A new ransomware tool called AXLocker is being used by attackers to encrypt files and steal Discord account tokens. A large community of cryptocurrency and NFT owners use Discord to connect with others who have a similar interest or portfolio. Discord uses authentication tokens which are saved to the computer when a user logs in, and these tokens can be harvested by threat actors using AXLocker malware. This could allow the attackers to impersonate their victims on Discord, giving them access to other users who they can then target, especially if the stolen token is for a Discord moderator or verified community member, where they can then use the platform to pursue scams to steal funds from other users.  

Cyble Research and Intelligence Labs (CRIL) have recently published a blog post investigating three newly identified ransomware campaigns, which includes a technical analysis of AXLocker ransomware. Once an attacker has gained initial access into their victim’s system, they can deploy this ransomware, which then hides itself, and begins modifying file attributes to trigger the encryption process though startencryption(). This process searches the C:\ drive for specific file extensions to encrypt, so that no directories are included in the encryption, and so it does not encrypt any AXLocker files.  

The names of encrypted files are not changed after encryption, which is performed using an AES algorithm. The ransomware then collects data such as the computer name, username, machine IP address, system UUID, and Discord tokens, which is all then exfiltrated to the threat actors. The Discord tokens are located in local storage files on the machine and are found by the ransomware using regex commands. After the data is stolen, a pop-up is then shown to the victim containing a ransom note and instructions on how to receive decryption keys for their files. 

This particular ransomware attack appears to be targeting individuals and their private Discord accounts and crypto funds, rather than other campaigns which have been launched against larger groups such as entire industries or governments. The best way to avoid falling victim to a ransomware attack is to keep regular backups of all data, that is stored in a different physical offline location from your regular network, ensure your software is kept up to date, regularly applying patches when released, and to use anti-virus software to help detect the presence of malicious software on your devices. Cyber authorities such as the NCSC advise victims of ransomware to never pay the ransom demands. Further guidance for victims can be found in their Guide to Ransomware.