*.*[email protected]*.data

[Content by Gemini 2.5]

This document provides a comprehensive analysis of the ransomware variant identified by the file extension pattern *.*[email protected]*.data, which is highly indicative of a variant belonging to the Dharma ransomware family. This family is known for its persistent attacks and specific file renaming conventions.

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: The exact file extension used by this ransomware variant will typically follow the pattern:
    .id[8-character_hex_ID].[[email protected]].data
    The full encrypted file name will look like:
    original_filename.original_extension.id[8-character_hex_ID].[[email protected]].data

  • Renaming Convention: The ransomware appends multiple suffixes to the original file name. For instance, a file named document.docx might be renamed to:
    document.docx.id[A1B2C3D4].[[email protected]].data
    Here:

    • id[A1B2C3D4] is a unique identifier specific to the victim or infection.
    • [email protected] is the attacker’s email address, often used for victims to contact them for decryption instructions.
    • .data is the final static extension added by this particular variant.

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: The Dharma ransomware family, from which this variant likely originates, has been actively observed since late 2016 and early 2017. New variants, like the one using [email protected], continue to emerge regularly, leveraging the established Dharma codebase. Therefore, while the core Dharma family is older, this specific [email protected] iteration could have appeared more recently, as ransomware operators frequently cycle through different contact emails. It is part of an ongoing, widespread campaign.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

Dharma ransomware variants, including this one, commonly exploit the following propagation mechanisms:

  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploitation: This is the most prevalent attack vector for Dharma. Attackers actively scan for internet-exposed RDP ports (typically 3389). They then attempt to gain access through:

    • Brute-forcing: Guessing weak or common passwords.
    • Credential Stuffing: Using stolen username/password combinations from previous data breaches.
    • Exploiting Vulnerabilities: While less common than brute-forcing, unpatched RDP vulnerabilities could also be leveraged.
      Once RDP access is gained, the attackers manually deploy the ransomware.

  • Phishing Campaigns: While RDP is dominant, attackers also use targeted phishing emails containing:

    • Malicious Attachments: Such as seemingly legitimate documents (e.g., invoices, delivery notifications) with embedded macros or hidden executables.
    • Malicious Links: Directing victims to compromised websites or pages that auto-download the ransomware payload.

  • Software Vulnerabilities: Less common for direct Dharma infection, but vulnerabilities in unpatched software (e.g., outdated operating systems, web servers, or third-party applications) could be exploited as an initial access point, which then leads to manual Dharma deployment.

  • Cracked Software/Pirated Content: Users downloading illegitimate software or content from untrusted sources may inadvertently execute the ransomware disguised as part of the download.

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

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

  • Robust RDP Security:
    • Disable RDP if not strictly needed.
    • Limit RDP Access: Restrict RDP access to a specific whitelist of IP addresses via firewall rules.
    • Use a VPN: Only allow RDP connections through a secure VPN.
    • Strong, Unique Passwords: Enforce complex, unique passwords for all user accounts, especially those with RDP access.
    • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for all RDP connections and critical accounts.
    • Account Lockout Policies: Configure policies to lock accounts after a few failed login attempts.
    • Rename Administrator Accounts: Change default administrator account names.
  • Regular Backups: Implement a robust 3-2-1 backup strategy (3 copies of data, on 2 different media, with 1 copy off-site/offline). Ensure backups are immutable or regularly tested and stored in a location inaccessible to the network (e.g., cold storage, cloud backups with versioning and retention policies).
  • Patch Management: Keep operating systems, software, and firmware up-to-date with the latest security patches.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) / Antivirus (AV): Deploy and maintain reputable EDR or next-generation AV solutions with real-time protection and behavioral analysis capabilities.
  • Network Segmentation: Segment networks to limit lateral movement in case of an infection.
  • User Awareness Training: Educate employees about phishing, suspicious emails, and safe browsing practices.
  • Disable SMBv1: Disable Server Message Block version 1 (SMBv1) protocol, as it has known vulnerabilities exploited by other ransomware families.
  • Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users and applications only the necessary permissions to perform their tasks.

