Executive Summary
CyberDudeBivash Threat Intel confirms that Akira ransomware affiliates are actively exploiting SonicWall SSL VPN vulnerabilities (notably CVE-2024-40766) to gain access, move laterally, and deploy ransomware inside enterprise networks.
This flaw, combined with weak local account management and misconfigured user groups, has made SonicWall SSLVPN appliances a prime entry point for attackers. Once inside, Akira operators conduct reconnaissance, exfiltrate data, disable backups/logging, and deploy ransomware payloads.
Attack Chain Breakdown
1. Initial Access
- Exploitation of SonicWall SSLVPN flaw (CVE-2024-40766).
- Use of unchanged/migrated local account credentials.
- Misconfigured Default LDAP user groups.
2. Privilege Escalation & Lateral Movement
- Stolen credentials leveraged across internal systems.
- Pivoting into AD/Windows environments.
3. Data Exfiltration & Impact
- Exfiltration of sensitive corporate data.
- Disabling of security logs and recovery systems.
- Deployment of Akira ransomware payloads with encryption.
Risk Rating
- CVSS 9.3 (Critical) for CVE-2024-40766.
- Exploit requires only network exposure of SSLVPN portals.
- High risk for organizations with legacy accounts, weak MFA, or unpatched firmware.
Defensive Recommendations
- Patch SonicWall SSL VPN devices
- Upgrade to firmware 7.3.0 or newer.
- Credential Hygiene
- Reset all local accounts migrated from Gen6 to Gen7 devices.
- Enforce unique, strong passwords for admins.
- Enforce Strong MFA
- Disable fallback authentication methods.
- Apply conditional access for VPN logins.
- Restrict VPN Exposure
- Limit SSLVPN access to trusted IP ranges.
- Place SSLVPN portals behind ZTNA or secure gateways.
- Monitor & Hunt
- Watch for abnormal SSLVPN login attempts.
- SIEM alerts on failed logins + lateral movements.
- Monitor for data exfiltration attempts prior to ransomware execution.
CyberDudeBivash Assessment
- This campaign highlights the continued targeting of edge devices by ransomware groups.
- Misconfigured VPNs + unpatched firmware = open doors to adversaries.
- Organizations must treat SonicWall SSLVPN patching as urgent, not optional.
References
- BleepingComputer: Akira ransomware exploits SonicWall SSLVPN (Aug 2025)
- ThreatLocker: RaaS and misconfig exploitation analysis
- ArcticWolf: Rise in Akira activity July–Aug 2025
CyberDudeBivash, Cybersecurity, Akira Ransomware, SonicWall, SSL VPN, CVE-2024-40766, Threat Intel, Vulnerability, Remote Access, Network Security
Cyberdudebivash 
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