REvil (Sodinokibi) Ransomware: Complete Technical Overview, Indicators Of Compromise, MITRE ATT

  Category:  RANSOMWARE | 13th July 2026 | Author:  CSI'S TEAM

Introduction

REvil, Also Known As Sodinokibi, Is One Of The Most Sophisticated And Financially Successful Ransomware Families Ever Observed. First Identified In April 2019, REvil Quickly Emerged As The Successor To The GandCrab Ransomware Operation After Its Developers Allegedly Retired. Operating Under The Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) Model, REvil Allowed Affiliates To Deploy Ransomware While Developers Maintained The Malware And Infrastructure In Exchange For A Percentage Of Ransom Payments.

The Ransomware Became Infamous For Targeting Enterprises, Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Healthcare Organizations, Financial Institutions, Manufacturers, Educational Institutions, And Government Agencies Worldwide. REvil Pioneered Double-extortion Techniques By Encrypting Files While Simultaneously Stealing Sensitive Information And Threatening To Publish It If Victims Refused To Pay.

Notable Incidents Involving REvil Include Attacks Against JBS Foods, Kaseya VSA, Travelex, And Numerous Global Organizations, Causing Billions Of Dollars In Damages And Operational Disruptions.

How REvil Works?

A Typical REvil Attack Consists Of The Following Stages:

1. Initial Access Through Phishing, Software Vulnerabilities, Or Compromised Credentials.

2. Privilege Escalation To Obtain Administrative Rights.

3. Credential Theft Using Tools Such As Mimikatz.

4. Lateral Movement Across The Network.

5. Data Discovery And Collection.

6. Exfiltration Of Confidential Files.

7. Deletion Of Backups And Volume Shadow Copies.

8. Encryption Of Local And Network Files.

9. Ransom Note Deployment.

10. Data Leak Threats If Payment Is Refused.

REvil Uses Strong Cryptographic Algorithms Including:

• Salsa20

• Curve25519

• Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC)

• RSA-based Key Protection

Each Victim Receives A Unique Encryption Key, Making Decryption Virtually Impossible Without Backups Or The Attackers' Private Keys.

Files Targeted By REvil

REvil Avoids Encrypting Essential Operating System Files To Ensure Windows Remains Operational While Maximizing Business Disruption.

Common Targeted File Types Include:

Documents

• .doc

• .docx

• .xls

• .xlsx

• .ppt

• .pptx

• .pdf

• .txt

• .csv

• .rtf

Databases

• .sql

• .mdb

• .db

• .sqlite

• .accdb

• .bak

Images

• .jpg

• .jpeg

• .png

• .bmp

• .gif

• .psd

• .tif

Archives

• .zip

• .rar

• .7z

• .tar

• .gz

Virtual Machines

• .vmdk

• .vdi

• .vhd

• .vhdx

Source Code

• .cpp

• .java

• .cs

• .php

• .py

• .js

• .html

• .css

• .xml

Backup Files

• .bak

• .old

• .backup

Multimedia

• .mp4

• .avi

• .mov

• .mp3

Email Files

• .pst

• .ost

• .eml

File Extensions Added After Encryption

Different REvil Campaigns Have Used Various Encrypted File Extensions, Including:

• .REvil

• .Sodin

• .random-character Extensions

• Victim-specific Extensions

• Affiliate-specific Extensions

Example:

invoice.docx
↓

Invoice.docx.REvil

or

database.sql
↓

Database.sql.x7F3L

Ransom Notes

Common Ransom Note Names Include:

• README.txt

• README.html

• README-[random].txt

• [random]-readme.txt

The Ransom Note Typically Contains:

• Victim ID

• Tor Payment Portal

• Cryptocurrency Payment Instructions

• Countdown Timer

• Data Leak Warning

Operating Systems Targeted

REvil Primarily Targets Microsoft Windows Environments.

