2700

[Content by Gemini 2.5]

This document provides a comprehensive analysis of the ransomware variant identified by the file extension .2700. Based on current intelligence, the .2700 file extension is primarily associated with GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware, a persistent and evolving threat that has targeted various sectors.

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: Files encrypted by this ransomware variant will append the .2700 extension to their original filenames.
  • Renaming Convention: The typical renaming pattern follows the structure of original_filename.2700. For example, document.docx would become document.docx.2700. In some instances, it might also prepend or append a unique ID or contact email, looking like original_filename.[ID].[email].2700 or similar, though the simple .2700 is common for this specific variant.
    • Ransom notes are usually dropped in affected directories, often named HOW TO RESTORE YOUR FILES.hta, decrypt_files.html, or similar.

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: GlobeImposter 2.0 ransomware, in its various forms including those using extensions like .2700, has been active since at least mid-2017, with new variants and extensions continuously emerging. The .2700 variant specifically has been observed in attacks since late 2017 and throughout subsequent years, indicating its continued presence in the threat landscape. While not always making headlines like some major ransomware groups, it remains a consistent threat due to its effective propagation methods.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

GlobeImposter 2.0, including its .2700 variant, employs a variety of common and effective propagation mechanisms to infect systems:

  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploitation: This is one of the most prevalent attack vectors. Attackers often gain access to systems with weak or exposed RDP credentials through brute-force attacks or by using stolen credentials purchased on the dark web. Once RDP access is gained, they manually deploy the ransomware.
  • Phishing Campaigns: Malicious emails are a primary method. These emails typically contain:
    • Malicious Attachments: Often disguised as legitimate documents (invoices, shipping notifications, financial reports) and delivered as ZIP archives, Word documents with macros, or JavaScript files.
    • Malicious Links: Leading to compromised websites that host exploit kits or directly download the ransomware payload.
  • Software Vulnerabilities & Exploit Kits: While less common for the .2700 variant specifically compared to RDP, other GlobeImposter variants have historically leveraged exploit kits (e.g., RIG exploit kit) to exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software (browsers, plugins, operating systems) to achieve silent, drive-by downloads.
  • Pirated Software/Cracks: Unofficial software downloads, often from torrent sites or untrusted sources, frequently bundle ransomware or other malware, allowing the ransomware to be installed when users attempt to activate or run the pirated software.
  • Supply Chain Attacks: Although less documented for this specific variant, broader ransomware trends indicate that attackers may compromise software vendors to inject ransomware into legitimate software updates or products.

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

Proactive measures are the most effective defense against ransomware like GlobeImposter 2.0:

  • Regular Data Backups: Implement a 3-2-1 backup strategy (3 copies of data, on 2 different media, with 1 copy off-site or air-gapped). Test backups regularly to ensure data integrity and restorability.
  • Strong Password Policies & Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enforce complex, unique passwords for all accounts, especially for RDP, VPNs, and administrative accounts. Enable MFA wherever possible to significantly reduce the risk of RDP brute-force and credential theft attacks.
  • Patch Management: Keep all operating systems, software, and firmware up to date with the latest security patches. Prioritize patches for known vulnerabilities, especially those related to RDP, SMB, and common applications.
  • Network Segmentation: Isolate critical systems and sensitive data from the rest of the network to limit the lateral movement of ransomware in case of a breach.
  • Email Security: Implement robust email filtering solutions to detect and block malicious attachments, links, and phishing attempts. Educate users about identifying and reporting suspicious emails.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) / Antivirus (AV): Deploy next-generation antivirus and EDR solutions across all endpoints. Ensure they are configured to perform real-time scanning and behavioral analysis.
  • Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users and applications only the minimum necessary permissions to perform their tasks.
  • Disable or Secure RDP: If RDP is not essential, disable it. If it must be used, secure it with strong passwords, MFA, network-level authentication (NLA), and restrict access via firewalls to only trusted IP addresses. Change the default RDP port.

2. Removal

If an infection is detected, immediate and systematic action is crucial:

  • Isolate Infected Systems: Disconnect the compromised computer or server from the network immediately (unplug Ethernet cable, disable Wi-Fi). This prevents the ransomware from spreading to other systems.
  • Identify the Ransomware: Confirm the .2700 extension and look for ransom notes. This helps confirm it’s GlobeImposter 2.0.
  • Utilize Anti-Malware Tools: Boot the infected system into Safe Mode or use a dedicated rescue disk. Run a full scan with reputable and up-to-date antivirus/anti-malware software (e.g., Malwarebytes, Emsisoft, Bitdefender, Sophos). These tools can identify and remove the ransomware executable and associated files.
  • Check for Persistence: Examine common persistence locations such as:
    • Windows Registry (Run keys, Shell, UserInit)
    • Startup folders
    • Scheduled Tasks
    • WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation)
    • Ensure any malicious entries are removed.
  • Review System Logs: Investigate event logs (Security, System, Application) for suspicious activity preceding the infection, which can provide clues about the initial access vector.
  • Change All Passwords: Assume that all credentials on the infected network might be compromised, especially if RDP was the entry point. Change all passwords, starting with administrative accounts.

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility: Unfortunately, for most GlobeImposter 2.0 variants, including the .2700 variant, there is currently no publicly available universal decryptor without the private key held by the attackers. The encryption used is generally strong (e.g., AES-256 for file encryption, RSA-2048 for key encryption), making brute-force decryption impractical.

    • Ransom Payment: Paying the ransom is strongly discouraged. There is no guarantee that attackers will provide a working decryptor, and it funds future criminal activities.
    • Recovery from Backups: The most reliable and recommended method for file recovery is to restore from clean, uninfected backups created before the attack.
    • Shadow Volume Copies: While some ransomware variants delete Volume Shadow Copies, it’s worth checking if they exist using tools like vssadmin or ShadowExplorer. However, it’s common for GlobeImposter to attempt to delete these.
    • Data Recovery Software: For highly critical but unbacked-up files, specialized data recovery software might recover older, unencrypted versions if the ransomware simply deleted the original files after encryption, but success rates are low.

  • Essential Tools/Patches:

    • Operating System Updates: Ensure Windows Update is fully patched.
    • Reputable Antivirus/Anti-Malware Solutions: Bitdefender, Emsisoft, Malwarebytes, Sophos, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne.
    • Firewall Software: Hardware and software firewalls to control network traffic.
    • RDP Hardening Tools/Practices: Restrict RDP access, use VPN for RDP, enforce NLA.
    • Backup Solutions: Veeam, Acronis, Commvault, or cloud-based backup services.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Additional Precautions: GlobeImposter’s primary characteristic is its “imposter” nature, often mimicking the ransom notes or even parts of the encryption process of more prominent ransomware families (like WannaCry or Dharma) to mislead victims or security researchers. While the .2700 extension is specific, GlobeImposter is notorious for rapidly changing its file extensions and ransom note names to evade detection and confuse victims. Always be wary of generic-looking ransom notes combined with unusual file extensions.
  • Broader Impact: The .2700 variant, as part of the GlobeImposter 2.0 family, has had a significant impact on small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and, occasionally, larger enterprises. Its reliance on common attack vectors like RDP makes it a constant threat to organizations that may not have advanced security infrastructure. The financial impact includes not only potential ransom payments but also significant downtime, data loss, recovery costs, and reputational damage. Its sustained activity over several years underscores the importance of fundamental cybersecurity hygiene.