BeyondTrust's advisory
largeon the order of tens of thousands of internet-exposed RS/PRA appliance instances worldwide
CVE-2026-18577
Authentication Bypass and Account Takeover in N-able N-central (Incomplete Patch)

CVE-2026-18577 is an authentication bypass (CWE-288) in N-able's N-central RMM platform caused by an incomplete patch for the earlier vulnerability CVE-2026-18556. Because the original fix can be bypassed via an alternate path or channel, a remote, unauthenticated attacker needs no privileges or user interaction, though the attack requires meeting exploit-specific conditions (high attack complexity, CVSS 4.0: 8.2 High). Successful exploitation lets the attacker bypass authentication and take over N-central accounts, gaining high-impact access to the management console with limited direct effects on downstream services. All N-central versions through 2026.3.1 are affected. Exploitation is confirmed in the wild: the flaw was added to CISA's KEV on 2026-08-03, EPSS estimates a 54.1% chance of exploitation within 30 days (99th percentile), and news reports say attackers kept exploiting it even as N-able shipped successive hotfixes; ransomware use is currently unknown.

Do: Upgrade N-central to a fixed release or hotfix newer than 2026.3.1 following N-able's advisory — the vendor has issued multiple successive hotfixes for this and related N-central flaws, so verify you are on the latest build. Because the flaw is on CISA's KEV, federal and BOD 26-04-bound organizations must apply vendor mitigations promptly or discontinue use of the product if patching is unavailable. Limit internet exposure of N-central portals and review accounts for signs of takeover or unauthorized access.

8.254% KEV
  • N-able N-central all versions through 2026.3.1 (incomplete patch for CVE-2026-18556)
moderate≈1,000–10,000 internet-exposed N-central server instances (estimate from public internet scans; total on-prem deployments likely higher, with millions of…
CVE-2026-23760
Unauthenticated Admin Password Reset Bypass in SmarterTools SmarterMail

SmarterTools SmarterMail builds prior to 9511 contain an authentication bypass (CWE-288) in the password reset API: the force-reset-password endpoint accepts anonymous requests and, when targeting a system administrator account, never verifies the existing password or requires a reset token. An unauthenticated remote attacker simply submits a target administrator username and a new password, taking over the system administrator account with no privileges or user interaction required. Because SmarterMail's system administrator role can execute operating system commands through built-in management functionality, this escalation effectively yields SYSTEM/root-level access on the underlying mail server host, making it a path to full server and network compromise. All SmarterMail deployments running builds older than 9511 are affected, with roughly 6,000+ likely vulnerable servers observed exposed to the internet. Exploitation is confirmed in the wild: the flaw was added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2026-01-26 with known ransomware use (including Storm-1175 and Warlock activity), and public PoCs exist from WatchTowr and Huntress.

Do: Immediately upgrade SmarterMail to build 9511 or later, prioritizing internet-exposed instances. Given known ransomware exploitation and the host-level access this flaw grants, check logs for anonymous calls to the force-reset-password endpoint, unexpected system administrator password changes, and signs of OS command execution or lateral movement on affected hosts. If patching is delayed, restrict or firewall access to the SmarterMail API/web interface, and follow CISA BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud-hosted deployments.

9.396% KEV ransomware PoC ×2
  • SmarterTools SmarterMail All versions prior to build 9511
moderate≈6,000+ internet-exposed SmarterMail servers
Full article628 words · extracted from securityaffairs.com · click to collapse

Microsoft says China-linked Storm-1175 is using a new ransomware called StormEncryptor, replacing Medusa in its latest attacks.

Microsoft says China-linked, financially motivated threat actor Storm-1175 has begun using a new ransomware strain called StormEncryptor. The group previously relied on Medusa ransomware. StormEncryptor is written in C++ and encrypts files and adds the .encrypted extension, then leaves a !!!README_FIRST!!!.txt ransom note in each scanned directory. The change suggests an evolution in the group’s ransomware operations.

“While Microsoft has not confirmed the vulnerability targeted by Storm-1175 in this campaign, the threat actor is likely exploiting the CVE-2026-18577 authentication bypass vulnerability in N-able, which was disclosed on August 2, 2026 and added to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog on August 3, 2026.” wrote Microsoft on X.

On August 2, 2026, the financially motivated cybercriminal actor tracked by Microsoft Threat Intelligence as Storm-1175 began deploying a new ransomware strain called StormEncryptor.

Storm-1175’s deployment of StormEncryptor marks the threat actor’s first activity observed by… pic.twitter.com/wNbchat8ZU

— Microsoft Threat Intelligence (@MsftSecIntel) August 7, 2026

Storm-1175 is known for fast ransomware campaigns that exploit newly disclosed vulnerabilities before organizations can patch them. In recent attacks, the group used tools such as AnyDesk and SimpleHelp for remote access, Advanced IP Scanner to map networks, and Mimikatz to dump LSASS credentials.

Microsoft says the attackers can move from initial access to data theft and ransomware deployment within days, highlighting the need for rapid patching and monitoring.

China-based actor Storm-1175 carries out fast, financially driven ransomware attacks by exploiting newly disclosed vulnerabilities before organizations patch them. The group targets exposed systems and quickly moves from initial access to data theft and ransomware deployment, sometimes within 24 hours. The financially motivated group mainly targets sectors such as healthcare, education, finance, and services across the US, UK, and Australia. The attackers often chain exploits, create new accounts for persistence, move laterally using remote tools, steal credentials, and weaken security defenses. Their speed and focus on unpatched systems make them highly effective.

Microsoft researchers report that the group quickly exploits newly disclosed flaws in web-facing systems to gain access. Since 2023, the group has targeted many platforms, including Microsoft Exchange, Ivanti, ConnectWise, JetBrains, and others. It often weaponizes vulnerabilities within days, or even one day, before organizations apply patches.

“Storm-1175 rapidly weaponizes recently disclosed vulnerabilities to obtain initial access.” reads the report published by Microsoft. “Since 2023, Microsoft Threat Intelligence has observed exploitation of over 16 vulnerabilities, including:

The attackers also chain multiple exploits to achieve deeper access, such as remote code execution, and have targeted both Windows and Linux systems. In some cases, the threat actor used zero-days even before public disclosure, showing advanced capabilities. By focusing on unpatched systems and acting fast, Storm-1175 maximizes impact and maintains a strong advantage over defenders.

Storm-1175 chains multiple exploits to gain deeper access, as seen in attacks on Microsoft Exchange where it moved from initial access to remote code execution. The group also targets Linux systems and has used zero-day flaws before public disclosure, showing advanced skills.

After gaining access, it installs web shells or remote tools, creates admin accounts, and moves laterally using tools like PowerShell, PsExec, RDP, and Cloudflare tunnels. It also abuses legitimate RMM tools and software like PDQ Deployer and Impacket to spread across networks. The attackers can deploy ransomware in as little as one day, highlighting their speed and efficiency.

Follow me on Twitter: @securityaffairs and Facebook and Mastodon

Pierluigi Paganini

(SecurityAffairs – hacking, China)



Text extracted automatically; images, tables and formatting may be missing. Original: https://securityaffairs.com/197119/malware/storm-1175-replaces-medusa-with-new-stormencryptor-ransomware.html