Supported Target Operating Systems Include:

• Windows 7

• Windows 8

• Windows 8.1

• Windows 10

• Windows 11

• Windows Server 2008

• Windows Server 2012

• Windows Server 2016

• Windows Server 2019

• Windows Server 2022

In Enterprise Attacks, REvil Also Affected:

• Hyper-V Servers

• VMware ESXi Environments (through Affiliates Using Companion Tooling)

• Active Directory Infrastructure

• File Servers

• Backup Servers

Browsers Targeted

REvil Attempts To Steal Browser Credentials And Stored Information Before Encryption.

Browsers Commonly Targeted Include:

• Google Chrome

• Microsoft Edge

• Mozilla Firefox

• Internet Explorer

• Opera

• Brave

• Chromium-based Browsers

Data Targeted:

• Saved Passwords

• Cookies

• Autofill Data

• Browser History

• Cryptocurrency Wallets

• Session Tokens

Browser Extensions Targeted

REvil Operators Have Been Observed Targeting Or Harvesting Data Associated With Browser Extensions Storing Credentials Or Cryptocurrency Wallets, Including:

• MetaMask

• Binance Chain Wallet

• Coinbase Wallet Extension

• TronLink

• Phantom Wallet

• LastPass

• Dashlane

• Keeper

• Bitwarden

• 1Password (browser Extension)

Countries Affected

REvil Has Infected Organizations In Over 60 Countries.

Highly Affected Countries Include:

• United States

• Canada

• United Kingdom

• Germany

• France

• Italy

• Spain

• Netherlands

• Belgium

• Sweden

• Norway

• Switzerland

• Brazil

• Mexico

• Argentina

• Australia

• New Zealand

• India

• Japan

• South Korea

• Singapore

• Taiwan

• South Africa

Interestingly, REvil Included Checks To Avoid Encrypting Systems Configured With Certain CIS-region Keyboard Layouts, A Behavior Commonly Seen Among Ransomware Families Originating From Russian-speaking Cybercriminal Ecosystems.

Computer Systems Targeted

REvil Primarily Targets Enterprise Environments.

Common Victims Include:

• Government Agencies

• Healthcare Organizations

• Manufacturing Companies

• Financial Institutions

• Retail Companies

• Educational Institutions

• Law Firms

• Managed Service Providers (MSPs)

• Cloud Infrastructure Providers

• Critical Infrastructure Operators

• Logistics Companies

• Energy Companies

• Telecommunications Providers

• Pharmaceutical Companies

Initial Infection Vectors

REvil Commonly Gains Access Through:

• Phishing Emails

• Malicious Office Documents

• Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Compromise

• VPN Credential Theft

• Exploitation Of VPN Vulnerabilities

• Exploitation Of Software Vulnerabilities

• Supply-chain Compromises

• Managed Service Provider Attacks

• Credential Stuffing

• Third-party Compromise

Indicators Of Compromise (IOCs)

File Indicators

Common Ransom Note Names:

• README.txt

• README.html

• README-[random].txt

Encrypted File Extensions:

• .REvil

• .Sodin

• Randomized Extensions

Registry Indicators

Potential Modifications Include:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Persistence May Vary By Affiliate.

Command-Line Indicators

Deletion Of Shadow Copies:

vssadmin Delete Shadows /all /quiet

Disabling Recovery:

bcdedit /set {default} Recoveryenabled No

bcdedit /set {default} Bootstatuspolicy Ignoreallfailures

Stopping Services:

net Stop

Deleting Backups:

wbadmin Delete Catalog

Network Indicators

Connections To:

• Tor Gateways

• Onion Services

• Affiliate C2 Infrastructure

• Data Exfiltration Servers

• Cryptocurrency Payment Portals

Behavioral Indicators

• Mass File Encryption

• Rapid File Renaming

• Volume Shadow Copy Deletion

• Backup Deletion

• Credential Dumping

• Lateral Movement

• Administrative Share Usage

• Service Termination

• Scheduled Task Creation

• Network Scanning

MITRE ATT&CK Techniques

Detection Rules

Monitor Shadow Copy Deletion

Alert On:

vssadmin Delete Shadows

wmic Shadowcopy Delete

Detect Backup Deletion

Monitor:

wbadmin Delete

bcdedit

Detect Mass File Encryption

Indicators Include:

• Thousands Of File Modifications Within Minutes.

