@disroot.org*

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This document provides a comprehensive overview of the ransomware variant identified by the file extension @disroot.org*, often associated with the Phobos ransomware family or similar variants that embed contact email addresses within the file extension.

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: Files encrypted by this ransomware are typically appended with a complex extension that includes a unique victim ID, followed by the attacker’s email address (@disroot.org in this case), and often a final, fixed ransomware extension.
    • Example Pattern: original_filename.ext.id[XXXXXXXX-YYYY][email protected].<variant_extension>
      • [XXXXXXXX-YYYY] represents a unique identifier specific to the victim or encryption session.
      • @disroot.org is the contact email address chosen by the attackers for communication.
      • <variant_extension> could be a specific string indicating the ransomware variant, such as .PHOBOS, .ACUT, .ACTR, .ECLOS, .CALC, or others, depending on the specific build used by the attackers.
  • Renaming Convention: For example, a file named document.docx might be renamed to document.docx.id[E2B4A1F6-C8D7][email protected]. Alongside the encrypted files, a ransom note (typically info.txt and/or info.hta) will be dropped in each folder containing encrypted files, providing instructions for contact and payment.

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: While the id[...][email protected] part is specific to campaigns using that particular email address, the underlying ransomware (most commonly Phobos) has been active since at least late 2017 / early 2018. Variants using various email addresses (like @protonmail.com, @aol.com, @mail.fr, and more recently @disroot.org or @tutanota.com) have emerged consistently, indicating ongoing and active development or usage by various threat actors.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

The ransomware associated with the @disroot.org* extension, particularly if it’s a Phobos variant, primarily leverages the following attack vectors:

  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploitation: This is one of the most common methods. Attackers gain unauthorized access to systems via exposed and weakly secured RDP ports. They brute-force weak credentials, exploit vulnerabilities, or use stolen credentials to log in, disable security software, and then manually deploy the ransomware.
  • Phishing Campaigns: Malicious emails containing weaponized attachments (e.g., seemingly legitimate documents with embedded macros, or archives containing executable files) or links to compromised websites that distribute the ransomware.
  • Software Vulnerabilities: Exploitation of unpatched vulnerabilities in public-facing applications or services (e.g., web servers, VPNs, content management systems) to gain initial access.
  • Software Cracks/Pirated Software: Users downloading and executing cracked software, key generators, or pirated content from untrusted sources often find these laced with ransomware or other malware.
  • Supply Chain Attacks: Less common for this specific variant but possible, where the ransomware is introduced through compromised legitimate software updates or third-party tools.

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

Proactive measures are crucial to prevent infection by this type of ransomware:

  • Robust Backup Strategy: Implement a 3-2-1 backup rule (3 copies of data, on 2 different media, with 1 off-site/offline copy). Regularly test backups to ensure recoverability.
  • Secure RDP Access:
    • Place RDP behind a VPN.
    • Enforce strong, unique passwords for all user accounts, especially those with RDP access.
    • Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for RDP and other critical services.
    • Limit RDP access to specific IP addresses (IP whitelisting).
    • Disable RDP entirely if not required.
  • Patch Management: Regularly update operating systems, software, and firmware to patch known vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.
  • Email Security:
    • Implement robust email filtering to block malicious attachments and phishing links.
    • Train users to identify and report phishing attempts.
    • Enable DMARC, SPF, and DKIM for email authentication.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) / Anti-Malware Solutions: Deploy and keep updated next-generation antivirus/anti-malware solutions with real-time protection and behavioral analysis capabilities.
  • Network Segmentation: Isolate critical systems and data to limit lateral movement of ransomware if an infection occurs.
  • Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users and applications only the minimum necessary permissions to perform their functions.
  • Disable SMBv1: Ensure SMBv1 is disabled on all systems, as it contains known vulnerabilities often exploited by ransomware.

2. Removal

Effective removal of the @disroot.org* ransomware involves the following steps:

  1. Isolate Infected Systems: Immediately disconnect the infected system(s) from the network (unplug network cables, disable Wi-Fi) to prevent further spread.
  2. Identify and Quarantine: Use reputable anti-malware software (e.g., Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, ESET, Microsoft Defender) to scan the system and identify all ransomware components. Quarantine or remove detected threats.
  3. Boot into Safe Mode: For stubborn infections, boot the system into Safe Mode with Networking to run scans, as some ransomware variants may try to block security software in normal mode.
  4. Remove Persistence Mechanisms: Check common locations for persistence, such as:
    • Registry Run keys (HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run)
    • Startup folders
    • Scheduled Tasks
    • Services
    • WMI event subscriptions
    • The ransomware often drops itself in %APPDATA% or %TEMP% and creates a scheduled task to run on startup.
  5. Clean Temporary Files: Delete temporary files using Disk Cleanup or similar tools.
  6. Change Credentials: After ensuring the system is clean, change all passwords, especially for accounts that may have been compromised (e.g., RDP credentials, admin accounts).

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility: As of the latest information, there is no public decryptor available for files encrypted by Phobos ransomware variants, including those using the @disroot.org* extension. This is due to the strong, unique encryption keys generated for each infection.
    • Methods/Tools: The only reliable methods for file recovery are:
      1. Restoring from Backups: This is the most recommended and effective method. If you have clean, unencrypted backups, you can restore your data.
      2. Shadow Volume Copies (VSS): While ransomware often attempts to delete VSS copies, sometimes they fail or only partially succeed. You can try using tools like vssadmin (command line) or ShadowExplorer to check if any unencrypted shadow copies exist.
      3. Data Recovery Software: In rare cases, if the ransomware merely overwrote parts of the original files or deleted them without proper wiping, data recovery software might retrieve fragments, but success is highly unlikely for fully encrypted data.
  • Essential Tools/Patches:
    • Robust Anti-Malware/EDR: Keep subscriptions current and definitions updated.
    • System Restore Points/Image Backups: Enable system restore and create regular image backups.
    • Microsoft Security Updates: Crucial for patching vulnerabilities.
    • RDP Hardening Tools/Practices: Implement strong RDP security measures.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Additional Precautions:
    • Ransom Notes: The ransomware typically drops ransom notes named info.txt and/or info.hta in every folder where files were encrypted. These notes instruct victims to contact the specified @disroot.org email address (or sometimes a second email) and often provide a Jabber/Tox ID for communication.
    • Double Extortion: While primarily an encryption ransomware, some Phobos variants or similar groups have been known to exfiltrate data before encryption, adding a data leak threat to pressure victims into paying. Always assume data exfiltration may have occurred.
    • Avoid Negotiation (if possible): While paying the ransom might seem like the only option, it funds criminal activities and does not guarantee decryption or the non-disclosure of exfiltrated data. It is generally advised to only consider payment as a last resort, and only after consulting with law enforcement or cybersecurity experts.
  • Broader Impact:
    • Significant Financial Loss: Direct costs from ransom payments (if made), recovery efforts, system downtime, and potential data recovery services.
    • Operational Disruption: Business operations can be severely halted, leading to lost productivity, missed deadlines, and customer dissatisfaction.
    • Data Loss: Irreversible data loss if backups are not available or are also compromised, or if decryption is impossible.
    • Reputational Damage: Loss of trust from customers, partners, and stakeholders due to data breaches or service unavailability.
    • Legal and Regulatory Implications: Potential fines and penalties for non-compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) if sensitive data is compromised.

Combating the @disroot.org* ransomware variant, like most modern ransomware, requires a multi-layered defense strategy focused on prevention, robust backups, and rapid incident response capabilities.