Comprehensive Threat Exposure Management Platform
Hive Pro recognized in Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Exposure Assessment Platform, 2025 Watch platform in action
Cl0p ransomware has emerged as the most prolific cyber extortion operation in 2025, executing widespread zero-day-driven data theft campaigns that have impacted thousands of organizations worldwide. The Cl0p ransomware group, linked to the TA505 cybercriminal collective, has shifted from traditional encryption tactics to rapid, automated data exfiltration strategies. In February and March 2025 alone, Cl0p ransomware compromised over 330 victims, marking the most intense ransomware surge ever publicly recorded. The Cl0p ransomware operation exploits critical vulnerabilities in enterprise platforms including file transfer systems and ERP solutions, with notable campaigns targeting Cleo file transfer software and Oracle E-Business Suite. The Cl0p ransomware threat demonstrates sophisticated operational patterns, operating in cycles of dormancy followed by multi-week attack surges that compromise thousands of systems before patches become available.
The Cl0p ransomware operation has fundamentally changed the cyber extortion landscape through its zero-day vulnerability exploitation strategy. Since its emergence in 2019, the Cl0p ransomware group has compromised thousands of organizations globally and extorted hundreds of millions of dollars through data theft operations. The Cl0p ransomware attack methodology prioritizes rapid, automated data exfiltration over traditional file encryption, maximizing victim counts during brief exploitation windows.
The TA505 cybercriminal collective, operating from Russia/CIS regions, evolved the Cl0p ransomware operation from spear-phishing campaigns to exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities in widely deployed enterprise software. The Cl0p ransomware campaigns have targeted file transfer and ERP systems with devastating effectiveness. The Cleo file transfer attack beginning in late 2024 affected over 200 organizations, while the Oracle E-Business Suite zero-day campaign in mid-2025 compromised high-profile victims including Broadcom, Cox Enterprises, Harvard University, The Washington Post, and Logitech.
The Cl0p ransomware group operates using sophisticated attack patterns, cycling between inactivity and rapid multi-week attack surges targeting thousands of systems simultaneously. Cl0p ransomware operators deploy advanced reconnaissance tools, custom backdoors, and encrypted data exfiltration mechanisms. The extortion tactics employed by Cl0p ransomware include compromising third-party email accounts to pressure executives with tight 48-hour payment deadlines. The Cl0p ransomware operation predominantly targets manufacturing, retail, and transportation sectors in the United States and Canada while avoiding Russian and CIS organizations.
The ongoing success of Cl0p ransomware relies on a hybrid ransomware-as-a-service model, rapid infrastructure changes, strong operational security, and access to zero-day vulnerabilities through internal research or underground markets. The Cl0p ransomware threat has exploited critical vulnerabilities including CVE-2025-61882 and CVE-2025-61884 in Oracle E-Business Suite, CVE-2024-50623 and CVE-2024-55956 in Cleo products, and CVE-2023-34362 in Progress MOVEit Transfer.
Patch and Update Systems Regularly: The Cl0p ransomware operation exploits zero-day vulnerabilities in enterprise software including managed file transfer solutions (MOVEit, GoAnywhere, Accellion) and ERP platforms (Oracle E-Business Suite). Organizations must implement timely patching of internet-facing systems within 24-48 hours of vulnerability disclosures to close Cl0p ransomware attack vectors and prevent exploitation.
Implement Strong Email Security Measures: Deploy advanced email filtering to block phishing attempts and malicious attachments used in Cl0p ransomware campaigns. Conduct regular security awareness training enabling employees to recognize social engineering attempts. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all accounts to protect against credential theft tactics employed by Cl0p ransomware operators.
Monitor for Unusual Network Activity: Use Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and network monitoring tools to detect Cl0p ransomware reconnaissance, lateral movement, and data exfiltration behaviors. Implement network segmentation to limit Cl0p ransomware attacker lateral spread and reduce data exposure during compromise events.
Conduct Regular Data Backups and Test Restoration: Regularly backup critical data and systems, storing them securely offline to prevent Cl0p ransomware encryption or deletion. Test restoration processes to ensure backup integrity and availability. In case of a Cl0p ransomware attack, up-to-date backups enable recovery without paying ransom demands.
Hardening Internet-Facing Systems: Reduce public exposure of file-transfer, ERP, and other high-risk business platforms to limit Cl0p ransomware entry points. Implement reverse proxies, WAF protections, and geographic restrictions to shield critical interfaces from Cl0p ransomware scanning. Disable unnecessary components such as Cleo Autorun directories or unused Oracle endpoints. Conduct regular monthly reviews of externally exposed assets to stay ahead of Cl0p ransomware reconnaissance activities.
IPv4 Addresses:
SHA256 File Hashes:
Initial Access:
Execution:
Persistence:
Privilege Escalation:
Defense Evasion:
Discovery:
Lateral Movement:
Collection:
Command and Control:
Exfiltration:
Impact:
Resource Development:
Ingress Tool Transfer:
Get through updates and upcoming events, and more directly in your inbox