2. Removal

If infected, follow these steps to remove *.*[email protected]*.data:

  1. Isolate Infected Systems: Immediately disconnect affected computers from the network (unplug Ethernet cables, disable Wi-Fi) to prevent further spread.
  2. Identify Patient Zero: Determine how the infection occurred and which system was first compromised.
  3. Scan and Remove:
    • Boot the infected system into Safe Mode (with Networking, if necessary for updates).
    • Run a full scan with a reputable, up-to-date antivirus/anti-malware program. Many tools (e.g., Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, ESET) can detect and remove Dharma variants.
    • Consider using specialized ransomware removal tools if available, though generic AV often suffices for the executable removal.
  4. Check for Persistence: Investigate common persistence locations:
    • Registry Run Keys: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • Startup Folders: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    • Scheduled Tasks: Check Task Scheduler for newly created or modified tasks.
    • Services: Look for suspicious new services.
  5. Change Credentials: Immediately change all passwords, especially for RDP accounts, domain admin accounts, and any accounts that might have been compromised. Implement MFA.
  6. Forensic Analysis (Optional but Recommended): For organizations, consider taking forensic images of infected systems before remediation for in-depth analysis and post-incident review.

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility:
    • Direct Decryption: Decrypting files encrypted by Dharma ransomware without the attacker’s private key is generally not possible for current variants. The encryption used is strong (RSA-2048 or similar). While some older Dharma variants have had public decrypters released (e.g., by Emsisoft), these rarely work for the latest iterations that use unique identifiers and frequently updated keys.
    • Ransom Payment: Cybersecurity experts universally advise against paying the ransom. There is no guarantee you will receive a working decryptor, and it encourages further ransomware attacks.
  • Methods/Tools for Recovery:
    • From Backups (Highly Recommended): This is the most reliable and recommended method. Restore your files from clean, offline, and recent backups. Ensure the backup source itself is not compromised before initiating restoration.
    • No More Ransom Project: Check the No More Ransom Project website (www.nomoreransom.org). They provide a repository of free decryption tools for various ransomware families. While specific tools for [email protected] might not exist, it’s always worth checking, as decrypters for other Dharma strains might be available and occasionally work.
    • Shadow Volume Copies: Ransomware often attempts to delete Shadow Volume Copies to prevent recovery. However, it’s worth checking if they exist and are intact. You can use tools like vssadmin in Command Prompt (vssadmin list shadows) or third-party recovery software. Success rate is usually low.
    • Data Recovery Software: In some rare cases, if the ransomware deleted original files instead of directly overwriting them, data recovery software might retrieve some unencrypted versions. However, this is highly unlikely for Dharma variants that typically encrypt in place.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Additional Precautions:
    • Ransom Note: This variant typically drops a ransom note (e.g., info.txt, README.txt, FILES ENCRYPTED.txt) in affected directories, including the desktop, providing instructions to contact the [email protected] email address.
    • Targeting: Dharma often targets organizations (small to medium businesses, healthcare, education) rather than individual consumers, primarily due to their typically more vulnerable RDP configurations.
    • Resource Consumption: While encrypting, the ransomware may cause high CPU and disk usage, making systems sluggish.
    • Deletion of Shadow Copies: Dharma variants commonly execute commands like vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet to remove system restore points and shadow copies, hindering recovery efforts.
  • Broader Impact:
    • Significant Business Disruption: Infection leads to loss of access to critical data and systems, halting operations, and leading to severe financial losses.
    • Data Loss: If proper backups are not in place, data can be permanently lost.
    • Financial Strain: Costs associated with recovery (IT forensics, new hardware/software, employee downtime) can be substantial, even without paying the ransom.
    • Reputational Damage: For businesses, a ransomware attack can severely damage customer trust and brand reputation.
    • Potential for Data Exfiltration: While Dharma is primarily an encryption-focused ransomware, increasingly, ransomware groups also exfiltrate data before encryption to exert additional pressure for ransom payment (double extortion). Always assume data exfiltration might have occurred and conduct necessary privacy assessments.

By understanding the attack vectors, recognizing the infection signs, and implementing robust prevention and recovery strategies, individuals and organizations can significantly mitigate the risk posed by the *.*[email protected]*.data ransomware variant.