*[email protected]*.*.wallet

[Content by Gemini 2.5]

This resource provides a detailed technical breakdown and comprehensive recovery strategies for the ransomware variant identified by the file extension *[email protected]*.*.wallet. This particular variant is characteristic of the Dharma or Phobos ransomware families, known for their strong encryption and consistent attack methodologies.

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: The exact file extension appended to encrypted files by this ransomware variant is .id-[HEX_ID].[[email protected]].wallet.
  • Renaming Convention: The ransomware encrypts files and then renames them using a specific pattern. The original filename is preserved, and a unique identifier (often a hexadecimal string), the attacker’s contact email, and the .wallet extension are appended.
    • Example: A file named document.docx would be renamed to something like document.docx.id-A1B2C3D4.[[email protected]].wallet.
    • Note: The [HEX_ID] component is a unique identifier generated per infection, making it challenging to identify the exact strain without further analysis. The [email protected] part is the specific email address the attacker uses for contact.

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: Variants using the hoist.desi email address, fitting the characteristics of Dharma/Phobos ransomware, began to be reported in late 2022 and continued into 2023. These families themselves have been active for several years, with new variants continually emerging. This specific iteration indicates an ongoing campaign by threat actors leveraging these well-established ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) platforms or their own developed versions.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

The *[email protected]*.*.wallet variant (like its parent Dharma/Phobos families) primarily relies on:

  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploitation: This is the most common vector. Threat actors scan the internet for systems with publicly exposed RDP ports (usually 3389). They then attempt to gain access through:
    • Brute-forcing: Guessing weak or common passwords.
    • Credential Stuffing: Using leaked credentials from other breaches.
    • Exploiting Vulnerabilities: While less common for direct RDP access, vulnerabilities in RDP clients or servers can sometimes be leveraged.
  • Phishing Campaigns: Malicious emails containing:
    • Malware attachments: Executable files, script files (JS, VBS), or document files with embedded macros that download and execute the ransomware payload.
    • Malicious links: URLs that lead to drive-by downloads or exploit kits.
  • Exploitation of Software Vulnerabilities: Less frequently, the ransomware may exploit known vulnerabilities in unpatched software (e.g., VPN services, content management systems, network devices, or web servers) to gain initial access to a network.
  • Supply Chain Attacks: In some cases, the ransomware could be introduced through compromised software updates or third-party components integrated into legitimate software.
  • Cracked Software/Malicious Downloads: Users downloading pirated software, keygens, or cracks from untrusted sources often find these laced with malware, including ransomware.

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

Proactive measures are crucial to prevent *[email protected]*.*.wallet and similar ransomware attacks:

  • Robust RDP Security:
    • Disable RDP if not strictly needed.
    • If RDP is required, restrict access: Use a VPN for RDP access, place RDP behind a firewall, and allow connections only from trusted IP addresses.
    • Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts, especially those with RDP access.
    • Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all RDP accounts.
    • Monitor RDP logs for unusual activity.
  • Regular Data Backups: Implement a 3-2-1 backup strategy:
    • Three copies of your data.
    • On two different media types.
    • One copy offsite or air-gapped (disconnected from the network). Test backups regularly.
  • Patch Management: Keep all operating systems, software, and firmware up-to-date with the latest security patches. Prioritize patches for known vulnerabilities.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) / Antivirus (AV): Deploy and maintain robust, up-to-date EDR or next-gen AV solutions on all endpoints and servers. Configure them to perform regular scans.
  • Network Segmentation: Segment your network to limit the lateral movement of ransomware if an infection occurs. Critical systems should be isolated.
  • Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users and applications only the minimum necessary permissions to perform their tasks.
  • User Awareness Training: Educate employees about phishing, social engineering tactics, and safe internet practices.
  • Email Security: Implement advanced email filtering solutions to detect and block malicious attachments and links.

