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Threat Brief: WanaCrypt0r-- What We Know ![Clock Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-clock.svg) 6 min read * ![Profile Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-profile-grey.svg) By: * ![Published Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-calendar-grey.svg) Published:May 16, 2017 * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-category.svg) Categories: * [High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) * [Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/ransomware/) * ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-tags-grey.svg) Tags: * [ETERNALBLUE](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/eternalblue/) * [MS17-010](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ms17-010/) * [WannaCry](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/wannacry/) * [WannaCrypt](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/wannacrypt/) * [WannaCrypt0r](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/wannacrypt0r/) * [WannaCryptor](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/wannacryptor/) * [WCry](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/wcry/) * [Worm](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/worm/) * [![Download Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-download.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-threat-brief-wanacrypt0r-know/?pdf=download&lg=en&_wpnonce=8eff5d0d06 "Click here to download") * [![Print Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-print.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-threat-brief-wanacrypt0r-know/?pdf=print&lg=en&_wpnonce=8eff5d0d06 "Click here to print") Share![Down arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/down-arrow.svg) * ![Link Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-share-link.svg) * [![Link Email](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-sms.svg)](mailto:?subject=Threat%20Brief:%20WanaCrypt0r–%20What%20We%20Know&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Funit42-threat-brief-wanacrypt0r-know%2F "Share in email") * [![Facebook Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-fb-share.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Funit42-threat-brief-wanacrypt0r-know%2F "Share in Facebook") * [![LinkedIn Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-linkedin-share.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Funit42-threat-brief-wanacrypt0r-know%2F&title=Threat%20Brief:%20WanaCrypt0r–%20What%20We%20Know "Share in LinkedIn") * [![Twitter Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-twitter-share.svg)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Funit42-threat-brief-wanacrypt0r-know%2F&text=Threat%20Brief:%20WanaCrypt0r–%20What%20We%20Know "Share in Twitter") * [![Reddit Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-reddit-share.svg)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com//www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Funit42-threat-brief-wanacrypt0r-know%2F&ts=markdown "Share in Reddit") * [![Mastodon Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-mastodon-share.svg)](https://mastodon.social/share?text=Threat%20Brief:%20WanaCrypt0r–%20What%20We%20Know%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Funit42-threat-brief-wanacrypt0r-know%2F "Share in Mastodon") ### **Situation Summary** This Unit 42 blog provides an update on the threat situation surrounding the WanaCrypt0r ransomware attacks and how the attack propagates. Initial reports said that the WanaCrypt0r attack began as part of a spam/phishing campaign. Unit 42 and other researchers have concluded that these reports are not substantiated. While the initial attack vector for these attacks is unknown, it is certain that the spread of the ransomware occurs through active exploitation of the [ETERNALBLUE](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EternalBlue) vulnerability ([CVE-2017-0144](https://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2017-0144)) in Microsoft Windows. Patches for this vulnerability for all supported versions of Windows have been available since March 2017. On Friday May 12, 2017, Microsoft took the extraordinary step of releasing patches for out-of-support versions of Windows to help protect against these attacks. As the attack leverages this Microsoft vulnerability, the most appropriate first step to take against the attack is to apply the patches. Unit 42 researchers have confirmed that the patch is effective against the WanaCrypt0r Ransomware attacks. In addition, Palo Alto Networks, and other vendors, including our fellow members of the [Cyber Threat Alliance](https://www.cyberthreatalliance.org/), have released additional protections that help prevent the spread of the WanaCrypt0r ransomware. For information on Palo Alto Networks protections, please see our posting [Palo Alto Networks Protections Against WanaCrypt0r Ransomware Attacks](https://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/2017/05/palo-alto-networks-protections-wanacrypt0r-attacks/). As with all ransomware attacks, Palo Alto Networks and Unit 42 recommends that anyone affected NOT pay the ransom. Unit 42 is not aware of any reports where paying the ransom to the WanaCrypt0r attackers has resulted in the recovery of data. In addition, Unit 42 research has shown that very few have attempted to pay the ransom. Unit 42 is following this situation very closely and will update this blog with any new information as it becomes