Data Destruction

May 1, 2024 ยท View on GitHub

ID E1485
Objective(s) Impact
Related ATT&CK Techniques Data Destruction (T1485)
Impact Type Availability
Version 2.2
Created 1 August 2019
Last Modified 30 April 2024

Data Destruction

Malware may deliberately delete or otherwise render inaccessible data on a compromised system. This is often done to disrupt the victim's operations, cover the attacker's tracks, or exert pressure on the victim.

See ATT&CK: Data Destruction (T1485).

Methods

NameIDDescription
Delete Application/SoftwareE1485.m03An application or software is deleted.
Delete Shadow CopiesE1485.m04Deletes shadow drive data, which is related to ransomware.
Empty Recycle BinE1485.m02Empties the recycle bin, which can be related to ransomware.

Use in Malware

NameDateMethodDescription
Shamoon2012--A 2018 variant includes a component that erases files and then wipes the Master Boot Record (MBR), preventing file recovery. [1]
Rombertik2015--If a specific anti-analysis check fails, the malware will overwrite the Master Boot Record or the user's home folder. [2]
BlackEnergy2007--BlackEnergy 2 variant contains a Destroy plugin that destroys data stored on victim hard drives by overwriting file contents. [3]
Conficker2008--Conficker resets system restore points and deletes backup files. [4]
MazarBot2016--MazarBot can erase phone data. [5]

Detection

Tool: capaMappingAPIs
delete volume shadow copiesData Destruction::Delete Shadow Copies (E1485.m04)--
Tool: CAPEMappingAPIs
clears_logsData Destruction (E1485)--
ransomware_recyclebinData Destruction (E1485)--
uses_windows_utilities_cipherData Destruction (E1485)--
anomalous_deletefileData Destruction (E1485)NtDeleteFile, DeleteFileW, DeleteFileA

References

[1] https://www.darkreading.com/attacks-breaches/disk-wiping-shamoon-malware-resurfaces-with-file-erasing-malware-in-tow/d/d-id/1333509

[2] https://blogs.cisco.com/security/talos/rombertik

[3] https://securelist.com/be2-extraordinary-plugins-siemens-targeting-dev-fails/68838/

[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conficker

[5] https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/security-alert-mazar-bot-active-attacks-android-malware/

[6] https://www.darkreading.com/attacks-breaches/disk-wiping-shamoon-malware-resurfaces-with-file-erasing-malware-in-tow