{
  "family": "rostpay",
  "sample_count": 1,
  "category": "ransomware",
  "description": "<h3>Executive Summary</h3>\nRostpay is a malicious Trojan that frequently exhibits destructive behavior, often operating as a \"locker\" ransomware or a data-wiping utility. Unlike sophisticated, enterprise-targeting ransomware (which uses strong cryptography to hold files hostage), Rostpay variants often simply lock the user's screen or scramble files in a crude, often irreversible manner to extort a small ransom or simply cause disruption.\n\n<h3>Infection Vector and Technical Capabilities</h3>\nRostpay is predominantly distributed through deceptive software downloads, fake cracks/keygens on untrustworthy websites, or via malspam campaigns targeting individuals rather than large enterprises.\n\nUpon successful execution, Rostpay initiates a disruptive attack sequence:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Screen Locking (Locker Ransomware):</strong> Many variants of Rostpay do not encrypt files. Instead, they disable the Task Manager, block the keyboard (except for specific inputs), and display a persistent, full-screen ransom note demanding payment (often via premium SMS or low-value cryptocurrency transfers).</li>\n<li><strong>Crude Data Disruption:</strong> If the variant does target files, it often uses simple, flawed encryption (like XOR obfuscation) or simply overwrites the file headers, corrupting the data rather than securely encrypting it for later decryption.</li>\n<li><strong>Persistence:</strong> Rostpay ensures it survives system reboots by aggressively modifying the Windows Registry (e.g., altering the `Winlogon\\Shell` key to launch the malware instead of `explorer.exe`).</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3>Threat Assessment</h3>\nWhile a Rostpay infection might lack the sophistication of an APT or major ransomware gang, it represents a severe, immediate loss of system availability. The crude nature of the malware means that even if a ransom is paid, data recovery is often impossible because the files were corrupted rather than properly encrypted.\n\n<h3>Incident Response and Remediation</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Safe Mode Recovery:</strong> Because many Rostpay variants rely on simple registry modifications for screen locking, booting the system into Windows \"Safe Mode with Command Prompt\" often bypasses the malware's execution.</li>\n<li><strong>Registry Repair:</strong> From Safe Mode, incident responders can manually use `regedit` to repair the modified `Winlogon` keys or remove the malicious `Run` entries.</li>\n<li><strong>System Re-imaging:</strong> Given the high likelihood of irreversible file corruption and the difficulty of ensuring complete removal, the safest remediation strategy is a complete bare-metal wipe and re-image from a trusted backup.</li>\n</ul>",
  "cta": "Published by the SystemHelpdesk team.",
  "aliases": [
    "Trojan.Rostpay",
    "Ransom.Locker.Rostpay",
    "Win32/Rostpay"
  ],
  "enrichment_level": "insufficient_information",
  "faq": [],
  "faq_count": 0,
  "mitre_attack": [
    "T1486",
    "T1491",
    "T1547.001"
  ],
  "cisa_advisory": null,
  "last_updated": "2026-07-02T06:57:41Z",
  "type": "Trojan / Ransomware (Locker)",
  "target_industries": [
    "Global / Opportunistic"
  ],
  "motivation": "Opportunistic",
  "threat_actors": [
    "Unknown / Cybercriminal"
  ],
  "target_geographies": [
    "Global"
  ]
}