*[email protected]*.scarab

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As a cybersecurity expert specializing in ransomware, I’ve compiled a detailed resource regarding the ransomware variant identified by the file extension *[email protected]*.scarab. This variant belongs to the broader Scarab ransomware family, known for its consistent activity and diverse attack methods.

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: This specific Scarab variant appends a unique identifier that includes an email address and the .scarab extension. The exact file extension observed is *[email protected]*.scarab.

  • Renaming Convention: When a file is encrypted by this variant, its original name is transformed by appending the full identifier. The typical renaming pattern follows this structure:
    [original_filename].[[email protected]].scarab

    Examples:

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: The Scarab ransomware family first emerged prominently around mid-2017, gaining significant traction towards the end of that year. Numerous variants, distinguished by different appended email addresses (like [email protected]), have been observed periodically since then, indicating ongoing development and distribution by its operators. This particular variant aligns with the continuous evolution and distribution pattern of the Scarab family.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

Scarab ransomware, including this variant, primarily relies on common and effective attack vectors to propagate and infect systems:

  • Spam and Phishing Campaigns: This is one of the most prevalent methods. Attackers send malicious emails containing:
    • Malicious Attachments: Often disguised as invoices, shipping notifications, resumes, or financial reports. These attachments can be weaponized Word documents (using macros), PDFs with embedded scripts, or archives (ZIP, RAR) containing executable files (e.g., .exe, .js, .vbs).
    • Malicious Links: Links within emails that direct users to compromised websites hosting exploit kits, or to download the ransomware directly.
  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploitation: Attackers frequently target internet-facing RDP services with weak or easily guessable credentials. They use brute-force attacks or credential stuffing to gain unauthorized access, then manually deploy the ransomware.
  • Software Vulnerabilities: While less common as a primary initial infection vector for Scarab compared to phishing/RDP, Scarab can exploit unpatched vulnerabilities in software or operating systems, especially for lateral movement within an already compromised network. This could include vulnerabilities in SMB (e.g., EternalBlue, though less directly associated with Scarab’s initial spread), unpatched server software, or insecure web applications.
  • Illegitimate Software and Cracks: Users downloading pirated software, key generators, or cracks from untrusted sources often inadvertently download and execute the ransomware bundled within these files.
  • Malvertising and Drive-by Downloads: Malicious advertisements (malvertising) redirect users to exploit kits that silently download and install the ransomware without user interaction (drive-by downloads) if the system has unpatched vulnerabilities.

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

Proactive measures are crucial to defend against Scarab and similar ransomware threats:

  • Regular, Offline 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/on air-gapped systems to prevent encryption by ransomware. This is your most reliable recovery method.
  • Keep Systems and Software Updated: Regularly patch operating systems, applications, and firmware to close security vulnerabilities that ransomware might exploit. Enable automatic updates where possible.
  • Strong Password Policies and MFA: Enforce strong, unique passwords for all accounts, especially for RDP and administrative access. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for critical services and remote access.
  • Network Segmentation: Divide your network into isolated segments to limit the lateral movement of ransomware in case of a breach.
  • Email Security: Utilize advanced spam filters, implement DMARC/SPF/DKIM, and train employees to recognize and report phishing attempts. Be wary of unsolicited emails with attachments or links.
  • Antivirus/Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR): Deploy and maintain reputable antivirus and EDR solutions on all endpoints and servers. Ensure they are updated regularly and configured for real-time protection and behavioral analysis.
  • Disable Unnecessary Services: Disable SMBv1 if not strictly necessary, and close unused ports, especially RDP if not required or if exposed to the internet. If RDP is necessary, secure it with strong passwords, MFA, and restrict access via VPN or IP whitelisting.
  • Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users and applications only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their tasks.

2. Removal

If an infection is suspected or confirmed, immediate and systematic action is required:

