StarFire Ransomware (.Celestial Extension)

StarFire ransomware is a newly identified malware threat that encrypts victims’ files and demands a ransom for their release. This ransomware appends the .Celestial extension to encrypted files and delivers a ransom note titled StarFire-README.txt. Victims are instructed to pay $3,000 in Bitcoin to regain access to their data. StarFire is based on the Chaos ransomware builder, known for its rapid encryption capabilities and potential to inflict significant damage.

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Threat Overview

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware
Encrypted File Extension	.Celestial
Ransom Note File Name	StarFire-README.txt
Associated Email Addresses	Not specified
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:MalwareX-gen [Ransom]), Combo Cleaner (Generic.Ransom.HydraCrypt.AD218C36), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/Filecoder.Chaos.A), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Generic), Microsoft (Ransom:MSIL/FileCoder.AD!MTB)
Symptoms of Infection	Inaccessible files with .Celestial extension, ransom note displayed, desktop wallpaper changed
Damage	Encryption of files, potential installation of additional malware
Distribution Methods	Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads
Danger Level	High
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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Detailed Analysis

How Did I Get Infected?

StarFire ransomware typically spreads through:

• Phishing emails with malicious attachments or links
• Downloads from untrusted or compromised websites
• Malicious advertisements (malvertising)
• Torrent websites distributing pirated software

Opening a malicious attachment or executing a compromised file can initiate the ransomware’s installation process.

What Does It Do?

Once executed, StarFire ransomware:

1. Encrypts files using AES and RSA encryption algorithms
2. Appends the .Celestial extension to encrypted files
3. Changes the desktop wallpaper to a ransom message
4. Creates a ransom note named StarFire-README.txt in affected directories

The ransom note demands a payment of $3,000 in Bitcoin within 72 hours, warning that failure to pay will result in permanent data loss.

Should You Be Worried?

Yes. StarFire ransomware poses a significant threat due to its strong encryption methods and potential to install additional malware. Paying the ransom does not guarantee file recovery and may encourage further criminal activity. It’s crucial to remove the ransomware promptly and seek alternative data recovery methods.

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Ransom Note Text

vbnetCopyEditHello User. Your computer has been attacked and infected by the StarFire Ransomware. All of the files on your computer have been encrypted with AES and RSA encryption algorithms and are now completely unaccessable. Do not go to any professionals or authorites as they will not help you. The only way to restore your files is with our special decryption software that is hosted on our server. In order to get this decryption software...

Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

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Conclusion

StarFire ransomware is a dangerous malware variant that encrypts files and demands a hefty ransom for their release. Given its encryption strength and potential for additional malware installation, it’s imperative to remove the threat using reliable security tools like SpyHunter and to avoid paying the ransom. Regular backups and cautious online behavior are essential to protect against such threats.