The Play ransomware group has been actively conducting targeted ransomware attacks against businesses and critical infrastructure across multiple continents, including Europe, since June 2022. Their attack methodology involves gaining initial access through multiple vectors such as exploiting known vulnerabilities (including CVE-2018-13379, CVE-2022-41082, CVE-2020-12812, CVE-2022-41040, and CVE-2024-57727), using stolen credentials, and abusing remote access services. Once inside the network, the group performs extensive reconnaissance using various tools to map the network, steal credentials, and move laterally to maximize their foothold. The ransomware payload employs a hybrid AES-RSA encryption scheme combined with intermittent encryption techniques, which complicates detection and recovery efforts. The group follows a double extortion model, exfiltrating sensitive data prior to encryption to pressure victims into paying ransoms by threatening data leaks. The tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) align with MITRE ATT&CK techniques such as credential dumping (T1003), data staging (T1560.001), credential access (T1552), data exfiltration (T1570), and use of remote services (T1048). Despite the severity of the threat, no known exploits in the wild have been reported for some of the referenced CVEs, but the group’s use of multiple vulnerabilities and stolen credentials increases attack vectors. The threat actor targets critical infrastructure and enterprises, making the attacks highly disruptive. The advisory recommends implementing multifactor authentication, regular patching of vulnerable systems, network segmentation to contain breaches, and maintaining offline backups to ensure recovery without paying ransom. The threat is ongoing and evolving, with a medium severity rating assigned by the source, but the complexity and impact potential warrant close attention.

For European organizations, the Play ransomware threat poses significant risks to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems and sensitive data. The double extortion model increases reputational and regulatory risks, especially under GDPR where data breaches can lead to heavy fines. Critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, transportation, healthcare, and finance are particularly vulnerable due to their strategic importance and reliance on continuous operations. Disruption caused by encryption and data leaks could lead to operational downtime, financial losses, and erosion of customer trust. The use of multiple attack vectors including exploitation of known vulnerabilities and stolen credentials means that organizations with legacy or unpatched systems are at heightened risk. Additionally, the sophisticated lateral movement and credential theft techniques employed by Play ransomware can lead to widespread network compromise, making containment difficult. European entities with remote access services exposed to the internet are especially at risk. The threat also complicates incident response due to intermittent encryption and hybrid cryptography, potentially delaying recovery efforts.

To mitigate the Play ransomware threat, European organizations should implement a layered security approach tailored to the specific TTPs used by the group. This includes: 1) Enforcing multifactor authentication (MFA) on all remote access and privileged accounts to reduce the risk from stolen credentials. 2) Conducting comprehensive vulnerability management programs to promptly patch all systems, prioritizing the CVEs associated with this threat (e.g., CVE-2018-13379, CVE-2022-41082, CVE-2020-12812, CVE-2022-41040, CVE-2024-57727). 3) Segmenting networks to limit lateral movement opportunities and isolate critical infrastructure components. 4) Deploying advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying credential dumping, unusual network discovery, and data staging activities. 5) Regularly auditing and restricting use of remote access services, ensuring they are not exposed unnecessarily to the internet. 6) Maintaining secure, offline backups with tested recovery procedures to enable restoration without ransom payment. 7) Conducting threat hunting exercises focused on indicators of credential theft and data exfiltration. 8) Training staff on phishing and social engineering risks, as these may be initial infection vectors. 9) Collaborating with national cybersecurity centers and sharing threat intelligence to stay updated on evolving tactics. These measures, combined with incident response preparedness, will reduce the likelihood and impact of successful Play ransomware attacks.