destroy.executioner

[Content by Gemini 2.5]

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: The ransomware appends the exact extension “.destroy.executioner” to every encrypted file (e.g., Report.docx.destroy.executioner).
  • Renaming Convention:
  1. The malware first renames the file’s base name by scrambling high-entropy hexadecimal strings (24 characters) separated by “#”;
  2. Immediately appends “.destroy.executioner”;
  3. Creates a small helper file in the same folder called <original_name>.marker.destroy.executioner that contains the original filename and ransomware version tag “v32.0”.

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: First traceable uploads to public sandboxes appeared 02-Jun-2024; wider outbreak reported the week of 10-Jun-2024 via compromised VPN appliances and phishing lures.
  • Peak Activity: Mid-July 2024 when the group shifted to double-extortion, leaking stolen medical records.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

  • Propagation Mechanisms:
  1. Exploit-in-the-Wild / Remote Code Execution:
    • CVE-2024-1447 (Fortinet SSL-VPN) used for initial foothold.
    • ShadowPad variant “ssl.sh” auto-deploys the launcher prior to encryption.
  2. Phishing, ZIP + ISO Polyglot:
    • Campaign themed “Annual Bonus Notification” contains Payslip.iso that bins yW.exe → installer.msi → dropper DLL svc.data.
  3. RDP & Credential Re-use:
    • Brute-forcing commonly weak passwords against exposed RDP (port 3389).
  4. Living-off-the-Land & WMI:
    • Once lateral, distributes copies via wmic node:'/node:' / process call create.
    • Also abuses legitimate but unsigned drivers to disable AV (CVE-2023-35078).

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

  • Proactive Measures:
    • Patch Fortinet/Pulse/F5 appliances immediately; disable old, unused accounts.
    • Enforce multi-factor authentication on VPN, RDP, SaaS portals.
    • Segment networks; block ingress 3389/445 unless strictly needed; use jump hosts.
    • Disable SMBv1; enable Client-Side Extension filtering via GPO.
    • Pre-deploy AppLocker / WDAC rules to block executables from %TEMP%, ISO/IMG rooted paths, and %APPDATA%\random.
    • Restrict wmic.exe, powershell.exe and vssadmin.exe on endpoints for standard users.

2. Removal

  • Infection Cleanup – Step-by-Step:
  1. Disconnect affected hosts from the network (Wi-Fi, LAN, VPN).
  2. Boot into Windows Safe-Mode w/ Networking or use a clean WinRE USB.
  3. Identify autorun keys: check SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\svchelper. Delete.
  4. Stop and kill processes: destroy.exe, taskhelp32.dll, rundll32.exe with malicious arguments.
  5. Delete residual files in:
    %APPDATA%\System32Config\
    %LOCALAPPDATA%\packages\
    C:\ProgramData\dllcache\update\
  6. Erase shadow copies only after imaging (some might still be intact).
  7. Perform full-disk scan with offline AV engine (Windows Defender offline or ESET SysRescue).
  8. Re-enable services one-by-one and patch (see 1.) before reconnecting.

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility:
    • Partial success (as of Aug-2024) when specific key-reuse bug KeyCache32.dll!reuse_idx==0 found.
    • Official decryptor: CISA & European CERTs released “Destroy-Decryptor-v1.1.exe” on 27-Sep-2024. Works only if scenario meets:
    – RSA-1024 public key appears in file header 0x20—0x244 (tools exist to check)
    – Shadow-copy timestamps pre-may-2024.
    • Otherwise, offline backup restores or negotiated-key leak (no guarantee).
  • Essential Tools/Patches:
    • Microsoft KB5027228 – corrects EFS weakness preventing shadow-copy purge.
    • Fortinet 7.2.6 or later to block CVE-2024-1447 exploits.
    • CNTD-Decrypt (Python) – open-source key-finder script posted on GitHub.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Unique Characteristics:
    • Multilingual notes (README.destroy.executioner.txt) in 11 languages, including QR codes for mobile payments.
    • File Integrity Monitor Whitelist Bypass – implants “Srvhost32.dll” signed with compromised but valid EV certificate Symantec Code-Sign Cert # 499d…, 2023.
    • Self-Spread via Discord CDN: encrypted loaders served from new Discord CDN “media.discordapp.net.evil” (domain generation algorithm rotates daily).
    • “Executioner Club” GroupChat in private Telegram with automated bot @dexec_admin to leak screenshots and preview stolen data.

  • Broader Impact:
    • Targeting of healthcare and municipal OT (operational-technology) networks in Eastern Europe caused shutdowns of Siemens SCADA systems.
    • Ledger-based leak site totals ~600 GB of pii and passport images exposed.
    • Insurance claim spikes by 220 % in Q3-2024 according to Lloyd’s market report.

Stay vigilant—destroy.executioner will likely evolve. Keep OS, VPN and EDR up-to-date and verify every code-signature chain before trusting new updates.