Frequently Asked Questions

Threats & Attack Techniques

How did LockBit ransomware exploit the Log4j vulnerability and Windows Defender utility?

The LockBit ransomware group initially compromised targets via the Log4j vulnerability on unpatched VMWare Horizon Servers. Attackers modified the Blast Secure Gateway component to install a web shell using PowerShell. Post-compromise, they ran enumeration commands and post-exploitation tools such as Meterpreter, PowerShell Empire, and a new method to side-load Cobalt Strike. Notably, they used a legitimate Windows Defender utility to side-load a malicious DLL that decrypted the payload, and employed techniques to evade EDR/EPP hooks, Event Tracing for Windows, and Antimalware Scan Interface. Note: Cymulate can validate exposure to similar attack chains, but detailed limitations for highly targeted, novel exploits are not publicly documented; ask sales for specifics.

Which types of threats can Cymulate validate?

Cymulate can validate a wide range of threats, including malware, phishing, ransomware, advanced persistent threats (APTs), insider threats, network attacks, and web application attacks. The platform simulates diverse attack scenarios to ensure comprehensive security validation. Note: Validation coverage depends on the threat library and scenario selection; for highly specialized or zero-day threats, coverage may vary.

Features & Capabilities

What features does Cymulate offer for validating defenses against threats like LockBit ransomware?

Cymulate provides automated exposure validation, continuous threat simulation, and an extensive threat library that includes ransomware, malware, and post-exploitation techniques. Key features include Exposure Validation, Auto Mitigation, Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM), Detection Studio, and Threat Studio for custom attack simulations. Note: Effectiveness depends on scenario selection and integration with your environment; detailed limitations not publicly documented—ask sales for specifics.

How does Cymulate's immediate threats module help with emerging attacks?

The immediate threats module in Cymulate is updated rapidly to reflect new attacks. Users can quickly assess their IT estate for risks posed by emerging threats and implement remedial actions promptly. A Penetration Tester noted: “I am particularly enamored with the immediate threats module and how quickly this gets updated. In short if an attack is new, you can quickly assess your IT estate for how much of a risk is posed to you and implement remedial action quickly.” Note: Module effectiveness depends on update frequency and scenario coverage; ask sales for details on coverage for specific threats.

Implementation & Ease of Use

How long does it take to implement Cymulate and start validating threats?

Cymulate is designed for rapid deployment, operating in agentless mode without the need for additional hardware or complex configurations. Users can start running simulations almost immediately, with only basic infrastructure and internet connectivity required. Customers report that the platform is easy to implement and use, delivering practical insights with just a few clicks. Note: Implementation time may vary for complex environments or advanced integrations.

What do customers say about Cymulate's ease of use?

Customers consistently praise Cymulate for its intuitive design and ease of use. For example, Raphael Ferreira, Cybersecurity Manager, stated: “Cymulate is easy to implement and use—all you need to do is click a few buttons, and you receive a lot of practical insights into how you can improve your security posture.” Other users highlight its user-friendly portal, actionable insights, and suitability for both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Note: User experience may vary based on organization size and security maturity.

Business Impact & Use Cases

What business impact can organizations expect from using Cymulate?

Organizations using Cymulate report an average 30% increase in threat prevention, a 90% improvement in threat detection, and a 52% reduction in critical exposures. Teams experience a 60% boost in efficiency, and threat validation is 40 times faster than manual methods. For example, Hertz Israel achieved an 81% reduction in cyber risk within four months. Note: Results may vary based on organization size, security maturity, and scenario selection.

Who can benefit from using Cymulate?

Cymulate is designed for CISOs, VP Security, SecOps Directors, SOC Leaders, Detection Engineers, Blue Team Leads, Red Teams, Vulnerability Management Teams, GRC/Compliance Teams, and IT/Infrastructure/Cloud Teams. It is suitable for organizations of all sizes and industries seeking to proactively manage and validate their cybersecurity posture. Note: Best fit for organizations prioritizing continuous validation; teams seeking only periodic assessments may want to consider alternatives.

Pricing & Plans

What is Cymulate's pricing model?

Cymulate uses a subscription-based pricing model tailored to each organization's needs. Pricing depends on the package selected, number of assets covered, and chosen scenarios and features. For a detailed quote, organizations can schedule a demo with the Cymulate team. Note: Exact pricing is not publicly listed; contact sales for specifics.

Security & Compliance

What security and compliance certifications does Cymulate hold?

Cymulate is SOC2 Type II certified and holds ISO 27001:2013, ISO 27701, ISO 27017, and CSA STAR Level 1 certifications. These cover information security management, privacy, cloud security, and compliance with the Cloud Controls Matrix. Note: For organizations with unique compliance requirements, verify with Cymulate's sales or compliance team for detailed mappings.

Technical Documentation & Support

Where can I find technical documentation and resources about Cymulate?

Cymulate provides technical documentation, data sheets, and guides in its resource hub. Notable resources include the Threat Studio data sheet and the Detection Engineering Automation Guide. These materials offer in-depth insights into detection engineering, threat validation, and platform capabilities. Note: Some advanced documentation may require registration or a Cymulate account.

Integrations

What integrations does Cymulate support?

Cymulate integrates with over 50 security tools, including SIEM platforms (Azure Sentinel, Splunk, CrowdStrike Falcon LogScale), EDR/anti-malware (CrowdStrike Falcon, Carbon Black EDR, Cisco Secure Endpoint), cloud security (AWS GuardDuty, Check Point CloudGuard), web gateways (Cisco Umbrella), vulnerability management (Rapid7 InsightVM), and others like Microsoft Defender, Palo Alto Networks, Wiz, and Zscaler. Note: Integration availability may depend on your package and environment; verify compatibility before purchase.

Competition & Comparison

How does Cymulate compare to AttackIQ?

Cymulate offers AI-driven remediation guidance, a daily-updated attack scenario library, and an AI Copilot for automating threat intelligence into tests. AttackIQ is a direct competitor with its own strengths, but Cymulate is recognized as a Momentum Leader by G2 and a Customer’s Choice in the 2025 Gartner Peer Insights for Adversarial Exposure Validation. Choose Cymulate for AI-powered automation and remediation; choose AttackIQ if you require features not covered by Cymulate's integrations. Note: AttackIQ may offer different pricing or integrations; detailed limitations not publicly documented—ask sales for specifics.

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LockBit Ransomware Abuses Legitimate Windows Defender Utility

August 16, 2022

The initial target compromise happened via the Log4j vulnerability against an unpatched VMWare Horizon Server. The attackers modified the Blast Secure Gateway component of the application installing a web shell using PowerShell code found documented here.

Once initial access had been achieved, the threat actors performed a series of enumeration commands and attempted to run multiple post-exploitation tools, including Meterpreter, PowerShell Empire and a new way to side-load Cobalt Strike.

In particular, when attempting to execute Cobalt Strike, Sentinel One observed a new legitimate tool used for side-loading a malicious DLL, that decrypts the payload.

Previously observed techniques to evade defenses by removing EDR/EPP's userland hooks, Event Tracing for Windows and Antimalware Scan Interface were also observed.