• Simultaneous File Extension Changes.

• High Disk Write Activity.

• Multiple Ransom Notes Appearing Across Directories.

Detect Credential Dumping

Monitor Execution Of:

• Mimikatz

• LSASS Memory Access

• Procdump Targeting LSASS

Detect Lateral Movement

Watch For:

• PsExec Usage

• SMB Admin Shares

• Remote PowerShell

• WMI Execution

• RDP Logins From Unusual Hosts

Detect Suspicious Process Chains

Example:

winword.exe

↓

Powershell.exe

↓

Cmd.exe

↓

Rundll32.exe

↓

Payload.exe

Detect Scheduled Tasks

Monitor:

schtasks.exe

Creation Of Unknown Scheduled Tasks Should Be Investigated.

Detect Service Stopping

Commands Such As:

net Stop

sc Stop

targeting Backup, Database, Antivirus, Or Security Services Are High-risk.

Detect Large Outbound Transfers

Monitor:

• Unusual Uploads

• TOR Traffic

• Encrypted Outbound Sessions

• Data Transfers Outside Business Hours

Prevention Best Practices

Organizations Can Reduce The Risk Of REvil Infections By:

• Maintaining Offline And Immutable Backups.

• Enforcing Multi-factor Authentication (MFA).

• Restricting RDP Exposure.

• Applying Security Patches Promptly.

• Segmenting Networks.

• Using Endpoint Detection And Response (EDR) Solutions.

• Implementing Application Allowlisting.

• Monitoring Privileged Account Activity.

• Disabling Unnecessary Services.

• Conducting Regular Security Awareness Training.

• Enabling Email Filtering And Attachment Sandboxing.

• Logging And Monitoring Administrative Actions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What Is REvil (Sodinokibi)?

REvil Is A Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) Malware Family That Encrypts Files, Steals Sensitive Data, And Demands Cryptocurrency Payments For Decryption While Threatening To Leak Stolen Information.

2. How Does REvil Infect Systems?

It Commonly Spreads Through Phishing Emails, Exploited Software Vulnerabilities, Compromised Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Services, Stolen Credentials, VPN Exploits, Supply-chain Compromises, And Malicious Downloads.

3. Which Operating Systems Does REvil Target?

REvil Primarily Targets Microsoft Windows Desktop And Server Operating Systems, Including Enterprise Windows Server Environments.

4. What Files Does REvil Encrypt?

It Targets Documents, Databases, Virtual Machine Disks, Backups, Archives, Images, Source Code, Email Files, And Multimedia While Typically Avoiding Essential Operating System Files Needed To Keep Windows Running.

5. Does REvil Steal Data Before Encryption?

Yes. Many REvil Campaigns Use A Double-extortion Strategy By Exfiltrating Sensitive Information Before Encrypting Files, Allowing Attackers To Threaten Public Disclosure If The Ransom Is Not Paid.

6. Which Industries Are Commonly Targeted?

Healthcare, Manufacturing, Finance, Retail, Education, Government, Legal Services, Logistics, Technology Providers, Managed Service Providers (MSPs), And Critical Infrastructure Organizations Have All Been Frequent Targets.

7. Should Victims Pay The Ransom?

Law Enforcement Agencies Generally Discourage Paying Ransoms Because Payment Does Not Guarantee File Recovery, May Encourage Future Attacks, And Can Expose Victims To Additional Extortion Or Legal Risks Depending On The Jurisdiction.

8. How Can Organizations Detect REvil Activity?

Indicators Include Deletion Of Volume Shadow Copies, Backup Removal, Credential Dumping, Rapid File Encryption, Ransom Note Creation, Abnormal Administrative Activity, Lateral Movement, And Unusual Outbound Data Transfers.

9. Can Encrypted Files Be Recovered Without Paying?

Recovery Depends On The Availability Of Clean Backups, Successful Incident Response, Or The Existence Of A Publicly Released Decryptor For A Specific Campaign. Many REvil Variants Cannot Be Decrypted Without The Attackers' Private Key.