available. ### Overview WanaCrypt0r is a global ransomware attack that emerged on Friday, May 12, 2017. It immediately gained broad media attention, due to its destructive nature, how widespread it was, and multiple high profile victims. This attack uses the version 2.0 of this ransomware. WanaCrypt0r v 1.0 was first reported a few months ago but did not include the worm capability associated with this attack. Reports quickly emerged that this attack was effective due to the presence of code exploiting a vulnerability ([CVE-2017-0144](https://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2017-0144)) in Microsoft Windows (code named: [ETERNALBLUE](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EternalBlue)) that was released as part of the Equation Group dump by the Shadow Brokers in their [fifth leak on April 14, 2017](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shadow_Brokers#Fifth_Leak:_.22Lost_in_Translation.22). Microsoft patched this vulnerability as part of the March 2017 Monthly Security Update Release by Microsoft Security Bulletin [MS17-010](https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms17-010.aspx). This is a SYSTEM-level remote code execution (RCE) in the handling of the [Server Message Block (SMB)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Server_Message_Block) protocol in Microsoft Windows. The attack uses this vulnerability to spread the WanaCrypt0r ransomware on the network. This is a classic network worm-class vulnerability like [MS-Blaster]() and [Conficker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conficker). Early reports indicated that the initial attack vector was via spam and/or phishing email. However, this has not been confirmed and is unlikely to account for the global spread of the malware. When the WanaCrypt0r ransomware executes successfully, it will encrypt key files on the system and display a ransom note as shown below (SOURCE: [Microsoft](https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/mmpc/2017/05/12/wannacrypt-ransomware-worm-targets-out-of-date-systems/)). [![wannacry\_1](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/WannaCRY_1.png)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/WannaCRY_1.png) *Figure 1 Ransom note for WanaCrypt0r* One thing reports have indicated that make this attack unique is a "killswitch" capability built into the malware. This "killswitch" will prevent the WanaCrypt0r ransomware from executing. The "killswitch" is code which will attempt to connect to an extremely long domain that should not resolve. The initial variant of WanaCrypt0r uses hxxp://iuqerfsodp9ifjaposdfjhgosurijfaewrwergwea\[.\]com, however, there are reports of newer variants using different domains. If it was successful in connecting to the domain, the ransomware would not execute. However, it was easily subverted to work against the malware. A [security researcher](https://www.wired.com/2017/05/accidental-kill-switch-slowed-fridays-massive-ransomware-attack/) in the United Kingdom initially registered this domain in order to track this threat, and soon discovered that in doing so, he had enabled this "killswitch", causing a number of instances of WanaCrypt0r to not execute for a large number of infected systems. On Friday, May 12, 2017, Microsoft [announced](https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/msrc/2017/05/12/customer-guidance-for-wannacrypt-attacks/) that they were making an emergency patch available for out-of-support versions of Windows (Windows XP, Windows 8 and Windows Server 2003). As of this writing attacks appear to have subsided. This is likely due to increased uptake of the patch MS17-010 in light of the WanaCrypt0r attacks, as well as efforts made within the security community. Unit 42 research shows there is likely very little actual payment of ransom. We analyzed our known WanaCrypt0r samples and extract the following [Bitcoin (BTC)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitcoin) addresses likely associated with the attackers and associated totals: 1. 13AM4VW2dhxYgXeQepoHkHSQuy6NgaEb94 - 12.42466618 2. 12t9YDPgwueZ9NyMgw519p7AA8isjr6SMw - 11.83101346 3. 115p7UMMngoj1pMvkpHijcRdfJNXj6LrLn - 8.74393075 4. 1DefE3HEeBaR4EBbAajjHatFzMuPe885Hf - 3.12308549 This results in a total of 36 BTC, or roughly $63k based on the current price of BTC. Given that WanaCrypt0r requests $300 per infected machine, we can infer that approximately 210 victims have made payments to the attackers. Reconnaissance This attack does not appear to be targeted. Therefore, there appears to be little recon as part of this attack. There are some reports that there may be scanning of TCP port 445, which is one of the ports associated with SMB. But these reports haven't been conclusively verified. ### Delivery There is no consensus in the industry on what the delivery method/initial infection vector is. There have been several theories: 1. Spam/Phishing: Initial theories suggested that delivery occurred through a spam or phishing email with a link in the body or in an attached Adobe .PDF file and the user could click the link and execute the attacker's code in their security context to initiate the attack which would then spread on the network by attacking the ETERNALBLUE vulnerability. 2. Direct attack against MS17-010: This theory suggests that the attack would establish a beachhead by attacking the ETERNALBLUE vulnerability on Internet-exposed systems and the attack would then spread on the network by attacking the ETERNALBLUE vulnerability from these compromised systems. 