{
  "family": "crypmod",
  "sample_count": 23,
  "category": "ransomware",
  "description": "Ransomware:Win32/Crypmod is a highly destructive malware family that acts as a hybrid between traditional ransomware and a data wiper. Unlike standard ransomware that encrypts files and leaves them recoverable if a key is provided, some variants of Crypmod have been observed intentionally corrupting files or failing to store the decryption keys properly, acting effectively as a destructive wiper.<br><br><b>Understanding Crypmod</b><br>To the victim organization, a Crypmod infection is a catastrophic event. Critical servers and workstations are rapidly rendered unusable, with files modified and a ransom note displayed on the desktop or dropped in directories. For incident responders, Crypmod represents a severe failure in perimeter or endpoint security, often arriving via malicious email attachments or exploit kits. The critical issue with Crypmod is that paying the ransom is often futile, as the malware's implementation of cryptography is either flawed or intentionally destructive.<br><br><b>Execution and Destruction Mechanics</b><br>Crypmod is typically distributed via spearphishing (`T1566.001`) or as a secondary payload dropped by a botnet. Upon execution, it disables local security software (`T1562.001`) and rapidly enumerates all attached local and network drives (`T1083`). It uses `vssadmin.exe` or WMI to silently delete volume shadow copies (`T1490`), preventing easy rollback. It then begins encrypting (or corrupting) files matching specific extensions (documents, databases, archives) (`T1486`). Persistence is achieved via Registry Run keys to ensure encryption continues if the machine is rebooted.<br><br><b>Indicators of Compromise & Impact</b><br>The impact is total operational halt and massive data loss. EDR platforms must alert on the rapid execution of `vssadmin` or `bcdedit` commands designed to inhibit system recovery. The definitive IoC is the presence of encrypted files with unusual extensions (often randomized per variant) and the accompanying ransom note. Network logs may show a brief beacon to a C2 server to register the infection, though some wiper variants operate entirely offline.",
  "cta": "Published by the SystemHelpdesk team.",
  "aliases": [],
  "enrichment_level": "expert-seo",
  "faq": [],
  "faq_count": 0,
  "mitre_attack": [
    "T1083",
    "T1490",
    "T1562.001",
    "T1566.001",
    "T1486"
  ],
  "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": "T1562.001",
      "name": "Impair Defenses: Disable or Modify Tools",
      "tactic": "Defense Evasion"
    },
    {
      "id": "T1566.001",
      "name": "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment",
      "tactic": "Initial Access"
    },
    {
      "id": "T1083",
      "name": "File and Directory Discovery",
      "tactic": "Discovery"
    }
  ],
  "containment_steps": [
    "Instantly sever the infected endpoint or server from the network by pulling the physical cable to prevent the encryption of mapped network shares.",
    "Do not reboot the server if it is actively encrypting; rebooting can destroy cryptographic material in RAM or trigger further destructive routines.",
    "Isolate the machine and capture a forensic memory image (RAM dump), as the decryption keys might briefly exist in memory.",
    "Begin the incident response process to restore the data from secure, offline, and immutable backups."
  ],
  "what_to_avoid": [
    "Do not pay the ransom. With Crypmod, paying is exceptionally risky as variants are known to be destructive wipers masquerading as ransomware.",
    "Avoid attaching any external backup drives to the infected machine until it has been completely wiped and rebuilt."
  ],
  "target_industries": [
    "Global / Opportunistic"
  ],
  "motivation": "Opportunistic",
  "threat_actors": [
    "Unknown / Cybercriminal"
  ],
  "target_geographies": [
    "Global"
  ]
}