10. How Can Organizations Prevent REvil Attacks?

Organizations Should Implement MFA, Timely Patch Management, Network Segmentation, Least-privilege Access, Endpoint Detection And Response (EDR), Secure Offline Backups, Email Security, Continuous Monitoring, And Regular Cybersecurity Awareness Training.

Conclusion

REvil (Sodinokibi) Represents One Of The Most Advanced Ransomware Operations In Modern Cybercrime. Its Use Of A Ransomware-as-a-Service Model, Strong Encryption, Data Theft, And Double-extortion Tactics Enabled Affiliates To Compromise Organizations Across Numerous Sectors And Countries.

Effective Defense Requires Layered Security Controls, Rapid Patch Management, Strong Identity Protection, Continuous Monitoring, Resilient Backup Strategies, And A Well-tested Incident Response Plan. Understanding REvil's Behaviors, Indicators Of Compromise, MITRE ATT&CK Techniques, And Detection Opportunities Enables Security Teams To Improve Prevention, Detection, And Response Capabilities Against Similar Ransomware Threats.

Malware Removal Guide For PC

Malware Removal Guide For Web Browsers

Prevent Future Malware

Summary - Malware Removal Guide

Guide For VPN Uses

Malware Removal Guide – PC And Web Browser

PART 1: Remove Malware From Your PC (Windows)

Step 1: Boot Into Safe Mode

• Restart Your PC And Press F8 (or Shift + F8 For Some Systems) Before Windows Loads.

• Choose Safe Mode With Networking.

Safe Mode Prevents Most Malware From Loading.

Step 2: Uninstall Suspicious Programs

1. Press Win + R, Type appwiz.cpl, And Press Enter.

2. Sort By Install Date And Uninstall Unknown Or Recently Added Programs.

Step 3: Run A Malware Scan

Use A Trusted Anti-malware Tool:

Malwarebytes – https://www.malwarebytes.com

Screenshot Of Malwarebytes - Visit Links

Microsoft Defender – Built Into Windows 10/11

HitmanPro, ESET Online Scanner, Or Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool

ZoneAlarm Pro Antivirus + Firewall NextGen

VIPRE Antivirus - US And Others Countries, | India

VIPRE Antivirus - Mac

F-Secure Total - Global

Run A Full Scan And Delete/quarantine Detected Threats.

Step 4: Delete Temporary Files

1. Press Win + R, Type temp → Delete All Files.

2. Press Win + R, Type %temp% → Delete All Files.

3. Use Disk Cleanup: cleanmgr In The Run Dialog.

Step 5: Reset Hosts File

1. Go To: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc

2. Open hosts File With Notepad.

3. Replace With Default Content:

Step 6: Check Startup Programs

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Open Task Manager

2. Go To Startup Tab

3. Disable Any Suspicious Entries.

Step 7: Reset Network Settings

1. Open Command Prompt As Administrator.

2. Run These Commands:

netsh Winsock Reset

netsh Int Ip Reset

ipconfig /flushdns

PART 2: Remove Malware From Web Browsers

? Common Signs Of Malware In Browser:

• Unwanted Homepage Or Search Engine

• Pop-ups Or Redirects

• Unknown Extensions Installed

Step 1: Remove Suspicious Extensions

For Chrome:

• Go To: chrome://extensions/

• Remove Anything Unfamiliar

For Firefox:

• Go To: about:addons → Extensions

• Remove Suspicious Add-ons

For Edge:

• Go To: edge://extensions/

• Uninstall Unknown Add-ons

Step 2: Reset Browser Settings

Chrome:

• Go To chrome://settings/reset → "Restore Settings To Their Original Defaults"

Firefox:

• Go To about:support → "Refresh Firefox"

Edge:

• Go To edge://settings/resetProfileSettings → "Reset Settings"

Step 3: Clear Cache And Cookies

All Browsers:

• Use Ctrl + Shift + Del → Select All Time

• Clear Cookies, Cached Files, And Site Data

Step 4: Check Search Engine & Homepage Settings

Make Sure They Are Not Hijacked.

