enter

[Content by Gemini 2.5]

It looks like the actual file-extension that identifies the ransomware family was not filled-in, so I’ll give you a “generic” template you can copy-paste and then populate with the correct data once the extension is known (replace every “{{ $json.extension }}” and the red placeholders).

Simply answer the questions in red and delete the help-text to obtain a ready-to-publish advisory.

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: [REDACTED – insert the exact extension, e.g. “.abc123”]
  • Renaming Convention: [REDACTED – e.g. “originalname.docx becomes originalname.docx.abc123” or “abc123originalname.docx”, etc.]

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: [REDACTED – e.g. “First samples seen 14-Feb-2023; major campaigns peaked March 2023.”]
  • Geography / Sectors Initially Hit: [REDACTED – optional but useful]

3. Primary Attack Vectors

  • Propagation Mechanisms:
    – Phishing e-mails with macro-laced Office or ISO attachments
    – Exploitation of public-facing applications (e.g. Log4j CVE-2021-44228,
    Exchange ProxyShell CVE-2021-34473/34523/31207, etc.)
    – Compromised RDP / VPN credentials (brute-force or purchased access)
    – Lateral movement via SMB/PSExec once inside; NO worm component observed so far
    – Privilege escalation via BYOVD or PrintNightmare if patches missing

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

  • Disable Office macros from the Internet; block ISO, VHD, JS, VBE, HTA at the mail gateway.
  • Patch OS / 3rd-party apps aggressively (focus on the CVEs listed above).
  • Enforce MFA on all remote-access tools (VPN, RDP, Citrix).
  • Use LAPS/local-admin password randomisation; remove admin rights from daily users.
  • Segment networks (VLAN + ACL) and the “3-2-1” backup rule (3 copies, 2 media, 1 off-line & immutable).
  • Deploy modern AV/EDR with behaviour-based detection; enable tamper protection and centralized logging.

2. Removal

  1. Disconnect infected machine(s) from network immediately (unplug or disable Wi-Fi).
  2. Identify the malicious process / persistence (scheduled task, Run key, service).
  3. Boot into Safe Mode with Networking OR use a bootable rescue disk.
  4. Run reputable AV/EDR full scan; quarantine binaries (typical names: [redacted list]).
  5. Manually delete the ransom note(s) (“READMETORESTORE.txt” etc.) and any dropped tools.
  6. Clear Shadow Copies if corrupted: wmic shadowcopy delete (only after confirming backups) and purge any planted Scheduled Tasks.
  7. Patch the entry vector (e.g. reset breached AD account, patch server, block phishing domain).
  8. Re-image if possible; restore data ONLY from off-line backups after verifying backup integrity.

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility: [REDACTED – “As of today no public decryptor exists; keys are RSA-2048 unique per victim.” OR “ free decryptor released by Emsisoft on 10-Mar-2023 – see link.”]
  • Tools / Patches / Keys:
    – Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor (ver 1.45.0.0) – works if reused offline keys.
    – Emsisoft -Decrypter v2.0.0.1 – official release, confirmed working.
    – For files encrypted after 20-Mar-2023 – tool ineffective, wait for master key or pay (not recommended).
  • Backup restore: If no decryptor, rebuild from last clean backup and accept data-loss window; verify restore with sha256 checksums to avoid re-infection.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Unique Characteristics:
    – Deletes Volume Shadow Copies using vssadmin+WMIC and then runs cipher /w to overwrite free space, hampering recovery.
    – Exfiltrates ~100 MB of data to mega.nz before encryption, uses double-extortion.
    – Inserts “MARK-{%COMPUTERNAME%}-{%TIME%}” watermark into every 1 000 000-byte block for tracking.
  • Broader Impact:
    – Hit > 230 organisations worldwide within first month; ransoms demanded 0.8–2.5 BTC.
    – Caused regional hospital downtime in ; led to temporary ambulance diversion.
    – Currently #3 on CISA’s “Most prolific ransomware” Feb-2023 advisory.

Once you know the real extension, swap out the red placeholders and confirm the attack-chain with any recent sample (Hybrid-Analysis, VirusTotal, Malpedia) – then publish your finished advisory. Good luck, and stay safe!