{
  "family": "delfile",
  "sample_count": 1,
  "category": "ransomware",
  "description": "<h3>Executive Summary</h3>\nDelfile (short for \"Delete File\") is a generic classification for a destructive Trojan whose primary function is the systematic deletion or corruption of critical system files, user data, or specific applications. Unlike ransomware, which encrypts files for extortion, Delfile variants are purely destructive (wipers). They are often deployed as a final payload by advanced threat actors to destroy forensic evidence, sabotage operations, or render the infected system completely unbootable.\n\n<h3>Infection Vector and Technical Capabilities</h3>\nDelfile variants are typically deployed post-compromise. An attacker will utilize initial access vectors (like phishing or RDP brute-forcing) to gain administrative privileges before executing the destructive payload to maximize the damage radius.\n\nUpon execution, Delfile focuses on rapid, irreversible destruction:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Targeted Deletion:</strong> The malware is often configured to iterate through the hard drive, specifically targeting user documents (`.docx`, `.pdf`, `.xls`), database files, and backups.</li>\n<li><strong>System Sabotage:</strong> To render the system unbootable, Delfile will target the `C:\\Windows\\System32` directory, deleting critical DLLs, the Boot Configuration Data (BCD), or the Master Boot Record (MBR).</li>\n<li><strong>Anti-Recovery (Wiping):</strong> Sophisticated variants do not simply delete the file pointer; they overwrite the data blocks on the hard drive with zeroes or random garbage data (secure wiping) to prevent data recovery using forensic tools.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3>Threat Assessment</h3>\nA Delfile infection is a catastrophic security incident resulting in immediate and often irreversible data loss. It is designed to cause maximum operational downtime and sabotage, severely impacting business continuity.\n\n<h3>Incident Response and Remediation</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Immediate Power Off (Hard Stop):</strong> If a Delfile infection is suspected (e.g., files are rapidly disappearing), immediately perform a hard power off (pull the plug) on the affected machine. Do not execute a normal shutdown, as the malware may trigger further deletion routines during the shutdown sequence.</li>\n<li><strong>Forensic Data Recovery:</strong> Do not attempt to boot the affected drive. Image the drive offline and utilize specialized forensic data recovery tools to attempt to salvage any files that were not securely overwritten.</li>\n<li><strong>Rebuild from Offline Backups:</strong> The only reliable remediation for a destructive wiper is a complete bare-metal rebuild of the system utilizing known-good, offline backups that were inaccessible to the malware.</li>\n</ul>",
  "cta": "Published by the SystemHelpdesk team.",
  "aliases": [
    "Trojan.Delfile",
    "Wiper.Delfile",
    "Trojan.KillFiles",
    "Destructive.Win32"
  ],
  "enrichment_level": "insufficient_information",
  "faq": [],
  "faq_count": 0,
  "mitre_attack": [
    "T1485",
    "T1561",
    "T1489"
  ],
  "cisa_advisory": null,
  "last_updated": "2026-07-02T07:30:48Z",
  "type": "Trojan / Wiper (Destructive)",
  "target_industries": [
    "Global / Opportunistic"
  ],
  "motivation": "Opportunistic",
  "threat_actors": [
    "Unknown / Cybercriminal"
  ],
  "target_geographies": [
    "Global"
  ]
}