3. RDP: This theory suggests that the initial attack comes by attacking systems using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and then the attack which would then spread on the network by attacking the ETERNALBLUE vulnerability from these compromised systems. This theory suggests an attack pattern similar to what Unit 42 [outlined](https://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/2017/03/unit42-shamoon-2-delivering-disttrack/) in the Shamoon 2 attacks followed by using RDP as the initial delivery method and then attacking the internal network from the compromised RDP system. There are theories suggesting this could be due to brute force attacks against the RDP system, while other theories suggest this could be due to a successful attack against a vulnerability on these RDP systems (theories do not state what vulnerability this could be or where the vulnerability might occur). Unit 42 believes the most likely delivery method is method #2. However, this is not conclusively provenLateral Movement ### Lateral Movement The WanaCrypt0r ransomware spreads itself by heavily scanning over TCP port 445 (associated with SMB) and attempting to exploit the ETERNALBLUE vulnerability on systems. A successful attack against this vulnerability will infect the target system with the WanaCrypt0r ransomware, which will encrypt data on the target system and attempt to spread itself once again. Multiple [vendors](https://blog.malwarebytes.com/threat-analysis/2017/05/the-worm-that-spreads-wanacrypt0r/) [report](https://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/massive-wannacrywcry-ransomware-attack-hits-various-countries) that the malware includes the ability to spread via port 445 scans and attacks against the ETERNALBLUE vulnerability not only on internal networks but also across the Internet. These reports indicate that in addition to the internal lateral movement already outlined, the WanaCrypt0r ransomware will scan for port 445 on random external IP addresses and if it finds an IP address with an open port 445, it will then scan all devices on the same /24 IP range (i.e. that share the first three octets as that IP address with the open port 445). ### Command and Control (C2) In general, WanaCrypt0r does not have C2 capabilities but it does utilize the TOR network to communicate encryption keys for decryption upon payment of ransom. It has been reported that the DOUBLEPULSAR backdoor (also from the Equation Group leak by Shadow Brokers) is installed and used to execute the malware after successful exploitation of a host via ETERNALBLUE, but this warrants further analysis. ### Conclusion Overall, WanaCrypt0r has been a notable incident within the security community, as the threat couples a wormable vulnerability/exploit with a ransomware family. Users are urged to apply the necessary Microsoft patch to protect themselves against this threat. For protections, customers are advised to view this [blog post](https://blog.paloaltonetworks.com/2017/05/palo-alto-networks-protections-wanacrypt0r-attacks/) that outlines the various ways the Palo Alto Networks platform prevents this threat. Cyber Threat Alliance member ElevenPaths has developed a tool which can be used to attempt to recover some files deleted by WanaCrypt0r. You can find more information on this tool [here](https://blog.en.elevenpaths.com/2017/05/telefonica-wannacry-file-restorer-how.html). *** ** * ** *** [**Register for Ignite '17 Security Conference**](https://go.paloaltonetworks.com/ignite2017) *Vancouver, BC June 12--15, 2017* Ignite '17 Security Conference is a live, four-day conference designed for today's security professionals. Hear from innovators and experts, gain real-world skills through hands-on sessions and interactive workshops, and find out how breach prevention is changing the security industry. Visit the [Ignite website](https://www.paloaltonetworksignite.com/) for more information on tracks, workshops and marquee sessions. Back to top ### Tags * [ETERNALBLUE](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/eternalblue/ "ETERNALBLUE") * [MS17-010](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/ms17-010/ "MS17-010") * [WannaCry](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/wannacry/ "WannaCry") * [WannaCrypt](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/wannacrypt/ "WannaCrypt") * [WannaCrypt0r](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/wannacrypt0r/ "WannaCrypt0r") * [WannaCryptor](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/wannacryptor/ "WannaCryptor") * [WCry](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/wcry/ "WCry") * [Worm](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/worm/ "Worm") [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: LabyREnth Teaser Site](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-labyrenth-teaser-site/ "LabyREnth Teaser Site") ### Related Articles * [P2PInfect: The Rusty Peer-to-Peer Self-Replicating Worm](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/peer-to-peer-worm-p2pinfect/ "article - table of contents") * [Cetus: Cryptojacking Worm Targeting Docker Daemons](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/cetus-cryptojacking-worm/ "article - table of contents") * [Graboid: First-Ever Cryptojacking Worm Found in Images on Docker Hub](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/graboid-first-ever-cryptojacking-worm-found-in-images-on-docker-hub/ "article - table of contents") ## Related Ransomware Resources ![Pictorial representation of Iran cyber attacks. 