The threat described is a sophisticated ransomware campaign that masquerades as a legitimate SAP Ariba tool, specifically a fake 'SAP Ariba Quote' application. The attackers use social engineering techniques including email lures, sender spoofing, and impersonation of legitimate software vendors to trick victims into executing the malware. The ransomware, identified as LeeMe, employs SAP branding and a fake graphical user interface (GUI) to increase its credibility. The ransom note is written in Portuguese, indicating possible targeting or origin. LeeMe ransomware encrypts a wide range of file types using strong AES-256 encryption, rendering data inaccessible to victims. Beyond encryption, it also incorporates keylogging capabilities to capture user credentials and sensitive information, and it exfiltrates data to the attackers, increasing the risk of data breaches. The malware establishes persistence by creating autorun entries and evades detection by bypassing Windows Defender. It also sets up remote access, allowing attackers to maintain control over infected systems. The ransom demand is relatively low, suggesting a broad, opportunistic campaign rather than one focused on high-value targets. The attack leverages multiple MITRE ATT&CK techniques such as T1547 (boot or logon autostart execution), T1562 (impair defenses), T1566 (phishing), T1486 (data encrypted for impact), and others, indicating a multi-faceted approach to infection, persistence, and impact. This campaign highlights the ongoing threat of ransomware combined with data exfiltration and credential theft, emphasizing the importance of user vigilance and robust cybersecurity defenses.

For European organizations, this ransomware campaign poses significant risks. The use of SAP Ariba branding is particularly concerning for companies that rely on SAP Ariba for procurement and supply chain management, common in many European enterprises. Successful infection can lead to widespread data encryption, disrupting business operations and causing financial losses. The additional keylogging and data exfiltration capabilities increase the risk of sensitive corporate and personal data breaches, potentially leading to regulatory penalties under GDPR. The bypass of Windows Defender and establishment of remote access complicate detection and remediation efforts, potentially prolonging downtime and increasing recovery costs. The relatively low ransom demand may encourage more victims to pay, fueling further attacks. The campaign's use of Portuguese in the ransom note may indicate a focus on Portuguese-speaking regions but does not preclude spread across Europe due to the widespread use of SAP Ariba and the global nature of phishing campaigns. Overall, the threat can impact confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical business data and systems, with cascading effects on supply chains and customer trust.

European organizations should implement targeted mitigations beyond standard ransomware defenses: 1) Enhance email security by deploying advanced anti-phishing solutions that detect sender spoofing and malicious attachments, particularly those impersonating SAP Ariba or related vendors. 2) Conduct focused user awareness training emphasizing the risks of opening unexpected quotes or procurement-related emails, especially those with unusual language or formatting. 3) Implement application allowlisting to prevent execution of unauthorized software, including fake SAP-branded tools. 4) Monitor for creation of autorun entries and unusual persistence mechanisms indicative of T1547 techniques. 5) Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting behavior such as Windows Defender bypass attempts and remote access setup. 6) Regularly back up critical data with offline or immutable backups to enable recovery without paying ransom. 7) Restrict administrative privileges and network segmentation to limit lateral movement and remote access capabilities. 8) Monitor network traffic for signs of data exfiltration and unusual outbound connections. 9) Collaborate with threat intelligence providers to update detection signatures using the provided malware hashes. 10) Review and harden SAP Ariba integration points and ensure software is up to date, even though no specific vulnerable versions are indicated.