Arrival Details
This Ransomware arrives on a system as a file dropped by other malware or as a file downloaded unknowingly by users when visiting malicious sites.
Installation
This Ransomware drops the following files:
- {Drive}\{Random Characters}.lock → deleted afterwards
- %User Temp%\{4 Random Numbers}.tmp.bmp → Used as Wallpaper
(Note: %User Temp% is the current user's Temp folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temp on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).)
It adds the following processes:
- "%System%\cmd.exe" /c vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet & wmic shadowcopy delete & bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures & bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled no
- "%System%\mshta.exe" "%Desktop%\LockBit_Ransomware.hta" {1E460BD7-F1C3-4B2E-88BF-4E770A288AF5}{1E460BD7-F1C3-4B2E-88BF-4E770A288AF5}
- "%System%\cmd.exe" /C ping 127.0.0.7 -n 3 > Nul & fsutil file setZeroData offset=0 length=524288 "{Malware Path}\{Malware Filename}.exe" & Del /f /q "{Malware Path}\{Malware Filename}.exe"
(Note: %System% is the Windows system folder, where it usually is C:\Windows\System32 on all Windows operating system versions.. %Desktop% is the current user's desktop, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{User Name}\Desktop on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\Desktop on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).)
It executes then deletes itself afterward.
It adds the following mutexes to ensure that only one of its copies runs at any one time:
- {3CFE76EC-3CFE-5512-26E7-9D989829D51}
Autostart Technique
This Ransomware adds the following registry entries to enable its automatic execution at every system startup:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
{16DD17EC-FEFE-55C-26E7-2698AB24651} = {Malware Path}\{Malware Filename}.exe (Initial value before encryption finishes)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
{2C5F9FCC-F266-43F6-BFD7-838DAE269E11} = %Desktop%\LockBit_Ransomware.hta
Other System Modifications
This Ransomware adds the following registry entries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\18DD76ECFE12E7
Private = {Generated session key}
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\18DD76ECFE12E7
Public = {Generated session key}
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.lockbit
(Default) = Lockbit
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Lockbit
(Default) = Lockbit Class
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Lockbit\DefaultIcon
(Default) = %System%\{random}.ico
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Lockbit\shell\
Open\Command
(Default) = %System%\mshta.exe %Desktop%\LockBit_Ransomware.hta
It changes the desktop wallpaper by modifying the following registry entries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
WallpaperStyle = 2
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
TileWallpaper = 0
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
Wallpaper = %User Temp%\{4 Random Numbers}.tmp.bmp
It sets the system's desktop wallpaper to the following image:
Process Termination
This Ransomware terminates the following services if found on the affected system:
- AcronisAgent
- AcrSch2Svc
- ARSM
- backup
- BackupExecAgentAccelerator
- BackupExecAgentBrowser
- BackupExecDiveciMediaService
- BackupExecJobEngine
- BackupExecManagementService
- BackupExecRPCService
- BackupExecVSSProvider
- bedbg
- CAARCUpdateSvc
- CASAD2DWebSvc
- ccEvtMgr
- ccSetMgr
- Culserver
- dbeng8
- dbsrv12
- DefWatch
- FishbowlMySQL
- Intuit.QuickBooks.FCS
- memtas
- mepocs
- MSExchange
- MSExchange$
- msftesql-Exchange
- msmdsrv
- MSSQL
- MSSQL$
- MSSQL$KAV_CS_ADMIN_KIT
- MSSQL$MICROSOFT##SSEE
- MSSQL$MICROSOFT##WID
- MSSQL$MICROSOFT##WID