2. Removal

If infected, follow these steps for cleanup:

  1. Isolate Infected Systems: Immediately disconnect affected computers/servers from the network to prevent further spread. Power them off if necessary.
  2. Identify the Infection: Confirm it’s the *[email protected]*.*.wallet variant by checking file extensions and ransom notes (e.g., info.txt, files.hta).
  3. Scan and Remove Malware: Boot the infected system into Safe Mode or use a dedicated rescue disk. Use a reputable and updated anti-malware solution (e.g., Malwarebytes, Sophos, ESET, Windows Defender Offline) to perform a full system scan and remove all detected threats.
  4. Check for Persistence: Examine common persistence locations (Registry Run keys, Startup folders, Scheduled Tasks, WMI event subscriptions) for any malicious entries.
  5. Remove Ransom Notes: Once the malware is removed, delete all ransom notes (e.g., info.txt, files.hta).
  6. Patch Vulnerabilities: Identify how the ransomware gained access (e.g., weak RDP, unpatched software) and remediate those vulnerabilities immediately. Change all compromised credentials.

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility: For current *[email protected]*.*.wallet variants (Dharma/Phobos), there is generally no publicly available decryption tool that works without the unique decryption key held by the attackers. These ransomware families use strong cryptographic algorithms (often AES-256 and RSA-2048), making brute-forcing or cracking the encryption practically impossible.

    • Do NOT pay the ransom: Paying encourages further attacks and does not guarantee file recovery. There is no assurance the attackers will provide a working key, and it funds criminal activity.
    • ID Ransomware: You can upload a ransom note and an encrypted file to services like ID Ransomware (id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com) to confirm the specific variant and check if a decryptor is available. As of writing, Dharma/Phobos variants using strong encryption typically do not have public decryptors.

  • Recommended Recovery Method: Restore from Backups. This is the most reliable and recommended method for file recovery. Once the system is clean and secure, restore your data from your most recent, uninfected backups.

  • Shadow Volume Copies: The ransomware often attempts to delete Shadow Volume Copies. However, it’s worth checking if any remain intact (e.g., by using vssadmin commands or third-party tools). If they exist and were not deleted, you might be able to recover some files.

  • Essential Tools/Patches:

    • Anti-malware/EDR solutions: For detection and removal.
    • Backup and Recovery Software: Essential for restoring data.
    • Operating System and Software Patches: Crucial for preventing reinfection.
    • RDP Hardening Tools: To secure remote access.
    • Network Monitoring Tools: To detect suspicious activity.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Additional Precautions:
    • Disables System Recovery: Like many ransomware variants, *[email protected]*.*.wallet attempts to delete Shadow Volume Copies (vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet) to prevent easy file recovery.
    • Ransom Notes: It typically drops ransom notes named info.txt and files.hta (or similar variants like info.hta, README.txt) in affected directories and on the desktop, containing instructions and the attacker’s contact email.
    • Persistence Mechanisms: The ransomware may attempt to establish persistence on the system (e.g., by modifying registry keys, creating scheduled tasks) to ensure it runs on reboot or to facilitate further malicious activity.
    • Information Gathering: Some variants might also attempt to gather system information or credentials before encrypting files.
  • Broader Impact: The broader impact of *[email protected]*.*.wallet (and its parent families Dharma/Phobos) includes:
    • Significant Financial Loss: Due to operational downtime, recovery costs, and potential ransom payments.
    • Operational Disruption: Business operations can be severely halted, leading to lost productivity and revenue.
    • Data Loss: If backups are insufficient, compromised, or non-existent, data may be permanently lost.
    • Reputational Damage: Organizations may suffer damage to their reputation and customer trust.
    • Legal and Regulatory Consequences: Especially if sensitive data is exfiltrated (though primary Dharma/Phobos focus is encryption) or if the attack leads to a breach under GDPR, HIPAA, or other regulations.

Combating *[email protected]*.*.wallet requires a multi-layered defense strategy, strong emphasis on proactive prevention, and a robust backup and recovery plan.