*[email protected]*.eth

[Content by Gemini 2.5]

This resource provides a comprehensive overview of the ransomware variant identified by the file extension *[email protected]*.eth, detailing its technical characteristics and offering practical strategies for prevention, removal, and data recovery.

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: The ransomware appends an extension similar to .id-[random_ID].[[email protected]].eth or directly .[[email protected]].eth to encrypted files. The crucial identifier is the inclusion of the [email protected] email address, followed by the .eth final extension.
  • Renaming Convention: The typical renaming pattern transforms a file like document.docx into document.docx.id-[victim_ID].[[email protected]].eth. The [victim_ID] is a unique alphanumeric string generated for each victim, and the [[email protected]] part signifies the attacker’s contact email, which doubles as part of the unique file extension.

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: Variants using the [email protected] contact email and the .eth extension have been observed in the wild starting in late 2023 and continuing into 2024. This particular variant appears to be an evolution or new iteration of existing ransomware families, often sharing characteristics with STOP/Djvu ransomware derivatives that frequently change their appended extensions and contact emails.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

The *[email protected]*.eth ransomware, like many similar modern ransomware strains, primarily relies on opportunistic and less sophisticated attack vectors rather than complex zero-day exploits.

  • Propagation Mechanisms:
    • Software Cracks/Keygens/Loaders: A highly common method. Victims download seemingly legitimate software activators, pirated games, or cracked commercial applications from untrusted websites. These executables are trojanized and contain the ransomware payload.
    • Phishing Campaigns: While less prominent for this specific strain compared to enterprise-targeted ransomware, basic phishing emails containing malicious attachments (e.g., seemingly legitimate documents with embedded macros, or archives containing executables) or links to compromised websites can serve as initial infection vectors.
    • Malvertising & Drive-by Downloads: Malicious advertisements or compromised legitimate websites can redirect users to landing pages that automatically download the ransomware payload or attempt to exploit browser vulnerabilities.
    • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploits: Systems with weak or default RDP credentials, or those exposed to the internet without proper security measures, can be brute-forced or exploited to gain initial access, after which the ransomware is manually deployed by the attacker.
    • Bundled Freeware/Shareware: The ransomware may be bundled with free software downloads from less reputable sources, disguised as legitimate installers.

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

Proactive measures are the most effective defense against ransomware.

  • Regular Backups (Offline & Offsite): Implement a robust 3-2-1 backup strategy: at least three copies of your data, stored on two different media types, with one copy kept offsite or offline. Offline backups are critical as they cannot be encrypted by network-spreading ransomware.
  • Software Updates & Patch Management: Keep your operating system, software applications, and antivirus solutions updated with the latest security patches. This closes known vulnerabilities that ransomware can exploit.
  • Strong Passwords & Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts, especially for RDP and administrative access. Enable MFA wherever possible to add an extra layer of security.
  • Reputable Antivirus/Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR): Deploy and maintain a robust cybersecurity solution with real-time protection, behavioral analysis, and ransomware-specific detection capabilities. Ensure definitions are updated frequently.
  • Email & Web Security: Implement email filters to block malicious attachments and phishing attempts. Use web filtering to prevent access to known malicious websites. Educate users about identifying suspicious emails and links.
  • Network Segmentation: Divide your network into isolated segments to limit the lateral movement of ransomware in case of an infection.
  • Disable/Secure RDP: If RDP is not essential, disable it. If it is necessary, restrict access to specific IP addresses, use strong passwords, enforce MFA, and place it behind a VPN.
  • User Awareness Training: Train employees to recognize and report phishing attempts, avoid downloading files from untrusted sources, and understand the risks associated with cracked software.
  • Disable Shadow Copies for End Users: While shadow copies can aid recovery, ransomware often deletes them. Limiting user ability to manually create or delete them can sometimes help, but it’s not a primary defense. Focus on robust backups.

2. Removal

If an infection occurs, swift and decisive action is required.