- MSSQL$SBSMONITORING
- MSSQL$SHAREPOINT
- MSSQL$VEEAMSQL2012
- MSSQLFDLauncher$SBSMONITORING
- MSSQLFDLauncher$SHAREPOINT
- MSSQLServerADHelper100
- MVArmor
- MVarmor64
- MySQL57
- PDVFSService
- QBCFMonitorService
- QBFCService
- QBIDPService
- QBVSS
- RTVscan
- SavRoam
- sophos
- sql
- sqladhlp
- SQLADHLP
- sqlagent
- SQLAgent$KAV_CS_ADMIN_KIT
- SQLAgent$SBSMONITORING
- SQLAgent$SHAREPOINT
- SQLAgent$VEEAMSQL2012
- sqlbrowser
- SQLBrowser
- Sqlservr
- SQLWriter
- stc_raw_agent
- svc$
- tomcat6
- veeam
- VeeamDeploymentService
- VeeamNFSSvc
- VeeamTransportSvc
- vmware-converter
- vmware-usbarbitator64
- VSNAPVSS
- vss
- wrapper
- WSBExchange
- YooBackup
- YooIT
- zhudongfangyu
It terminates the following processes if found running in the affected system's memory:
- 360doctor.exe
- 360se.exe
- acwebbrowser.exe
- ADExplorer.exe
- ADExplorer64.exe
- ADExplorer64a.exe
- Adobe CEF.exe
- Adobe Desktop Service.exe
- AdobeCollabSync.exe
- AdobeIPCBroker.exe
- agntsvc.exe
- AutodeskDesktopApp.exe
- Autoruns.exe
- Autoruns64.exe
- Autoruns64a.exe
- Autorunsc.exe
- Autorunsc64.exe
- Autorunsc64a.exe
- avz.exe
- axlbridge.exe
- bedbh.exe
- benetns.exe
- bengien.exe
- beserver.exe
- BrCcUxSys.exe
- BrCtrlCntr.exe
- CagService.exe
- CoreSync.exe
- Creative Cloud.exe
- Culture.exe
- dbeng50.exe
- dbsnmp.exe
- Defwatch.exe
- DellSystemDetect.exe
- dumpcap.exe
- encsvc.exe
- EnterpriseClient.exe
- excel.exe
- fbguard.exe
- fbserver.exe
- fdhost.exe
- fdlauncher.exe
- GDscan.exe
- GlassWire.exe
- GWCtlSrv.exe
- Helper.exe
- httpd.exe
- infopath.exe
- InputPersonalization.exe
- isqlplussvc.exe
- j0gnjko1.exe
- java.exe
- koaly-exp-engine-service.exe
- msaccess.exe
- MsDtSrvr.exe
- mspub.exe
- mydesktopqos.exe
- mydesktopservice.exe
- mysqld.exe
- node.exe
- notepad.exe
- notepad++.exe
- ocautoupds.exe
- ocomm.exe
- ocssd.exe
- onenote.exe
- ONENOTEM.exe
- oracle.exe
- outlook.exe
- powerpnt.exe
- ProcessHacker.exe
- Procexp.exe
- Procexp64.exe
- procexp64a.exe
- procmon.exe
- procmon64.exe
- procmon64a.exe
- pvlsvr.exe
- QBDBMgr.exe
- QBDBMgrN.exe
- QBIDPService.exe
- qbupdate.exe
- QBW32.exe
- Raccine.exe
- Raccine_x86.exe
- RaccineElevatedCfg.exe
- RaccineSettings.exe
- RAgui.exe
- raw_agent_svc.exe
- RdrCEF.exe
- RTVscan.exe
- sam.exe
- Simply.SystemTrayIcon.exe
- SimplyConnectionManager.exe
- sqbcoreservice.exe
- sqlbrowser.exe
- sqlmangr.exe
- Sqlservr.exe
- Ssms.exe
- steam.exe
- supervise.exe
- sync-taskbar.exe
- synctime.exe
- sync-worker.exe
- Sysmon.exe
- Sysmon64.exe
- SystemExplorer.exe
- SystemExplorerService.exe
- SystemExplorerService64.exe
- tbirdconfig.exe
- tcpview.exe
- tcpview64.exe
- tcpview64a.exe
- tdsskiller.exe
- TeamViewer.exe
- TeamViewer_Service.exe
- thebat.exe
- thunderbird.exe
- TitanV.exe
- tomcat6.exe
- Totalcmd.exe
- Totalcmd64.exe
- tv_w32.exe
- tv_x64.exe
- VeeamDeploymentSvc.exe
- visio.exe
- vsnapvss.exe
- vxmon.exe
- wdswfsafe.exe
- winword.exe
- WireShark.exe
- wordpad.exe
- wsa_service.exe
- wxServer.exe
- wxServerView.exe
- xfssvccon.exe
- ZhuDongFangYu.exe
Other Details
This Ransomware adds the following registry keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\18DD76ECFE12E7
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.lockbit
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Lockbit
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Lockbit\DefaultIcon
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Lockbit\shell\
Open\Command
It does the following:
- It has the capability to print the ransom note in infected machines.
- It encrypts files found in the following drive types:
- Fixed drive
- Removable drive
- Network drive
- RAM Disks
It accepts the following parameters:
- {File Name or File Path to Encrypt} → if unspecified, the malware will infect all files except for the avoided ones.
