Chewbacca ransomware is a recently discovered crypto-malware threat that locks user files and demands a ransom payment to restore access. It was identified by security researchers during a VirusTotal submission scan and has been noted for its aggressive encryption tactics and clear signs of infection.
Once installed on a system, Chewbacca ransomware begins encrypting a wide range of file types, rendering documents, photos, databases, and other critical data inaccessible. Each encrypted file is renamed with the following extension: .{victim's_ID}.chewbacca
. For example, a file originally named 1.jpg
would appear as 1.jpg.{18348DAC-52AA-1431-7DCB-72284ABD03AA}.chewbacca
.
Upon completing the encryption process, Chewbacca drops a ransom note in a text file titled README.TXT, which contains the attackers’ demands and instructions.
Chewbacca Ransomware Overview
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Threat Name | Chewbacca Ransomware |
Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker |
Encrypted File Extension | .{victim’s_ID}.chewbacca |
Ransom Note File Name | README.TXT |
Associated Email | chewbacca@cock.li |
Detection Names | Avast (Win32:RansomX-gen [Ransom]), Combo Cleaner (Dump:Generic.Ransom…), ESET (A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.OOW), Kaspersky (UDS:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Generic), Microsoft (Ransom:Win32/Beast.YAP!MTB) |
Symptoms of Infection | Files become inaccessible, extensions are altered, ransom note is displayed |
Damage | Files are encrypted and cannot be accessed without the decryption key |
Distribution Methods | Malicious email attachments, torrent websites, drive-by downloads, cracks, malvertising |
Danger Level | High – Leads to potential permanent data loss |
Chewbacca Ransom Note (README.TXT)
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted.
You are not able to decrypt it by yourself! The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key.
Only we can give you this key and only we can recover your files.
To be sure we have the decryptor and it works you can send an email:
chewbacca@cock.li and decrypt one file for free.
But this file should be of not valuable!
Do you really want to restore your files?
Write to email:
chewbacca@cock.li
Attention!
* Do not rename encrypted files.
* Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
* Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
* Do not contact the intermediary companies. Negotiate on your own. No one but us will be able to return the files to you. As evidence, we will offer to test your files.
Key Characteristics of Chewbacca Ransomware
- Data Encryption: Uses strong encryption algorithms to make files inaccessible.
- Unique ID Extension: Adds a unique victim ID in the filename along with the
.chewbacca
extension. - Ransom Note: Clearly outlines the ransom procedure and discourages third-party decryption attempts.
- No Free Decryptor: Currently, no legitimate tool exists to decrypt files locked by Chewbacca.
Victims are offered the chance to decrypt one non-valuable file for free, as proof that the attackers possess a working decryption tool. However, paying the ransom is highly discouraged, as it does not guarantee file recovery and fuels future criminal activity.