*[email protected]*.eth

[Content by Gemini 2.5]

This detailed resource is designed to equip individuals and organizations with critical information about the ransomware variant identified by the file extension *[email protected]*.eth. This variant is a derivative of the Dharma ransomware family (also known as Crisis, and sometimes conflated with Phobos due to similar characteristics), which has been a persistent threat for several years.

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: The exact file extension used by this specific variant will typically follow the pattern: .[ID].[email].eth, where [ID] is a unique alphanumeric string (often a victim ID) and [email] is [email protected].
  • Renaming Convention: The ransomware appends this extension to encrypted files. The typical file renaming pattern is:
    [OriginalFilename].[OriginalExtension].id-[UniqueID].[[email protected]].eth
    • Example: A file named document.docx might become document.docx.id-A0B1C2D3.[[email protected]].eth after encryption.

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: The Dharma ransomware family first emerged around 2016-2017. Variants using email addresses within the file extension, like *[email protected]*.eth, are part of the continuous evolution and proliferation of this ransomware. While this specific email might indicate a more recent campaign or specific affiliate group, the underlying Dharma ransomware has been consistently active since its initial appearance, with new variants and contact methods appearing regularly. It is not a new, single outbreak but an ongoing threat.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

*[email protected]*.eth, like other Dharma variants, primarily leverages methods that grant attackers direct access to a system. The most common propagation mechanisms include:

  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploitation: This is the most prevalent attack vector. Attackers often:
    • Brute-Force RDP Credentials: Using automated tools to guess weak or common RDP passwords.
    • Exploit Weak RDP Configurations: Targeting publicly exposed RDP ports (3389) that lack strong authentication or are unpatched.
    • Purchased RDP Access: Gaining access to compromised RDP credentials from dark web markets.
  • Phishing Campaigns: While RDP is dominant, attackers may also use:
    • Malicious Email Attachments: Emails containing infected documents (e.g., Word, Excel with macros), executable files, or archives that deploy the ransomware when opened.
    • Malicious Links: Luring victims to download the payload from deceptive websites.
  • Exploitation of Software Vulnerabilities: Although less common as a direct Dharma propagation method, initial access might be gained through:
    • Unpatched Software: Exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems, applications, or network services (e.g., unpatched VPNs, web servers) to gain a foothold, which is then used to deploy the ransomware manually or via scripts.
  • Supply Chain Attacks: In some cases, ransomware can propagate through compromised legitimate software updates or third-party services, though this is less typical for direct Dharma infections compared to RDP.

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

Proactive measures are crucial to defend against *[email protected]*.eth and similar ransomware threats:

  • Secure RDP Access:
    • Strong Passwords & MFA: Implement complex, unique passwords for RDP accounts and enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
    • Limit Exposure: Do not expose RDP directly to the internet. Use a VPN for secure remote access.
    • Restrict Access: Allow RDP connections only from trusted IP addresses.
    • Change Default Port: Consider changing the default RDP port (3389) to a non-standard one, though this is a minor deterrent, not a security solution on its own.
  • Regular Data Backups: Implement a robust backup strategy following the 3-2-1 rule (3 copies of data, on 2 different media, 1 offsite/offline). Ensure backups are immutable or stored offline/air-gapped so they cannot be encrypted by ransomware.
  • Patch Management: Keep all operating systems, software, and firmware up-to-date with the latest security patches.
  • Endpoint Security: Deploy and maintain reputable Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions and Antivirus/Anti-malware software with real-time protection.
  • Email Security: Implement email filtering, spam protection, and user awareness training to identify and avoid phishing attempts.
  • Network Segmentation: Divide your network into smaller, isolated segments to limit the lateral movement of ransomware if an infection occurs.
  • Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users and systems only the minimum necessary permissions to perform their tasks.

