Payload
Intelligence Profile
According to 0x3oBAD, this is a 64-bit Linux ELF ransomware binary targeting VMware ESXi hypervisor environments. The sample combines a robust cryptographic scheme Curve25519 ECDHand ChaCha20 with ESXi-specific VM enumeration via the vmInventory.xml inventory file, graceful shutdown of running VMs before encryption, and a multi-threaded file encryption pipeline scaled to available CPU cores. The ransom note is delivered inside ESXi’s own web UI welcome.txt, replacing the host management interface greeting.
Threat Analysis
Payload is a high-sophistication threat actor of undetermined national origin, engaged in cyber operations with a primary motivation of financial.
Financially motivated threat actors like Payload prioritize monetary gain through methods such as ransomware deployment, banking trojans, cryptocurrency theft, BEC scams, or credential harvesting for resale on underground markets.
With high sophistication, Payload is capable of targeted intrusions using adapted commodity tools alongside custom implants, maintaining operational security and evading standard detection mechanisms.
Ransomware Victims (3)
CTIWATCH tracks 3 organizations claimed as victims by Payload on its data leak site, with attack dates, sectors and countries.
View full victims list →