  • Isolate Infected Systems: Disconnect the infected computer(s) from the network immediately to prevent further spread. Powering it down is an option, but forensic analysis might be hampered.
  • Identify and Terminate Processes: Use Task Manager, Process Explorer (Sysinternals), or similar tools to identify and terminate any suspicious processes. Scarab often runs as a common Windows process or a similarly named executable.
  • Boot into Safe Mode: For thorough cleaning, boot the infected system into Safe Mode with Networking (if updates or online tools are needed) or Safe Mode (without networking). This often prevents the ransomware from fully executing.
  • Full System Scan: Run a full scan with your updated antivirus/anti-malware software. Reputable tools like Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, or Windows Defender (in offline scan mode) can detect and remove Scarab components.
  • Check for Persistence: Investigate common persistence mechanisms used by ransomware:
    • Registry Entries: Check HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run for suspicious entries.
    • Startup Folders: Examine shell:startup and shell:common startup.
    • Scheduled Tasks: Use schtasks.exe or Task Scheduler to look for newly created or modified tasks that could re-launch the ransomware.
  • Remove Malicious Files: Delete any identified ransomware executables, accompanying files, and related droppers.
  • Restore System Settings: Scarab may disable Windows Defender, firewall, or UAC. Re-enable these security features after removal.

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility: Unfortunately, for the *[email protected]*.scarab variant, there is currently no publicly available free decryption tool. Scarab ransomware typically uses strong, modern encryption algorithms (like AES-256 combined with RSA-2048) making decryption without the private key practically impossible.

  • Methods/Tools Available:

    1. Restoration from Backups (Primary Method): This is the most reliable and recommended method for file recovery. If you have clean, unencrypted backups from before the infection, restore your data from them.
    2. Shadow Volume Copies (VSS): While Scarab ransomware often attempts to delete Shadow Volume Copies (using commands like vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet), it’s worth checking if any older copies remain. Tools like ShadowExplorer can help you browse and recover files from existing VSS snapshots. However, the success rate is often low for recent Scarab infections.
    3. Data Recovery Software: In some rare cases, if the ransomware merely overwrote the original files, data recovery software might be able to retrieve fragments of the original data. However, this is highly unlikely to be successful if strong encryption was applied.
    4. No More Ransom Project: Always check the “No More Ransom” website (nomoreransom.org) periodically. This initiative, supported by law enforcement and cybersecurity companies, sometimes releases decryptors for specific ransomware variants if weaknesses are found. As of now, a decryptor for this specific Scarab variant is not available there.
    5. Ransom Payment (Not Recommended): Paying the ransom is strongly discouraged. There is no guarantee that the attackers will provide a working decryptor, and it funds future criminal activities.

  • Essential Tools/Patches:

    • Antivirus/Anti-Malware Suites: (e.g., Kaspersky, Bitdefender, ESET, Avast, Malwarebytes) for detection and removal.
    • Operating System Updates: Microsoft Windows Security Updates (critical for patching vulnerabilities like those in RDP or SMB).
    • Backup Solutions: Reliable software and hardware for data backup and recovery.
    • System Internals Suite: (e.g., Process Explorer, Autoruns, Sysmon) for advanced monitoring and forensic analysis during removal.
    • ShadowExplorer: For attempting to recover files from Shadow Volume Copies.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Additional Precautions:

    • Ransom Note Consistency: Scarab variants typically drop a ransom note named HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.TXT or similar, placed in every encrypted folder and on the desktop. This note contains instructions for contacting the attackers via the specified email (e.g., [email protected]) and often includes unique identifiers for the victim.
    • System Integrity Checks: Scarab often attempts to disable Windows Defender, modify firewall rules, and delete shadow copies. After removal, ensure all system security features are re-enabled and functioning correctly.
    • Network Share Encryption: Scarab is known to seek out and encrypt files on accessible network shares and connected external drives, making robust network segmentation and careful access controls essential.
    • Beware of Fake Decryptors: Be extremely cautious of third-party websites or tools claiming to decrypt Scarab files. Many are scams or contain further malware. Always verify tools with reputable cybersecurity sources.

  • Broader Impact:

    • Significant Data Loss: Without backups, the encryption can lead to permanent loss of critical business data or personal files.
    • Operational Disruption: Ransomware attacks can halt business operations for extended periods, leading to lost revenue, missed deadlines, and damaged customer trust.
    • Financial Costs: Recovery efforts can be expensive, involving IT specialist fees, potential hardware replacement, and the opportunity cost of downtime.
    • Reputational Damage: Organizations that suffer ransomware attacks may face reputational harm, especially if customer data is compromised or services are severely disrupted.
    • Evolving Threat: The Scarab family’s longevity and continuous emergence of new variants (like *[email protected]*.scarab) highlight the adaptive nature of ransomware threats, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and evolving cybersecurity defenses.

By understanding the technical aspects and implementing robust prevention and recovery strategies, individuals and organizations can significantly reduce their risk and mitigate the impact of *[email protected]*.scarab ransomware.