← All ransomware groups

Ransomware group profile · #447 by claimed victims

Esxiargs ransomware

ESXiArgs is a ransomware campaign that emerged in February 2023, targeting VMware ESXi servers by exploiting the CVE-2021-21974 vulnerability. It encrypts virtual machine configuration files (.vmdk, .vmx, .vmxf, .vmsd, .vmsn, .vswp, .vmss, .nvram, .vmem) rendering VMs inaccessible. The campaign compromised thousands of unpatched servers globally, primarily affecting European organizations. A decryptor was later released by CISA and FBI.

Active First seen Feb 2023
0Victims claimed on leak sites
0Victims in the last 30 days
0Victims in the last 90 days
0Countries hit
0Leak-site URLs tracked
—Latest claim recorded

Tactics, techniques and procedures

ATT&CK technique mapping for Esxiargs is in progress. Victimology, infrastructure status and leak-site tracking are live above.

Indicators, detections and the full playbook

Hashes, C2 addresses, onion services, Sigma and YARA detections per technique, and the negotiation transcripts are available to signed-in analysts.

See full IOCs

Frequently asked

Is Esxiargs ransomware still active?
Esxiargs is tracked as active.
How many victims has Esxiargs claimed?
VULONE has recorded 0 leak-site victim claims attributed to Esxiargs, across 0 countries and 0 sectors.
Which industries does Esxiargs target?
Sector data for Esxiargs victims is not yet available.
Which countries are most affected by Esxiargs?
Country data for Esxiargs victims is not yet available.
Where does VULONE get Esxiargs victim data?
Claims are collected continuously from the group's own leak sites and cross-checked with ransomware.live and RansomLook. A claim is the group's assertion, not a confirmed breach.

Other ransomware groups

Qilin logoQilin2,310 victims Lockbit3 logoLockbit32,016 victims Akira logoAkira1,618 victims Clop logoClop1,344 victims Play1,316 victims Lockbit21,002 victims Incransom936 victims Thegentlemen867 victims

Victim claims are collected from leak sites and enrichment partners (ransomware.live, RansomLook) and represent the group's own assertions, not confirmed breaches. Profile last updated 16 September 2026. Questions or corrections: [email protected].