Ransomware Research

Maze Ransomware

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

Quick Facts

Ransomware Family
Maze
First Seen
May 1, 2019
Known Aliases
MazeLockerChaChaChaChaLockerMaze Locker

How Maze Ransomware Works

File Encryption Patterns

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

File extensions added after encryption:

./\.[A-Za-z0-9]{4,7}/

Ransom Note and Payment Demands

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

fileDECRYPT-FILES.html

Ransom message:

notes/DECRYPT-FILES.html

Note locations:

EveryFolder
fileDECRYPT-FILES.txt

Note locations:

EveryFolder

Technical Indicators

Associated Executable Files

The following executable files are associated with Maze ransomware:

  • Maze.exe
  • test.exe
  • 1473359.exe
  • ESET32.EXE
  • file.exe
  • wordupd.exe
  • eset.exe
  • receipt-package-CA347425228.doc

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About This Analysis

This Maze 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 Maze.

Last updated: October 30, 2025

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