*[email protected]*.scarab

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This document provides a comprehensive analysis of the ransomware variant identified by the file extension *[email protected]*.scarab, offering both a technical breakdown and actionable recovery strategies.

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: The exact file extension used by this ransomware variant is .id[random_string][email protected]. This clearly indicates it is a variant of the Scarab ransomware family.
  • Renaming Convention: When a file is encrypted, its original name is appended with a unique ID, the specific contact email, and the final .scarab extension.
    • Example: A file named document.docx might be renamed to [email protected].
    • The [random_string] component (e.g., A1B2C3D4) is a unique identifier generated for the victim’s system or the encryption session.
    • The [email protected] part serves as the primary contact email address for the attackers, embedded directly into the file extension, making it immediately visible to the victim.
  • Ransom Note: In addition to file renaming, the ransomware typically creates ransom notes (e.g., HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.TXT, README.TXT, or similar names) in every folder containing encrypted files, providing instructions for payment and contact details.

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: The Scarab ransomware family first emerged and was widely detected in late 2017. This particular variant, characterized by the *[email protected]*.scarab extension, represents a newer campaign or iteration of the Scarab family. While Scarab itself has been active for several years, specific email addresses within the extension like [email protected] indicate more recent, targeted campaigns or updates to the ransomware’s distribution channels, likely appearing throughout late 2023 and into 2024.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

*[email protected]*.scarab, like other Scarab variants, leverages a combination of common ransomware propagation methods to gain initial access and spread within networks:

  • Malspam/Phishing Campaigns: This is one of the most prevalent vectors. Attackers send deceptive emails (phishing emails) that contain:
    • Malicious Attachments: Often disguised as legitimate documents (e.g., invoices, shipping notifications, financial reports) that contain macros (VBA scripts) to download and execute the ransomware payload, or are direct executables.
    • Malicious Links: URLs embedded in emails that direct users to compromised websites hosting exploit kits, or to download the ransomware directly.
  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploits: Unsecured or weakly secured RDP connections are frequently targeted. Attackers perform:
    • Brute-force Attacks: Repeatedly guessing usernames and passwords until access is gained.
    • Credential Stuffing: Using leaked credentials from other breaches to log into RDP.
    • Once inside, the attackers manually deploy the ransomware and attempt to move laterally.
  • Software Vulnerabilities: Exploitation of known vulnerabilities in software applications or operating systems, especially those with public exploits available (e.g., vulnerabilities in unpatched servers, content management systems, or network devices).
  • Compromised Software/Crack/Keygen Downloads: Users downloading pirated software, cracks, or key generators from untrustworthy sources may inadvertently execute the ransomware, which is often bundled with these illicit tools.
  • Supply Chain Attacks: Although less common for individual Scarab variants, it’s possible for the ransomware to be distributed through compromised legitimate software updates or third-party libraries.

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

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

  • Robust Backup Strategy: Implement a “3-2-1 rule” for backups: at least three copies of your data, stored on two different media types, with one copy offsite or offline (air-gapped). Regularly test backup restoration.
  • Patch Management: Keep all operating systems, software, and firmware up to date with the latest security patches. Prioritize patches for known vulnerabilities, especially those frequently exploited.
  • Endpoint Security: Deploy and maintain reputable antivirus/anti-malware software or Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions on all endpoints and servers. Ensure real-time protection is active and signatures are updated frequently.
  • Network Segmentation: Divide your network into smaller, isolated segments to limit lateral movement of ransomware in case of a breach.
  • Strong RDP Security:
    • Disable RDP if not strictly necessary.
    • Use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
    • Limit RDP access to specific IP addresses via firewall rules.
    • Monitor RDP logs for unusual activity.
  • Email Security: Implement advanced email filtering solutions to detect and block malicious attachments, links, and phishing attempts. Educate users about identifying suspicious emails.
  • User Account Control (UAC): Ensure UAC is enabled and configured appropriately to prevent unauthorized changes to the system.
  • Disable Unnecessary Services: Turn off services and ports that are not essential for business operations (e.g., SMBv1, PowerShell remoting if not needed).
  • Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users and applications only the minimum necessary permissions to perform their tasks.

