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The cybersecurity landscape is shifting rapidly, with ransomware groups now leveraging zero-day vulnerabilities and advanced exploitation techniques to infiltrate even the most protected networks. A recent investigation by Symantec’s Threat Hunter Team reveals how threat actors affiliated with the Play ransomware operation exploited a critical Windows vulnerability (CVE-2025-29824) before Microsoft issued a patch. This attack, targeting an unidentified U.S. organization, exemplifies the evolution of ransomware from blunt-force encryption tools into coordinated, intelligence-driven assaults.
This comprehensive analysis also details how attackers are adopting endpoint security evasion techniques—most notably the “Bring Your Own Installer” bypass method—to disable defenses like SentinelOne. Coupled with rising trends in domain controller compromise, the emergence of ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) operations like PlayBoy Locker, and the formation of cartel-like ransomware syndicates such as DragonForce, this case underscores the intensifying sophistication of the cybercrime ecosystem.
Zero-Day in Windows Exploited by Play Ransomware Group
Threat actors tied to the Play ransomware group exploited a privilege escalation flaw (CVE-2025-29824) in Microsoft Windows.
The vulnerability lies in the Common Log File System (CLFS) driver and allowed attackers to execute a zero-day attack.
Microsoft patched this flaw only last month, suggesting the exploit had been circulating privately beforehand.
Attack Chain and Exploitation Details
Entry likely occurred through a vulnerable, public-facing Cisco ASA device.
Attackers leveraged an unknown method to pivot laterally to internal Windows machines.
They deployed a custom info-stealer named Grixba, masquerading as Palo Alto software, hiding in the Music directory under misleading filenames like paloaltoconfig.exe.
File and Registry Manipulation
Two files were created during the attack at C:\ProgramData\SkyPDF:
`PDUDrv.blf`: A CLFS log artifact.
`clssrv.inf`: A malicious DLL injected into `winlogon.exe`.
The attack dropped two batch files:
servtask.bat: Escalated privileges, dumped Windows Registry hives, and created an admin user (LocalSvc).
`cmdpostfix.bat`: Wiped traces of the exploit.
Endpoint Defense Evasion: “Bring Your Own Installer”
Aon’s Stroz Friedberg IR team revealed a method used in Babuk ransomware campaigns to disable EDR.
The technique targeted SentinelOne via its MSI-based upgrade mechanism.
By issuing a taskkill command mid-installation, attackers left the system unprotected—no driver exploits required.
Wider Threat Actor Activity
Cisco disclosed that Crytox ransomware used HRSword to disable South Korean endpoint defenses.
Ransomware attacks increasingly target domain controllers, which control centralized access:
78% of human-operated attacks breached a DC.
35% used DCs to spread ransomware network-wide.
Emerging Ransomware-as-a-Service Platforms
PlayBoy Locker: A new RaaS enabling low-skill actors to deploy ransomware with customizable payloads.
DragonForce: A pro-Palestine hacktivist-turned-ransomware cartel offering white-label ransomware kits.
Targets include major U.K. retailers.
Operates RansomHub and takes a 20% cut of affiliate ransom proceeds.
Growing Threat Landscape
2024 saw a 25% increase in ransomware attacks.
Leak sites rose by 53%, driven by agile, smaller gangs.
Mid-sized organizations, often under-resourced, are prime targets.
The market is fragmenting, making defense and law enforcement more complex.
What Undercode Say:
The use of CVE-2025-29824 by Play ransomware marks a significant shift from opportunistic to precision-targeted ransomware operations. Historically, zero-days were considered rare in ransomware campaigns, which relied more on social engineering and outdated software. Now, sophisticated groups like Play and Black Basta are mimicking APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) behaviors—harnessing stealth, privilege escalation, and persistence to maximize the impact of their campaigns.
This is compounded by creative approaches to endpoint evasion, particularly the “Bring Your Own Installer” technique. By exploiting legitimate upgrade processes, attackers bypass EDR without relying on signed vulnerable drivers—a known Achilles’ heel for detection systems. This method doesn’t just affect SentinelOne; other EDRs may be similarly exposed, especially in default or lax configurations.
The compromise of domain controllers further illustrates a strategy of striking at the digital heart of an enterprise. Once inside a DC, ransomware can be deployed at scale with administrative control over file systems, authentication, and policies. This allows threat actors to encrypt systems within minutes—disabling infrastructure, halting operations, and forcing faster ransom payouts.
The rise of RaaS platforms like PlayBoy Locker represents the “democratization” of cybercrime. With plug-and-play payloads, affiliate dashboards, and even customer service, threat actors no longer need deep technical expertise to launch attacks. These services are modular, cheap, and disposable, complicating attribution and response.
DragonForce, acting as both brand and service provider, shows how these operations are evolving into cybercrime syndicates with clear economic models. Their targeting of PII-heavy industries like retail indicates strategic victim selection aimed at maximizing ransom leverage.
From a defensive perspective, patch management alone is no longer sufficient. Organizations must implement behavioral EDR, segment internal networks, enforce least-privilege access, and simulate threat scenarios proactively.
Fact Checker Results:
- The CVE-2025-29824 Windows flaw was officially patched by Microsoft and documented as a CLFS driver vulnerability.
- Symantec and Aon have independently verified the Play and Babuk ransomware exploitation chains, respectively.
- The DragonForce RaaS claims are consistent with SentinelOne and Cybereason threat intelligence disclosures.
Prediction:
Ransomware groups will increasingly adopt zero-day exploitation and privilege escalation as standard tools in their arsenals, mimicking the tactics of nation-state actors. EDR evasion techniques will become more common and automated in RaaS kits. Expect a further surge in ransomware targeting mid-market organizations via phishing-resistant credentials and exposed services, especially those running vulnerable VPNs or unmonitored servers.
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References:
Reported By: thehackernews.com
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