*[email protected]*.pgp

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This document provides a comprehensive analysis of the ransomware variant identified by the file extension *[email protected]*.pgp, offering both a technical breakdown and practical recovery strategies for the community. This variant typically exhibits characteristics similar to the Dharma or Phobos ransomware families, which are known for their persistent activity and focus on RDP compromise.

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: Files encrypted by this ransomware typically adopt a multi-part extension pattern, ending with .pgp. The full extension commonly incorporates a unique victim ID and the attacker’s contact email. A common format observed is:
    .[id-xxxxxxxx].[[email protected]].pgp
    where xxxxxxxx is a string of hexadecimal characters representing a unique victim identifier.

  • Renaming Convention: The ransomware appends this new extension to the original filename. For example, a file named document.docx would be renamed to document.docx.id-xxxxxxxx.[[email protected]].pgp. The original file name and extension are usually preserved, making it evident which files have been encrypted.

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: Variants using email addresses like [email protected] are part of ongoing campaigns by ransomware groups, often associated with the Dharma or Phobos ransomware families. These families have been continuously active since at least 2016 (for Dharma/CrySiS) and 2017 (for Phobos), with new permutations of contact emails and ID patterns appearing regularly. This specific [email protected] variant has been observed in the wild in late 2022 through 2023 and into 2024, indicating a sustained campaign rather than a single, distinct outbreak event.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

The ransomware variant *[email protected]*.pgp primarily leverages common attack vectors to gain initial access and propagate:

  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploitation: This is the most common vector. Attackers often scan for publicly exposed RDP ports (typically 3389) and then:
    • Brute-force Attacks: Attempt to guess weak or default RDP credentials.
    • Credential Stuffing: Use leaked username/password combinations from previous data breaches.
    • Exploitation of Vulnerabilities: Target unpatched RDP vulnerabilities (e.g., BlueKeep – CVE-2019-0708, although less common for active exploitation now, unpatched systems remain vulnerable).
  • Phishing Campaigns: Malicious emails containing:
    • Infected Attachments: Documents (e.g., Word, Excel) with malicious macros, or executable files disguised as legitimate software.
    • Malicious Links: URLs leading to exploit kits or drive-by download sites.
  • Software Vulnerabilities: Exploiting known vulnerabilities in commonly used software (e.g., VPNs, content management systems, web servers) to gain initial access.
  • Weak Password Policies: Compromising systems through default, weak, or easily guessable passwords for administrative accounts or services.
  • Supply Chain Attacks: While less frequently the primary vector for this specific variant, compromise of third-party software or services can lead to widespread distribution.

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

Proactive measures are crucial to prevent *[email protected]*.pgp infection:

  • Strong RDP Security:
    • Disable RDP entirely if not strictly necessary.
    • Change the default RDP port (3389) to a non-standard one.
    • Implement Network Level Authentication (NLA) for RDP.
    • Restrict RDP access to trusted IPs only, ideally via a VPN.
    • Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all RDP connections and sensitive accounts.
    • Implement account lockout policies for failed login attempts.
  • Robust Backup Strategy: Maintain regular, isolated, and tested backups (3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different media types, 1 offsite/cloud). Ensure backups are immutable or disconnected to prevent ransomware from encrypting them.
  • Patch Management: Regularly update operating systems, software, and applications to patch known vulnerabilities. Prioritize critical security updates.
  • Strong Password Policies: Enforce complex, unique passwords for all accounts, especially administrative ones.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) / Antivirus (AV): Deploy and maintain reputable EDR/AV solutions with real-time protection and behavioral analysis capabilities. Ensure signatures are up-to-date.
  • Network Segmentation: Isolate critical systems and sensitive data on separate network segments to limit the lateral movement of ransomware.
  • User Awareness Training: Educate employees about phishing, suspicious emails, and safe browsing habits.
  • Disable SMBv1: Ensure SMBv1 is disabled on all systems, as it contains known vulnerabilities often exploited by ransomware.