2. Removal

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

  • Immediate Isolation: Disconnect the infected system(s) from the network (unplug network cables, disable Wi-Fi) to prevent further spread.
  • Identify & Isolate All Affected Systems: Determine the scope of the infection. Use network monitoring tools or manual inspection to find all systems that have encrypted files or exhibit suspicious activity. Isolate them immediately.
  • Terminate Malicious Processes: Use Task Manager (Windows) or process monitoring tools to identify and terminate the ransomware process. Look for unusual or high CPU/disk usage processes.
  • Scan with Anti-Malware: Perform a full system scan with a reputable and up-to-date anti-malware solution. Many vendors (e.g., Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, ESET, Sophos) offer specialized ransomware removal tools or bootable rescue disks for deeper scans.
  • Remove Detected Threats: Allow the anti-malware software to quarantine or remove all detected ransomware components, associated files, and registry entries.
  • Change Credentials: After ensuring the system is clean, change all passwords for user accounts, especially administrator accounts, and service accounts that might have been compromised or exposed.
  • Forensic Analysis (Optional but Recommended): For organizations, consider engaging cybersecurity professionals to conduct a thorough forensic analysis to understand the initial attack vector, lateral movement, and ensure no backdoors or other malware were left behind.

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility: As of the latest information, there is NO publicly available decryptor for the Scarab ransomware family, including this *[email protected]*.scarab variant. The encryption scheme (often AES-256 with RSA-2048 key wrapping) is robust. The only viable methods for file recovery are:
    • Restoring from Backups: This is the most reliable and recommended method. Restore your data from clean, uninfected backups taken before the infection.
    • Shadow Volume Copies (VSS): While Scarab ransomware often attempts to delete Shadow Volume Copies to prevent recovery, it might fail to do so on all systems or for all files. You can try using tools like ShadowExplorer to check if any unencrypted versions of your files are available. This is often a long shot but worth attempting if no backups exist.
    • Data Recovery Software: In some rare cases, if only file headers are encrypted or if the encryption process was interrupted, data recovery software might retrieve some original files. However, for fully encrypted files, this is highly unlikely to succeed.
  • Essential Tools/Patches:
    • For Prevention:
      • Current Operating System Updates: Ensure Windows Update (or macOS/Linux equivalents) is fully applied.
      • Antivirus/EDR Software: Solutions from vendors like SentinelOne, CrowdStrike, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Bitdefender, Malwarebytes, etc.
      • Backup Solutions: Veeam, Acronis, Rubrik, Cohesity, or cloud backup services.
      • Email Security Gateways: Proofpoint, Mimecast, Microsoft 365 Defender.
    • For Remediation:
      • Bootable Anti-Malware Disks: Such as Bitdefender Rescue CD, Kaspersky Rescue Disk.
      • System Restore Points/Shadow Volume Copies (if not deleted by ransomware).
      • Data Recovery Software: Recuva, PhotoRec (use with caution and understanding of limitations).

4. Other Critical Information

  • Unique Characteristics:
    • Scarification: The consistent use of .scarab at the end of its appended extensions is the defining characteristic of this family.
    • Email as Identifier: Embedding the attacker’s contact email directly into the file extension is a common Scarab trait, making it easy for victims to identify the specific campaign and contact the perpetrators.
    • Simple Ransom Note: Scarab notes are typically plain text files (.txt) providing straightforward instructions, lacking the sophisticated interfaces seen in some other ransomware families.
    • Target Agnostic: Scarab is not typically known for targeting specific industries or organizations; it often spreads opportunistically.
  • Broader Impact:
    • Data Loss: Without viable backups or a decryptor, victims face permanent data loss.
    • Business Disruption: Significant downtime for businesses, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust.
    • Financial Cost: Even if a victim pays the ransom (which is not recommended as it fuels the criminal ecosystem and offers no guarantee of decryption), the cost of recovery, IT remediation, and lost productivity can be substantial.
    • Increased Security Awareness: Incidents like these often force organizations to re-evaluate and strengthen their cybersecurity posture, leading to a broader positive impact on security maturity.

It is strongly advised not to pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that paying will result in file decryption, and it encourages further ransomware attacks. Focus efforts on prevention, robust backups, and thorough system cleanup.