Full Report
HybridPetya is the fourth publicly known real or proof-of-concept bootkit with UEFI Secure Boot bypass functionality
Analysis Summary
# Tool/Technique: HybridPetya
## Overview
HybridPetya is a new ransomware strain discovered by ESET researchers that closely resembles the notorious Petya/NotPetya malware but includes a significant new capability: the ability to compromise UEFI-based systems and exploit CVE-2024-7444 to bypass UEFI Secure Boot on outdated systems. While not actively spreading, it represents a dangerous evolution of bootkit malware.
## Technical Details
- Type: Malware family (Ransomware/Bootkit)
- Platform: UEFI-based systems (Windows)
- Capabilities: Ransomware functionality, UEFI Bootkit capabilities, UEFI Secure Boot bypass via CVE-2024-7444 exploitation.
- First Seen: September 16, 2025 (Implied discovery date by ESET)
## MITRE ATT&CK Mapping
*Note: Based on the described behavior (modifying boot records/UEFI firmware), the primary relevant tactics are Persistence and Execution.*
- **TA0003 - Persistence**
- T1542 - Tinker with System or Security Settings
- T1542.003 - Modify Boot or Logon Commands (Implied, as it affects the boot process)
- **TA0002 - Execution**
- T1204 - User Execution (If initial delivery requires user interaction before the bootkit takes over)
## Functionality
### Core Capabilities
- Resemblance to Petya/NotPetya ransomware strain (implying disk encryption or master boot record (MBR) manipulation).
- Functionality as a bootkit, allowing persistence and execution before the operating system loads.
### Advanced Features
- Exploitation of **CVE-2024-7444**: Used specifically to bypass UEFI Secure Boot functionality on vulnerable systems.
- Fourth publicly known real or proof-of-concept bootkit with UEFI Secure Boot bypass capability.
## Indicators of Compromise
- File Hashes: [Not available in context]
- File Names: [Not available in context]
- Registry Keys: [Not available in context]
- Network Indicators: [None explicitly mentioned in context]
- Behavioral Indicators: Modification of UEFI firmware/boot chain, execution of payload via compromised boot environment.
## Associated Threat Actors
- [Not explicitly named in context, but related to actors who deploy Petya/NotPetya strains.]
## Detection Methods
- Detection would focus on signature matching for Petya-like components post-OS load.
- Behavioral detection focusing on low-level system modifications related to UEFI variables or boot sectors prior to OS initialization.
- **YARA rules**: [Not available in context]
## Mitigation Strategies
- Patching systems to address vulnerabilities exploited by the bootkit (especially related to UEFI/BIOS firmware and potentially CVE-2024-7444).
- Ensuring UEFI Secure Boot is enabled and correctly configured.
- Keeping firmware updated to prevent exploitation of underlying UEFI vulnerabilities.
## Related Tools/Techniques
- Petya/NotPetya (for the ransomware component resemblance).
- Other UEFI Secure Boot bypass bootkits (The article mentions this is the fourth known example).
- Exploitation of CVE-2024-7444.