2. Removal

If an infection is detected, follow these steps for effective cleanup:

  • Isolate Infected Systems: Immediately disconnect the infected computer(s) from the network (unplug the Ethernet cable, disable Wi-Fi) to prevent further spread.
  • Identify & Terminate Processes: Use Task Manager or a process explorer tool to identify suspicious processes and terminate them. Dharma ransomware often runs under various names.
  • Scan with Anti-Malware Tools: Boot the system into Safe Mode with Networking (if possible) or use a bootable anti-malware rescue disk. Run a full system scan with up-to-date, reputable anti-malware software to detect and remove the ransomware executable and any associated malicious files.
  • Check for Persistence Mechanisms:
    • Registry Entries: Scan for malicious entries in HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, and other common autostart locations.
    • Scheduled Tasks: Check for newly created scheduled tasks designed to re-execute the ransomware.
    • Startup Folders: Examine startup folders (%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup, %PROGRAMDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup).
  • Delete Shadow Copies: While ransomware usually attempts to delete them (vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet), verify their removal to prevent the ransomware from using them for its own purposes. However, if you’re trying to recover, you’d check them before the ransomware deletes them.
  • Change All Credentials: Assume all credentials on the infected machine and possibly the network (if shared access was involved) are compromised. Change all passwords, especially for administrative accounts, RDP, and shared drives.
  • Reformat and Reinstall (Recommended): For critical systems or if there’s any doubt about complete removal, the safest approach is to wipe the infected drive(s) and reinstall the operating system from scratch. Restore data from clean backups.

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility:
    • No Universal Decryptor: As of the current understanding, there is no public, universal decryptor available for recent variants of Dharma ransomware that use strong encryption, like *[email protected]*.eth. The encryption used (typically AES-256 for files, and RSA-2048 for the AES key) is cryptographically strong, making brute-forcing infeasible. Each infection typically uses a unique encryption key derived from the attackers’ master key.
    • Paying the Ransom: Paying the ransom is strongly discouraged by cybersecurity experts and law enforcement. There is no guarantee you will receive a working decryption key, and it funds further criminal activity.
    • Recovery Methods:
      • From Backups: The most reliable and recommended method is to restore files from clean, uninfected backups created before the infection.
      • Shadow Volume Copies: While Dharma often attempts to delete them, there’s a slim chance some might remain or be recoverable using tools like ShadowExplorer if the ransomware failed to completely remove them. However, this is often a long shot.
      • Professional Data Recovery: Specialized data recovery firms might be able to recover some fragmented or unencrypted data, but they cannot decrypt the files without the decryption key.
  • Essential Tools/Patches:
    • For Prevention:
      • Operating System Updates: Windows Updates, Linux distribution updates.
      • Anti-malware/EDR Solutions: Sophos, ESET, Bitdefender, CrowdStrike, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, etc.
      • Backup Solutions: Veeam, Acronis, Carbonite, cloud backup services (e.g., AWS S3 with versioning and immutability, Azure Backup).
      • VPN Software: For secure RDP access.
    • For Remediation:
      • Bootable Anti-Malware Disks: ESET SysRescue Live, Kaspersky Rescue Disk.
      • Process Explorer/Autoruns (Sysinternals Suite): For identifying and disabling malicious persistence.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Additional Precautions:
    • Ransom Notes: Dharma typically leaves ransom notes in plain text files (e.g., info.txt, README.txt, FILES ENCRYPTED.txt) on the desktop or in directories containing encrypted files. These notes provide instructions on how to contact the attackers via email (e.g., [email protected]) or sometimes via Tox chat.
    • Disabling Security Software: The ransomware may attempt to disable or interfere with antivirus software, Windows Defender, and other security measures.
    • Deleting Shadow Copies: It commonly uses vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet command to remove Volume Shadow Copies, hindering recovery efforts.
    • System Enumeration: Before encryption, the ransomware often enumerates network shares and local drives to maximize the scope of encryption.
  • Broader Impact:
    • Significant Data Loss: Without clean backups, victims face permanent loss of encrypted data.
    • Operational Disruption: Business operations can be severely impacted or halted due to inaccessible systems and data.
    • Financial Costs: Beyond potential ransom payments (if made), organizations incur substantial costs for incident response, system rebuilding, data recovery, and reputational damage.
    • Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) Model: Dharma operates as a RaaS, meaning its developers sell or lease the ransomware kit to affiliates who then conduct the attacks. This broadens its reach and makes it harder to trace to a single entity.
    • Evolving Tactics: Dharma variants continuously evolve, adopting new evasion techniques, attack vectors, and sometimes even incorporating data exfiltration capabilities in newer iterations, adding a “double extortion” threat.

Combating *[email protected]*.eth and similar Dharma variants requires a layered security approach focused on strong preventive measures, especially around RDP security and robust backup strategies. Incident response plans are crucial for mitigating damage in the event of a successful attack.