Xash is ransomware that belongs to the Djvu/Stop Ransomware family. Analysts at SecneurX observed that among the prominent ransomware families in 2023, Djvu/Stop was one of the most used by the attackers. As per the research data, Djvu/Stop was mainly used in citizen-centric attacks but they can be used to target organizations as well.
Xash ransomware encrypts files and appends its extension (".xash") to filenames. Also, it drops the "_readme.txt" file that contains a ransom note. After executing the Xash ransomware all files and folders gets encrypted and appends their filenames with as ".xash" extension. For Example, a file titled "Sep2019.docx" appears as "Sep2019.docx.xash", "Jan2020.docx" as "Jan2020.docx.xash", and so on.
Screenshot of files encrypted by Xash ransomware
Xash Ransomware Overview
Xash ransomware notes inform victims that their files have been encrypted. It instructs victims to purchase the decrypt tool for $980 to decrypt all files and folders and also mentioned an email address "support@fishmail.top" in readme.txt to get the software.
How does ransomware infect my computer?
Malware (ransomware included) is spread using phishing and social engineering tactics. Malicious programs are typically presented as or bundled with ordinary content. Infectious files can be executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), Microsoft Office and PDF documents, JavaScript, and so on. When a virulent file is executed, run, or otherwise opened - the infection process is jumpstarted.
Screenshot of Xash Ransomware Text file (“_readme.txt”)
Ransomware Note (“_readme.txt”) in Text
ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
hxxps[:]//we[.]tl/t-otP8Wlz4eh
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
support@freshmail.top
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
datarestorehelp@airmail.cc
IOC DETAILS
DOMAINS
zexeq[.]com
colisumy[.]com
IP
116[.]202[.]1[.]79
URLS
hxxp[:]//colisumy[.]com/dl/build2[.]exe
hxxp[:]//zexeq[.]com/test1/get[.]php?pid=***&first=***
hxxp[:]//zexeq[.]com/files/1/build3[.]exe
hxxp[:]//116[.]202[.]1[.]79/recent[.]zip
hxxp[:]//116[.]202[.]1[.]79/ef32d425b907146eeb9090dbc9455ab1
hxxp[:]//116[.]202[.]1[.]79/
SHA256
37d82158e3ba555a339295e36b26b5f909427469d2694eb902fb2416c4824583
6e6061cd2d846e6be7058e35b0dab7f0513038a410a367be304e2e71c0bfb427
8d7f0e6b6877bdfb9f4531afafd0451f7d17f0ac24e2f2427e9b4ecc5452b9f0
Full Behaviour Report
For the complete ransomware behavior report check out the below Secenurx Behaviour Report link and access our Complete Ransomware Report.
What can you do to avoid being a ransomware victim?
As dangerous as ransomware is, simply being aware and staying updated with the latest ransomware trends can go a long way in securing your data and systems. Here are helpful tips on how you can defend yourself from a likely attack.
Scrutinize emails & their attachments before opening them
Be wary of emails from unverified sources. You can check by communicating directly with the purported sender to confirm if they sent the messages. To check its validity, you can use SecneurX Sandbox to verify the sanity of the email.
Avoid clicking embedded links found in unverified emails
Such social engineering tricks can lead to the download of ransomware. Additionally, be wary of sites that prompt you to enter a CAPTCHA code as this could be linked to a ransomware attack. To check its validity, you can use services like SecneurX Sandbox to verify the site's reputation.
Back up your important files
While prevention is always better than the cure, having a backup of important files can at least lessen the potential damage done by a ransomware attack. While being locked out of your own system is always a bad thing, at least it's not a total disaster since you can always retrieve your important files. The 3-2-1 backup rule applies here—three backup copies of your data on two different media and one of those copies in a separate location.
Regularly update software, programs, and applications
Updating them to the latest versions can provide an added layer of protection against online threats as some ransomware arrives via vulnerability exploits.
Use a layered protection suite
Doing so can detect threats before they enter your network. Security solutions like SecneurX ATP can block Infectious files (like executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), Microsoft Office and PDF documents, JavaScript, and so on) by scanning them at the point of entry of the organizations (File uploads, USB file transfers, etc)