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Illustration featuring a white triangle centered within an abstract cosmic background of purple and blue swirls and stars.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Generic-A-1920x900-1-786x368.png) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) July 31, 2025 [#### Introducing Unit 42's Attribution Framework](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-attribution-framework/) * [Advanced Persistent Threat](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/advanced-persistent-threat/ "Advanced Persistent Threat") * [Bookworm](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bookworm/ "Bookworm") * [Nomenclature](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/nomenclature/ "nomenclature") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-attribution-framework/ "Introducing Unit 42’s Attribution Framework") ![Pictorial representation of the ransomware landscape. Digital artwork of a disintegrating U.S. dollar bill with pixelated effects on a cyber-inspired background.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/05_Ransomware_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-report-white-1.svg)Trend Reports](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/trend-reports/) April 23, 2025 [#### Extortion and Ransomware Trends January-March 2025](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/2025-ransomware-extortion-trends/) * [BianLian](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bianlian/ "BianLian") * [Akira ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/akira-ransomware/ "Akira ransomware") * [Muddled Libra](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/muddled-libra/ "Muddled Libra") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/2025-ransomware-extortion-trends/ "Extortion and Ransomware Trends January-March 2025") ![A pictorial representation of Akira ransomware, distributed by Howling Scorpius. A person's hand typing on a keyboard with a digital screen displaying the word "password" highlighted in blue, set against a backdrop of various cybersecurity interface graphics.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/09_Cybercrime_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/top-threats.svg)High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) December 2, 2024 [#### Threat Assessment: Howling Scorpius (Akira Ransomware)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-howling-scorpius-akira-ransomware/) * [Howling Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/howling-scorpius/ "Howling Scorpius") * [Leak site](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/leak-site/ "Leak site") * [Torrenting](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/torrenting/ "torrenting") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-howling-scorpius-akira-ransomware/ "Threat Assessment: Howling Scorpius (Akira Ransomware)") ![Pictorial representation of a threat like BlackSuit ransomware. An illustration of a modern workspace with a laptop displaying cybersecurity icons, surrounded by stacks of coins and a credit card, all depicted in a neon, digital art style.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/04_Ransomware_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/top-threats.svg)High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) November 20, 2024 [#### Threat Assessment: Ignoble Scorpius, Distributors of BlackSuit Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-blacksuit-ransomware-ignoble-scorpius/) * [BlackSuit ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/blacksuit-ransomware/ "BlackSuit ransomware") * [Construction](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/construction/ "construction") * [Education](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/education/ "Education") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-blacksuit-ransomware-ignoble-scorpius/ "Threat Assessment: Ignoble Scorpius, Distributors of BlackSuit Ransomware") ![A representation of a threat group like Jumpy Pisces. Illustrative image featuring two fish and the Pisces constellation superimposed on a stylized, abstract background with flowing purple waves and a starry night sky.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Pisces-NK-A-1920x900-1-786x368.png) [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) October 30, 2024 [#### Jumpy Pisces Engages in Play Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/north-korean-threat-group-play-ransomware/) * [North Korea](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/north-korea/ "North Korea") * [Jumpy Pisces](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/jumpy-pisces/ "Jumpy Pisces") * [Fiddling Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/fiddling-scorpius/ "Fiddling Scorpius") [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/north-korean-threat-group-play-ransomware/ "Jumpy Pisces Engages in Play Ransomware") * ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg) * ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg) ![Close button](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/close-modal.svg) ![Enlarged Image]() ![Newsletter](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/unit42-footer-subscribe-desktop.png) ![UNIT 42 Small Logo](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/palo-alto-logo-small.svg) Get updates from Unit 42 ## Peace of mind comes from staying ahead of threats. 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