Advanced Security Test Report: Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR – EDR (Protection)

Ransomware vs. Endpoint Security

Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR test results by SE Labs.

SE LABS tested Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR against a range of ransomware attacks designed to extort victims. These attacks were realistic, using the same tactics and techniques as those used against victims in recent months.

We attacked target systems, protected by Cortex XDR, acting in the same way as we observe ransomware groups to behave.

Attacks were initiated from the start of the attack chain, using phishing email links and attachments, as just two examples. Each attack was run from the very start to its obvious conclusion, which means attempting to steal, encrypt and destroy sensitive data on the target systems.

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Factsheet

Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR

Ransomware is the most visible, most easily understood cyber threat affecting businesses today. Paralysed computer systems mean stalled business and loss of earnings. On top of that, a ransom demand provides a clear, countable value to a threat. A demand for “one million dollars!” is easier to quantify than the possible leak of intellectual property to a competitor.

One reason why ransomware is so ‘popular’ is that the attackers don’t have to produce their own. They outsource the production of ransomware to others, who provide Ransomware as a Service (RAAS). Attackers then usually trick targets into running it, or at least into providing a route for the attackers to run it for them. Artificial intelligence systems make the creation of such social engineering attacks easier, cheaper and more effective than ever before.

Given the global interest and terror around ransomware, we have created a comprehensive test that shows how effective security products are when faced with the whole range of threats posed by ransomware itself and the criminal groups operating in the shadows.

In this report we have taken two main approaches to assessing how well products can detect and protect against ransomware.

Ransomware Deep Attacks

For the first part of this test, we analysed the common tactics of ransomware gangs and created two custom gangs that use a wider variety of methods. In all cases we run the attack from the very start, including attempting to access targets with stolen credentials or other means. We then move through the system and sometimes the network, before deploying the ransomware as the final payload.

In the first two attacks for each group, we gain access and deploy ransomware onto the target immediately. In the third, fourth and fifth attacks we move through the network and deploy ransomware on a target deeper into the network.

The ransomware payloads we used in this part of the report were known files from all of the families listed in Attack Details on page 8.

This test shows a product’s ability to track the movement of the attacker through the entire attack chain. We disable the product’s protection features and rely on its detection mode for this part of the test. The results demonstrate how incident response teams can use the product to gain visibility on ransomware attacks.

Ransomware Direct Attacks

The second part of the test takes a wide distribution of known malware and adds variations designed to evade detection. We’ve listed the ransomware families used in Attack Details on page 8. We sent each of these ransomware payloads directly to target systems. We used realistic techniques, such as through email social engineering attacks. This is a full but short attack chain.

In this part of the test, we ensure any protection features are enabled in the product.

If products like Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR can detect and protect against the known version of each of these files, all well and good. But if they also detect and block each ransomware’s two variations, we can conclude that the protection available is more proactive than simply reacting to yesterday’s unlucky victims.