{
  "family": "scarab",
  "sample_count": 57,
  "category": "ransomware",
  "description": "Ransomware:Win32/Scarab is a highly destructive file-encrypting trojan (Ransomware) that emerged prominently in 2017, frequently distributed via the massive Necurs botnet. It utilizes strong cryptography to lock user files, appending a distinctive extension (like `.scarab` or `.suicide`), and extorts cryptocurrency for the decryption key.<br><br><b>Understanding Scarab Ransomware</b><br>To the victim, a Scarab infection is an immediate crisis. Their desktop wallpaper is changed, files become inaccessible, and a ransom note (often named `HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.TXT`) appears in every affected folder. For incident responders, Scarab is a severe threat. It often leverages the widespread reach of major botnets (like Necurs) for distribution via massive malspam campaigns, meaning an infection can spread rapidly across an organization if email defenses are breached.<br><br><b>Execution and Evasion Strategies</b><br>Scarab is primarily delivered via phishing emails containing malicious attachments (often ZIP files containing VBS or JavaScript downloaders). Upon execution, the payload deletes Volume Shadow Copies (`vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet`) to prevent easy recovery (`T1490`). It then iterates through all local drives and accessible network shares, encrypting documents, databases, and media files. Unlike some ransomware that generates keys locally, Scarab often connects to a Command and Control (C2) server to obtain the public encryption key, allowing the attacker to maintain strict control over the decryption process.<br><br><b>Indicators of Compromise & Impact</b><br>The impact is immediate, catastrophic data loss and severe business interruption. EDR platforms will trigger heavily on the rapid, high-volume file modification events (`T1486`) and the execution of `vssadmin.exe`. Network logs may show HTTP POST requests to the attacker's C2 infrastructure immediately preceding the encryption phase. The presence of the `.scarab` file extensions is the definitive IoC.",
  "cta": "Published by the SystemHelpdesk team.",
  "aliases": [],
  "enrichment_level": "expert-seo",
  "faq": [],
  "faq_count": 0,
  "mitre_attack": [
    "T1490",
    "T1105",
    "T1059.003",
    "T1486",
    "T1566.001"
  ],
  "cisa_advisory": null,
  "last_updated": "2026-06-09",
  "mitre_attack_detail": [
    {
      "id": "T1486",
      "name": "Data Encrypted for Impact",
      "tactic": "Impact"
    },
    {
      "id": "T1490",
      "name": "Inhibit System Recovery",
      "tactic": "Impact"
    },
    {
      "id": "T1566.001",
      "name": "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment",
      "tactic": "Initial Access"
    },
    {
      "id": "T1105",
      "name": "Ingress Tool Transfer",
      "tactic": "Command and Control"
    },
    {
      "id": "T1059.003",
      "name": "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell",
      "tactic": "Execution"
    }
  ],
  "containment_steps": [
    "Instantly sever the infected endpoint from the network to halt the encryption process, specifically protecting mapped network shares and cloud syncing folders.",
    "Do NOT reboot or power off the machine immediately; capture a live memory image. The encryption keys may still reside in RAM.",
    "Identify the initial infection vector (likely a phishing email) and purge similar messages from the corporate email gateway.",
    "Restore affected systems from offline, immutable backups that were not accessible to the network during the encryption phase."
  ],
  "what_to_avoid": [
    "Do not pay the ransom; there is no guarantee the attackers will provide a working decryptor, and paying funds criminal enterprises.",
    "Avoid reconnecting the machine to the network until it has been completely wiped and rebuilt from a known-clean image."
  ],
  "target_industries": [
    "Global / Opportunistic"
  ],
  "motivation": "Opportunistic",
  "threat_actors": [
    "Unknown / Cybercriminal"
  ],
  "target_geographies": [
    "Global"
  ]
}