3AM Ransomware Attack – Stop Services, Delete Shadow Copies

Ransomware is a universal threat to enterprises, targeting anyone handling sensitive data when profit potential is high.

A new ransomware named 3AM has surfaced and is used in a limited manner. Symantec’s Threat Hunter Team witnessed it in a single attack, replacing LockBit when blocked.

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3AM is a Rust-written ransomware that is completely unexplored that ceases services, encrypts files and tries to delete VSS copies. However, besides this, its connections to cybercrime groups remain uncertain.

Attack overview

The threat actor’s initial actions included running ‘gpresult’ to extract policy settings, deploying Cobalt Strike components, and attempting privilege escalation with PsExec.

The attackers conducted reconnaissance with the following commands for lateral movement opportunities:-

They established persistence by adding a new user and exfiltrated files using Wput to their FTP server. The attackers initially tried LockBit, but after it was blocked, they turned to 3AM.

Their use of 3AM was partially successful, as it only infected three out of the organization’s machines, with two of them successfully blocking it.

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Ransom note

3AM gets its name from the ‘.threeamtime’ file extension it adds to encrypted files, as referenced in the ransom note.

Threat researcher Ygor Maximo has recently identified a leaked website belonging to the 3AM ransomware group. The website currently lists six victims who have fallen prey to the group’s notorious activities. This discovery highlights the ever-increasing threat posed by ransomware attacks and serves as a reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect businesses and individuals alike.