2. Removal

If an infection is detected, follow these steps for effective removal:

  1. Isolate Infected Systems: Immediately disconnect the infected computer(s) from the network (unplug Ethernet, disable Wi-Fi) to prevent further spread. Do not power off immediately as volatile memory may contain forensic data.
  2. Identify the Ransomware: Look for the ransom note (often a .txt or .hta file named “README.txt”, “INFO.txt”, or similar) and the characteristic file extensions.
  3. Terminate Malicious Processes: Use Task Manager (Windows) or process monitoring tools to identify and terminate suspicious processes. Ransomware often runs as a new process or injects into legitimate ones.
  4. Remove Persistence Mechanisms: Check common persistence locations:
    • Registry Run Keys: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • Startup Folders: %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    • Scheduled Tasks: Use schtasks.exe or Task Scheduler to identify and remove malicious scheduled tasks.
    • Services: Check for newly installed malicious services.
  5. Full System Scan: Perform a comprehensive scan using a reputable and updated antivirus/anti-malware suite. Consider using multiple scanners (e.g., bootable AV rescue disks) to ensure thorough cleanup.
  6. Review System Logs: Check Windows Event Logs (Security, System, Application) for suspicious activities leading up to the infection.
  7. Change Credentials: Change all passwords for affected accounts and systems, especially administrative accounts, after the system is confirmed clean.

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility: For *[email protected]*.pgp variants, direct decryption without the attacker’s private key is generally NOT possible. There is currently no public, universal decryptor tool available for active Dharma or Phobos variants that use this specific contact email. The encryption used is strong (typically AES-256 or similar), making brute-force decryption infeasible.

    • Negotiating with Attackers: While some organizations consider paying the ransom, it is strongly discouraged by law enforcement agencies. There’s no guarantee of receiving a working decryptor, and it funds future criminal activities.
    • No More Ransom Project: Check the No More Ransom Project website (nomoreransom.org). While they have decryptors for some older variants of Dharma/CrySiS, new variants like those using [email protected] are unlikely to have a public decryptor.

  • Essential Tools/Patches:

    • Primary Recovery Method: Restore data from clean, isolated backups. This is the most reliable and recommended method for file recovery.
    • Microsoft Security Updates: Keep Windows and all Microsoft products fully patched.
    • Reputable Antivirus/Anti-Malware: Tools like Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, ESET, Sophos, CrowdStrike, etc., are crucial for detection and removal.
    • Backup Solutions: Tools like Veeam, Acronis, or cloud backup services are essential for data recovery.
    • RDP Hardening Tools/Practices: Firewalls, VPNs, NLA, MFA solutions.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Additional Precautions: This ransomware variant often aims for maximum disruption by encrypting files on all accessible network shares and mapped drives. It’s known for its persistence and ability to restart itself. Attackers typically spend time performing reconnaissance and elevating privileges after initial RDP access, allowing them to disable security software and spread widely within the network. Therefore, effective network segmentation and monitoring are crucial.
  • Broader Impact: The broader implications of *[email protected]*.pgp ransomware attacks include:
    • Significant Data Loss: If robust backups are not in place.
    • Operational Disruption: Prolonged downtime for businesses, impacting productivity and revenue.
    • Financial Cost: Ransom demands (often in Bitcoin), recovery costs (IT forensics, system rebuilds, expert assistance), and potential regulatory fines.
    • Reputational Damage: Loss of customer trust and public image.
    • Potential for Data Exfiltration: While Dharma/Phobos traditionally focused on encryption, modern ransomware trends increasingly include data exfiltration (stealing data before encryption) for double extortion, even if not explicitly advertised by this specific variant. Assume data may have been exfiltrated.

By understanding these technical aspects and implementing robust prevention and recovery strategies, individuals and organizations can significantly mitigate the risk posed by the *[email protected]*.pgp ransomware variant.