  • Immediate Isolation: Disconnect the infected system(s) from the network (unplug Ethernet cable, disable Wi-Fi) to prevent the ransomware from spreading to other devices.
  • Identify & Remove the Ransomware:
    1. Boot into Safe Mode: This can prevent the ransomware from executing its full payload or interfering with removal tools.
    2. Run a Full System Scan: Use a reputable, up-to-date antivirus/anti-malware program (e.g., Malwarebytes, Sophos, ESET, Windows Defender in a fresh update state) to scan and remove all detected malicious files.
    3. Check Startup Items & Scheduled Tasks: Manually review and remove any suspicious entries that could re-launch the ransomware.
    4. Delete Shadow Copies (if any exist): Open an elevated command prompt and run vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet to prevent the ransomware from using them for its own purposes or to ensure clean recovery from your own backups later. Note: this also deletes legitimate shadow copies.
    5. Review System Restore Points: Delete any restore points created after the infection occurred, as they might contain remnants of the ransomware.
  • Forensic Analysis (Optional but Recommended): For organizations, consider engaging cybersecurity professionals to conduct a forensic analysis to understand the breach’s root cause, extent, and impact.

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility:
    • For the *[email protected]*.eth variant, which is often a derivative of the STOP/Djvu ransomware family, decryption feasibility depends on whether an “offline” or “online” encryption key was used.
      • Offline Keys: If the ransomware was unable to communicate with its command-and-control (C2) server during encryption, it uses a pre-generated “offline” key. In such cases, decryption might be possible if security researchers have obtained and published the corresponding offline key. The Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu Ransomware is the primary tool to attempt this.
      • Online Keys: If the ransomware successfully contacted its C2 server, it generates a unique, victim-specific “online” key. For online keys, decryption is currently not possible without obtaining the private key from the attackers. Paying the ransom is strongly discouraged due to no guarantee of decryption, funding criminal activity, and the risk of further extortion.
    • Check for Decryptor Availability: Always check reputable sources like No More Ransom! project (nomoreransom.org) and major cybersecurity vendors (Emsisoft, Kaspersky, Avast, etc.) for updated decryptor tools.
  • Essential Tools/Patches:
    • Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu Ransomware: This tool is specifically designed for variants like *[email protected]*.eth. It can attempt decryption if an offline key was used.
    • Data Recovery Software: For highly fragmented or damaged files, data recovery software might recover older, unencrypted versions, but this is often unreliable after ransomware encryption.
    • System Backups: The most reliable and recommended method for file recovery is to restore data from clean, uninfected backups.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Additional Precautions:
    • Shadow Copy Deletion: This ransomware commonly deletes Volume Shadow Copies using vssadmin commands, making recovery via Windows’ built-in “Previous Versions” feature extremely difficult or impossible. This reinforces the need for external, offline backups.
    • Ransom Note: The ransomware typically leaves a ransom note, commonly named _readme.txt, in every encrypted folder and on the desktop. This note contains instructions on how to contact the attackers (usually via the [email protected] email) and details the ransom amount (often in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies).
    • Hosts File Modification: Some variants may modify the Windows hosts file to block access to security-related websites, making it harder for victims to find help or download antivirus tools. Check and clean the C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts file if necessary.
    • Stealer Functionality: Some STOP/Djvu variants are known to also drop information-stealing malware (e.g., Azorult, Vidar Stealer, etc.) alongside the ransomware payload. This means that even if files are recovered, sensitive information (passwords, cryptocurrency wallets, browser data) might have been exfiltrated. Assume compromise and change all passwords on affected systems.
  • Broader Impact:
    • Financial Strain: Victims face potential ransom payments, significant costs for system restoration, data recovery, and potential business downtime.
    • Data Loss: Even with recovery efforts, some data may be permanently lost, especially if backups are insufficient or corrupted.
    • Operational Disruption: Business operations can be severely disrupted, leading to lost productivity and revenue.
    • Reputational Damage: For organizations, a ransomware attack can damage reputation and erode customer trust.
    • Evolving Threat: Ransomware families like this one are constantly evolving, changing their encryption methods, file extensions, and contact details to evade detection and make recovery more challenging. Staying informed about the latest variants is crucial.

By understanding the technical aspects and implementing robust prevention and recovery strategies, individuals and organizations can significantly mitigate the risk and impact of the *[email protected]*.eth ransomware.