Ransomware Research

Zeppelin Ransomware

Zeppelin is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on November 1, 2019, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: Buran-Zeppelin.

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Zeppelin
First Seen
November 1, 2019
Known Aliases
Buran-Zeppelin

How Zeppelin Ransomware Works

Targeted Files

https://app.any.run/tasks/ae8b5d9d-4172-4f5d-8cb7-7347d985031c/ https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/708565/zeppelin-ransomware-support-topic/page-4#entry5109089 https://blog.unit221b.com/dont-read-this-blog/0xdead-zeppelin Ex.extensions:.126-A9A-0E9 Encrypts first 0x1A00 bytes https://tria.ge/211207-wgwyhsbhfr 0e7b9aae7306cdb8cca2a7fa6552fd6cd03f3e2ab2e2d4ae51dfe325ff2016e5 -> dropper (smokeloader) c90032bdab47bfa98c0332a4d75435488802ec20322df02eeb41cf29e9a09fed -> requires C&C (can be run with FakeNetNG)

File Encryption Patterns

Zeppelin modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

File extensions added after encryption:

..zeppelin./\.[A-F0-9]{3}-[A-F0-9]{3}-[A-F0-9]{3}$/./\.payfast[A-F0-9]{3}.[A-F0-9]{3}-[A-F0-9]{3}-[A-F0-9]{3}$/..kikiriki..payfast500..payfast290..@payfast500./\.@KUKANOSSOSANOS\.[A-F0-9]{3}-[A-F0-9]{3}-[A-F0-9]{3}$/./\.v-society\.[A-F0-9]{3}-[A-F0-9]{3}-[A-F0-9]{3}$/

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

After encrypting files, Zeppelin displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

filereadme.txt

Ransom message:

notes/readme.txt
file!!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!.TXT

Ransom message:

notes/!!! ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED !!!.TXT

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileWarning!.txt

Ransom message:

notes/Warning!.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileRECOVERY DATA INFORMATION.TXT

Ransom message:

notes/RECOVERY DATA INFORMATION.TXT
file!!! HOW TO BACK YOUR FILES !!!.TXT

Ransom message:

notes/!!! HOW TO BACK YOUR FILES !!!.TXT

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileYOUR FILES ARE STEALED AND ENCRYPTED.txt

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Zeppelin ransomware:

  • iexplore.exe
  • GOOGLECRASHHANDLER.EXE
  • NisSrv.exe
  • MFEVTPS.EXE
  • firefox.exe
  • av.exe
  • ShellExperienceHost.exe
  • zeppelin.exe
  • 1767D234-B440-8A0A-8098-4692C8B2B5A8_unlocker.exe
  • oxfordnew.exe
  • on.exe
  • hhhhhh.bin
  • smss.exe
  • TrustedInstaller.exe
  • logo2.exe
  • trustedinstaller.exe
  • zeppelin.bin
  • svchost.exe
  • fgnsnfgsfgsn
  • gnfsnfgn
  • 234561.exe
  • spoolsv.exe
  • 044
  • services.exe
  • Aksip.exe
  • explorer.exe
  • 4LYY3VHO.exe
  • taskeng.exe
  • lsass.exe
  • March, 4.scr
  • mWfJm
  • 6378.exe
  • bced.exe
  • LilDroidSoftwareload.exe
  • file168_svchost.exe
  • pattern.exe
  • csrss.exe

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About This Analysis

This Zeppelin ransomware analysis is part of Elastio's comprehensive ransomware detection database. Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery solutions, helping organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks like Zeppelin.

Last updated: July 30, 2025

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What is Zeppelin Ransomware? | Elastio