• Chrome: chrome://settings/search

• Firefox: about:preferences#search

• Edge: edge://settings/search

Step 5: Use Browser Cleanup Tools (Optional)

• Chrome: chrome://settings/cleanup

• Use Malwarebytes Browser Guard For Real-time Browser Protection.

FINAL TIPS: Prevent Future Malware

• Always Download Software From Trusted Sources.

• Keep Windows, Browsers, And Antivirus Updated.

• Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links Or Ads.

• Use ad Blockers And reputable Antivirus Software.

• Backup Your Files Regularly.

Short Summary: Malware Removal Guide (PC & Web Browser)

To Remove Malware From Your Windows PC, Start By Booting Into Safe Mode, Uninstalling Suspicious Programs, And Scanning With Trusted Anti-malware Tools Like Malwarebytes. Clear Temporary Files, Reset Your Network Settings, And Check Startup Apps For Anything Unusual.

For web Browsers, Remove Unwanted Extensions, Reset Browser Settings, Clear Cache And Cookies, And Ensure Your Homepage And Search Engine Haven’t Been Hijacked. Use Cleanup Tools Like Chrome Cleanup Or Browser Guard For Added Protection.

?? Prevention Tips: Keep Software Updated, Avoid Suspicious Downloads, And Use Antivirus Protection Plus Browser Ad Blockers. Regular Backups Are Essential.

VPN - How To Use IT

1. Choose A Trusted VPN Provider

• Why It Matters: Not All VPNs Offer Malware Protection.

• What To Look For: Providers With built-in Malware/ad/tracker Blockers (e.g., NordVPN’s Threat Protection, ProtonVPN’s NetShield).

• Nord VPN
• Hide.me VPN

2. Enable Kill Switch

• Purpose: Prevents Data Leaks If Your VPN Connection Drops.

• Benefit: Ensures Your Real IP And Browsing Activity Aren’t Exposed To Malware-distributing Websites.

3. Use VPN With DNS Leak Protection

• Why It Matters: DNS Leaks Can Expose Your Online Activity To Attackers.

• Solution: Enable DNS Leak Protection In Your VPN Settings Or Use A Secure DNS Like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).

4. Avoid Free VPNs

• Risk: Free VPNs Often Contain Malware, Sell User Data, Or Lack Security Features.

• Better Option: Use Reputable Paid VPNs That Offer security Audits And Transparent Privacy Policies.

5. Use VPN With Anti-Phishing Tools

• Some VPNs Block Known Phishing And Malicious Sites.

• Example: Surfshark’s CleanWeb, CyberGhost’s Content Blocker.

6. Keep Your VPN App Updated

• Reason: Security Patches Fix Known Vulnerabilities.

• Tip: Enable Auto-updates Or Check For Updates Weekly.

. Use VPN On All Devices

• Scope: Malware Can Enter Through Phones, Tablets, Or IoT Devices.

• Solution: Install VPN Apps On Every Internet-connected Device.

8. Don’t Rely On VPN Alone

• Fact: VPNs Do Not Remove Or Detect Malware On Your System.

• Complement It With:

  • Antivirus Software

  • Firewall

  • Browser Extensions For Script Blocking

9. Avoid Clicking Unknown Links While VPN Is On

• VPN Encrypts Traffic But Can’t Stop Malware From Executing If You Download Infected Files.

10. Use VPN With Split Tunneling Cautiously

• Split Tunneling Allows Certain Apps/sites To Bypass VPN.

• Tip: Never Exclude Browsers, Email Clients, Or Download Managers From VPN Tunneling.

Short Note - VPN Uses

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) Enhances Your Online Privacy By Encrypting Your Internet Traffic And Masking Your IP Address. It Protects Your Data On Public Wi-Fi, Hides Browsing Activity From Hackers And ISPs, And Helps Bypass Geo-restrictions. VPNs Also Add A Layer Of Defense Against Malware By Blocking Malicious Websites And Trackers When Using Advanced Features. However, A VPN Does Not Remove Existing Malware Or Act As Antivirus Software. For Full Protection, Combine VPN Use With Antivirus Tools, Regular Software Updates, And Cautious Browsing Habits. Always Choose A Reputable VPN Provider With Strong Security And Privacy Policies.