*[email protected]*.volcano

[Content by Gemini 2.5]

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the ransomware variant identified by the file extension *[email protected]*.volcano. Based on the file extension pattern, specifically the inclusion of an email address from tutanota.de and a unique identifier like .volcano, this variant strongly aligns with characteristics commonly observed in the Dharma ransomware family (also known as Dharma/Phobos or previous iterations like CrySiS). While “Volcano” itself isn’t a widely recognized distinct family, it represents a specific campaign or iteration under the broader Dharma umbrella.

Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

  • Confirmation of File Extension: The exact file extension used by this ransomware is [email protected].
  • Renaming Convention: The ransomware encrypts files and appends this specific extension to the original filename. The typical renaming pattern follows:
    [original_filename].[original_extension].id-[victim_ID][email protected]
    For example, a file named document.docx might be renamed to [email protected].
    The id-[victim_ID] component is a unique identifier generated for each victim.

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

  • Approximate Start Date/Period: While this specific [email protected] variant might have a more recent emergence (likely 2022-2024), the broader Dharma ransomware family, to which it likely belongs, has been highly active since at least 2016-2017. Dharma remains one of the most consistently active ransomware families, with new variants and extensions appearing frequently. This specific variant represents a continuation of their ongoing campaigns.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

*[email protected]*.volcano (as a Dharma variant) primarily leverages the following propagation mechanisms:

  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploitation: This is the most common and successful method for Dharma variants. Attackers gain access to systems with weak or exposed RDP credentials, often by brute-forcing passwords or purchasing compromised credentials from dark web markets. Once inside, they manually deploy the ransomware.
  • Phishing Campaigns: Malicious emails containing weaponized attachments (e.g., seemingly legitimate documents with embedded macros, or password-protected archives containing executables) or links to malicious websites that host the ransomware payload.
  • Software Vulnerabilities & Exploitation Kits: While less common for Dharma compared to RDP, vulnerabilities in unpatched software (especially public-facing services) or the use of exploit kits can be used to gain initial access and deploy the ransomware.
  • Cracked Software/Malicious Downloads: Disguising the ransomware as legitimate software cracks, key generators, or pirated software distributed via torrent sites and unofficial download portals.
  • Supply Chain Attacks: Less frequently, but possible, where the ransomware is injected into legitimate software updates or third-party components.

Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

  • Robust Backup Strategy: Implement a 3-2-1 backup rule (3 copies of data, 2 different media types, 1 copy offsite/offline). Regularly test backup integrity and ensure they are isolated from the network to prevent encryption.
  • Strong RDP Security:
    • Disable RDP if not strictly necessary.
    • Use strong, unique passwords for all RDP accounts.
    • Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for RDP.
    • Limit RDP access to trusted IP addresses via firewall rules or VPN.
    • Monitor RDP logs for unusual activity or failed login attempts.
  • Patch Management: Keep all operating systems, applications, and security software up-to-date with the latest security patches.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) / Antivirus (AV): Deploy and maintain reputable EDR/AV solutions with real-time protection and behavioral analysis capabilities on all endpoints and servers. Ensure signatures are regularly updated.
  • Network Segmentation: Divide your network into smaller, isolated segments to limit the lateral movement of ransomware in case of a breach.
  • User Awareness Training: Educate employees about phishing, suspicious emails, safe browsing habits, and the dangers of clicking on unsolicited links or opening unknown attachments.
  • Principle of Least Privilege: Grant users and applications only the minimum necessary permissions to perform their tasks.
  • Disable SMBv1: Ensure SMBv1 is disabled on all systems, as it is a common target for older exploits.

2. Removal

  • Isolate Infected Systems: Immediately disconnect the infected system(s) from the network (unplug Ethernet cable, disable Wi-Fi). This prevents further spread of the ransomware.
  • Identify Ransomware Processes: Use Task Manager or a process explorer tool (e.g., Process Explorer from Sysinternals) to identify suspicious processes. Dharma ransomware often runs as a single executable.
  • Scan and Remove: Boot the infected system into Safe Mode with Networking (if needed for updates, otherwise just Safe Mode) and perform a full system scan using your updated EDR/AV software. Follow the tool’s recommendations to quarantine or delete detected threats.
  • Check for Persistence: Examine common persistence locations (e.g., Startup folders, Registry Run keys, Scheduled Tasks) for any entries related to the ransomware. Remove them manually or using specialized tools.
  • Review Event Logs: Check Windows Event Logs (Security, System, Application) for signs of compromise, such as RDP login attempts, privilege escalation, or unusual process creation.
  • Consider Reformat and Reinstall: For critical systems or severe infections, the safest and most reliable method is often to format the hard drive and reinstall the operating system from scratch, then restore data from clean backups. This ensures no remnants of the malware remain.

3. File Decryption & Recovery

  • Recovery Feasibility:
    • Public Decryptor: For Dharma variants, Emsisoft often provides free decryptors for some specific versions. It is crucial to visit the No More Ransom project website and use their “Crypto Sheriff” tool. Upload an encrypted file and the ransom note. The tool will attempt to identify the ransomware family and, if a decryptor is available for that specific variant, will direct you to it.
    • Key Dependencies: Decryption feasibility for Dharma often depends on whether the master decryption key for that specific variant (or a weakness in its implementation) has been discovered and released by security researchers. Not all Dharma variants are decryptable without the attacker’s key.
    • Paying the Ransom: It is generally not recommended to pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that attackers will provide the decryption key, and it encourages further ransomware attacks.
    • Data from Backups: The most reliable and recommended method for file recovery is to restore data from clean, uninfected backups.
  • Essential Tools/Patches:
    • Emsisoft Decryptor for Dharma: Check https://www.emsisoft.com/ransomware-decryption-tools/dharma for the specific tool.
    • No More Ransom Project: https://www.nomoreransom.org/ (use Crypto Sheriff).
    • Reputable Antivirus/Anti-malware Software: E.g., Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, Sophos, CrowdStrike, Microsoft Defender (ensure it’s updated).
    • Operating System Updates: Windows Update (or equivalent for other OS) is critical for patching vulnerabilities.
    • Backup Solutions: Veeam, Acronis, CrashPlan, Windows Backup, etc.

4. Other Critical Information

  • Additional Precautions:
    • Ransom Note: This variant will likely drop a ransom note named FILES ENCRYPTED.txt, info.txt, or similar, often found on the desktop or in each encrypted folder. The note will instruct the victim to contact [email protected] (or sometimes an alternative email provided in the note) for decryption instructions.
    • Communication: Do not engage with the attackers unless specifically advised by law enforcement or incident response experts (and only if you’re prepared to consider paying the ransom as a last resort). Any communication could reveal more about your system/network.
    • Indicators of Compromise (IoCs): Be vigilant for network connections to unusual IPs, new user accounts, disabled security software, or unusual scheduled tasks that could indicate the ransomware’s presence or persistence.
  • Broader Impact:
    • Operational Disruption: Significant downtime for businesses, leading to lost productivity and revenue.
    • Data Loss: Permanent loss of data if no backups are available and decryption is not possible.
    • Financial Costs: Cost of remediation, potential ransom payment, legal fees, and reputational damage.
    • Reputational Damage: Loss of customer trust and potential regulatory fines, especially if sensitive data is exfiltrated (though Dharma is primarily an encryption-focused ransomware, data exfiltration is an increasing trend).
    • Psychological Stress: For individuals and small businesses, the emotional toll of losing irreplaceable data can be immense.

By following these technical and strategic recommendations, individuals and organizations can significantly reduce their risk of infection by *[email protected]*.volcano and enhance their ability to recover effectively should an incident occur.