*[email protected]*.creampie

[Content by Gemini 2.5]

This detailed resource aims to provide comprehensive information regarding the ransomware variant identified by the file extension *[email protected]*.creampie. This variant is a member of the STOP/DJVU ransomware family, a prolific and continuously evolving threat. Understanding its specific characteristics is crucial for effective prevention, removal, and recovery.

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: The exact file extension used by this ransomware variant is .creampie.
  • Renaming Convention: Upon successful encryption, the ransomware appends the .creampie extension to the original file name. The typical renaming pattern follows:
    • original_filename.extension.creampie
    • Example: A file named document.docx would become document.docx.creampie. An image photo.jpg would become photo.jpg.creampie.
      This ransomware specifically targets a wide range of file types, including documents, images, videos, archives, and databases, leaving core system files untouched to ensure the system remains bootable for the ransom note to be displayed.

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: The STOP/DJVU ransomware family, from which this .creampie variant originates, has been actively spreading since late 2017 / early 2018. New variants, identifiable by their unique file extensions (like .creampie), are released regularly, often on a near-daily basis. The .creampie extension specifically emerged within the ongoing wave of STOP/DJVU attacks. This continuous evolution makes it a persistent threat, with new decryption challenges often arising with each new variant until security researchers can analyze them.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

The *[email protected]*.creampie variant, like other STOP/DJVU ransomware iterations, primarily relies on social engineering and deceptive tactics for propagation:

  • Cracked Software & Illicit Downloads: This is the most prevalent infection vector. Users download seemingly legitimate cracked software, key generators (keygens), software activators, pirated games, or “free” versions of paid software from untrusted websites (e.g., torrent sites, warez sites, free download portals). The ransomware executable is often bundled within these downloads or disguised as part of the installation process.
  • Malvertising & Redirects: Visiting compromised websites or clicking on malicious advertisements can sometimes redirect users to download pages disguised as legitimate software updates or installers, which in turn deliver the ransomware.
  • Phishing Campaigns (Less Common for DJVU, but possible): While less common for DJVU compared to other ransomware families, generic phishing emails containing malicious attachments (e.g., weaponized documents with macros) or links to malware-hosting sites can also be a vector.
  • Bundled Freeware: In some instances, freeware installers downloaded from less reputable sites might bundle the ransomware as an “optional” component, which users inadvertently install.
  • Exploitation of Vulnerabilities (Rare for DJVU): Unlike enterprise-targeting ransomware that might exploit server-side vulnerabilities like EternalBlue (SMBv1) or unpatched RDP ports, STOP/DJVU typically focuses on client-side compromises via user interaction, making vulnerability exploitation a rare or secondary vector for this family.

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

Proactive measures are the most effective defense against *[email protected]*.creampie:

  • Strong Backup Strategy: Implement and regularly test a robust 3-2-1 backup strategy (3 copies of your data, on 2 different media, with 1 copy off-site/offline). This is the most critical defense.
  • Reputable Antivirus/Endpoint Protection: Use a high-quality, up-to-date antivirus or Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solution. Ensure real-time protection is enabled.
  • Software and OS Updates: Keep your operating system, applications, and all software (especially web browsers and their plugins) fully patched and up-to-date. This mitigates known vulnerabilities that could potentially be exploited.
  • User Education: Educate users about the risks of downloading software from unofficial sources, clicking on suspicious links, or opening attachments from unknown senders. Emphasize the dangers of cracked software and keygens.
  • Firewall Configuration: Configure your firewall to block unauthorized outbound connections and restrict access to critical services.
  • Application Whitelisting: Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized executables (like ransomware) from running on your systems.

2. Removal

Once an infection is detected, follow these steps for effective cleanup:

  • Isolate the Infected System: Immediately disconnect the infected computer from the network (unplug Ethernet cable, disable Wi-Fi) to prevent the ransomware from spreading to other devices or network shares.
  • Identify and Terminate Malicious Processes: Use Task Manager (Windows) or process monitoring tools to identify and terminate any suspicious processes, especially those running from temporary folders or unusual locations.
  • Scan with Reputable Anti-Malware: Boot the system into Safe Mode with Networking (if possible) or use a bootable anti-malware rescue disk. Run a full system scan with a reputable antivirus/anti-malware program (e.g., Malwarebytes, ESET, Sophos, Microsoft Defender (updated)). Allow the software to quarantine or remove detected threats.
  • Check for Persistence Mechanisms: Manually (if skilled) or using specialized tools, check common persistence locations such as:
    • Registry Run Keys: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • Startup Folders: %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    • Scheduled Tasks: Check Task Scheduler for newly created, suspicious tasks.
    • System Files: STOP/DJVU often adds entries to the hosts file to block access to security-related websites. Check C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts and remove any suspicious entries.
  • Delete Ransom Note: Remove the _readme.txt ransom notes found in every encrypted folder.

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility: The feasibility of decrypting files encrypted by *[email protected]*.creampie depends critically on the type of encryption key used:
    • Offline Keys (Feasible): If the ransomware failed to connect to its command-and-control (C2) server during encryption, it uses a hardcoded “offline” key. In such cases, all encrypted files on that system (and often all systems infected with the same offline key) use the same key. Security researchers, notably Emsisoft, have developed a decryptor that can recover files encrypted with known offline keys. The decryptor requires at least one original (unencrypted) file and its encrypted counterpart to work effectively.
    • Online Keys (Highly Unlikely without paying): If the ransomware successfully communicates with its C2 server, it generates a unique “online” key for each infected system. These keys are stored on the attacker’s server, making decryption without the private key virtually impossible. The vast majority of STOP/DJVU infections use online keys.
    • Current Status: While the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU (available for free) is the primary hope for recovery, it does not guarantee success for all variants or for infections using online keys.
  • Methods or Tools Available:
    • Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU: This is the go-to tool for attempting decryption. Download it from the official Emsisoft website. Follow its instructions carefully, which often involve pointing it to a folder containing both encrypted and, if possible, original versions of files to help identify the key.
    • Volume Shadow Copies (VSS): The ransomware typically attempts to delete Volume Shadow Copies using commands like vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet. However, it’s always worth attempting to restore from VSS via System Restore or specialized tools like ShadowExplorer, as the deletion might sometimes fail.
    • Data Recovery Software: In some cases, ransomware might encrypt files by creating encrypted copies and then deleting the originals. If this is the case, data recovery software (e.g., Recuva, PhotoRec) might be able to recover some of the original, unencrypted files from the unallocated disk space, but success is not guaranteed and diminishes over time as the disk is used.
    • Ransom Payment (NOT Recommended): Paying the ransom is strongly discouraged. There is no guarantee you will receive a decryptor, it funds future criminal activities, and you might receive a faulty decryptor or none at all.
  • Essential Tools/Patches:
    • Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU: For decryption attempts.
    • Reputable Anti-Malware Software: For removal (e.g., Malwarebytes, ESET, Sophos, Kaspersky, Bitdefender).
    • Backup Solutions: For recovery via restoration (e.g., Veeam, Acronis, Windows Backup).
    • Operating System and Application Updates: Crucial for ongoing prevention.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Additional Precautions:
    • .\_readme.txt Ransom Note: This specific variant, like all STOP/DJVU iterations, drops a ransom note named _readme.txt in every folder containing encrypted files, and often on the desktop. This note typically contains instructions for contacting the attackers via email (e.g., [email protected], [email protected], or similar) and details the ransom amount (usually $490 if contacted within 72 hours, then $980).
    • PersonalID.txt and SystemID Folder: The ransomware creates a file called PersonalID.txt in a C:\SystemID folder (or similar location). This file contains a unique ID for the victim’s machine, which is crucial for determining if an online or offline key was used. This ID is also present in the ransom note.
    • Persistence: Beyond standard persistence methods, DJVU variants often modify the hosts file to block access to security-related websites, preventing victims from seeking help or downloading anti-malware tools.
    • bgu.exe and build.exe: These are common names for the ransomware’s executable or associated files found during analysis.
  • Broader Impact: The *[email protected]*.creampie variant, as part of the STOP/DJVU family, primarily targets individual users and small businesses due to its distribution methods (pirated software). This often leads to significant personal data loss (photos, documents, personal projects) and operational disruption for small businesses that may lack robust backup solutions or cybersecurity expertise. The sheer volume of STOP/DJVU infections makes it one of the most widespread consumer-level ransomware threats, contributing significantly to overall cybercrime statistics and causing widespread distress.