Ransomware Routine
This Ransomware avoids encrypting files with the following strings in their file name:
- autorun.inf
- bootsect.bak
- iconcache.db
- ntldr
- ntuser.dat.log
- Restore-My-Files.txt
- thumbs.db
It avoids encrypting files with the following strings in their file path:
- $recycle.bin
- $windows.~bt
- $windows.~ws
- all users
- appdata
- application data
- boot
- common files
- google
- intel
- internet explorer
- microsoft
- microsoft shared
- microsoft.net
- mozilla
- msbuild
- msocache
- opera
- perflogs
- system volume information
- tor browser
- windows
- windows journal
- windows nt
- windows.old
It renames encrypted files using the following names:
- {Original Filename}\{Original Extension}.lockbit
It drops the following file(s) as ransom note:
- %Desktop%\LockBit_Ransomware.hta
It leaves text files that serve as ransom notes containing the following text:
- {Encrypted Directory}\Restore-My-Files.txt
It avoids encrypting files with the following file extensions:
- .386
- .adv
- .ani
- .apk
- .app
- .bat
- .bin
- .cmd
- .com
- .cpl
- .cur
- .diagcab
- .diagcfg
- .diagpkg
- .dll
- .dmg
- .dmp
- .drv
- .exe
- .fnt
- .fon
- .gadget
- .hlp
- .hta
- .icns
- .ico
- .ics
- .idx
- .ini
- .ipa
- .iso
- .key
- .lnk
- .lock
- .lockbit
- .mod
- .mp3
- .mp4
- .mpa
- .msc
- .msi
- .msp
- .msstyles
- .msu
- .nls
- .ocx
- .otf
- .part
- .pif
- .prf
- .rdp
- .reg
- .rom
- .rtp
- .sfcache
- .shs
- .spl
- .sys
- .theme
- .tmp
- .ttf
- .wad
- .wav
- .wma
- .woff
- .wpx
- .xex
Step 1
Trend Micro Predictive Machine Learning detects and blocks malware at the first sign of its existence, before it executes on your system. When enabled, your Trend Micro product detects this malware under the following machine learning name:
- Troj.Win32.TRX.XXPE50FFF046
Step 2
Before doing any scans, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 users must disable System Restore to allow full scanning of their computers.
Step 3
Note that not all files, folders, and registry keys and entries are installed on your computer during this malware's/spyware's/grayware's execution. This may be due to incomplete installation or other operating system conditions. If you do not find the same files/folders/registry information, please proceed to the next step.
Step 4
Restart in Safe Mode
[ Learn More ]
[ back ]
To restart in Safe Mode:
• For Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 (R2) users
- Restart your computer.
- Press F8 after the Power-On Self Test (POST) routine is done. If the Advanced Boot Options menu does not appear, try restarting and then pressing F8 several times after the POST screen is displayed.
- On the Advanced Boot Options menu, use the arrow keys to select the Safe Mode option, and then press Enter.
• For Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 users
- Access the Charms bar by moving your mouse pointer to the upper right corner of the screen.
- Move your mouse pointer down and click Settings>Change your PC Settings.
- In the left panel, click General.
- In the right panel, scroll down to the bottom to find the Advanced startup section, then click the Restart now button and wait for the system to restart.
- In the Advanced Startup menu, click Troubleshoot>Advanced Options>Startup Settings>Restart and wait for the system to restart.
- In the Startup Settings menu, press 4 to enable safe mode.
• For Windows 10 users
- Press Windows logo key + I on your keyboard to open Settings. If that doesn't work, select the Start button, then select Settings.
- Select Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
- After your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advcanced options > Startup settings > Restart.
- After your PC restarts, you'll see a list og options. Select 4 or press F4 to start your PC in Safe Mode.
Step 5
Delete this registry value
[ Learn More ]
[ back ]
Important: Editing the Windows Registry incorrectly can lead to irreversible system malfunction. Please do this step only if you know how or you can ask assistance from your system administrator. Else, check this Microsoft article first before modifying your computer's registry.
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- {16DD17EC-FEFE-55C-26E7-2698AB24651} = {Malware Path}\{Malware Filename}.exe
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- {2C5F9FCC-F266-43F6-BFD7-838DAE269E11} = %Desktop%\LockBit_Ransomware.hta
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\18DD76ECFE12E7
- Private = {Generated session key}
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\18DD76ECFE12E7
- Public = {Generated session key}
- In HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.lockbit
- In HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Lockbit
- (Default) = Lockbit Class
- In HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Lockbit\DefaultIcon
- (Default) = %System%\{random}.ico
- In HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Lockbit\shell\Open\Command
- (Default) = %System%\mshta.exe %Desktop%\LockBit_Ransomware.hta
To delete the registry value this malware created:
- Open Registry Editor. To do this:
» For Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 (R2) users, click the Start button, type regedit in the Search input field then press Enter.
» For Windows 8, Windows 8.1, 10, and Windows Server 2012 (R2) users, right-click on the lower left corner of the screen, click Run, type regedit in the text box provided, and then press Enter. - In the left panel of the Registry Editor window, double-click the following:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER>Software>Microsoft>Windows>CurrentVersion>Run - In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
{16DD17EC-FEFE-55C-26E7-2698AB24651} = {Malware Path}\{Malware Filename}.exe - Again In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
{2C5F9FCC-F266-43F6-BFD7-838DAE269E11} = %Desktop%\LockBit_Ransomware.hta - In the left panel of the Registry Editor window, double-click the following:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER>Software>18DD76ECFE12E7 - In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
Private = {Generated session key} - Again In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
Public = {Generated session key} - In the left panel of the Registry Editor window, double-click the following:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT>.lockbit - In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
(Default) = Lockbit - In the left panel of the Registry Editor window, double-click the following:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT>Lockbit - In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
(Default) = Lockbit Class - In the left panel of the Registry Editor window, double-click the following:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT>Lockbit>DefaultIcon - In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
(Default) = %System%\{random}.ico - In the left panel of the Registry Editor window, double-click the following:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT>Lockbit>shell>Open>Command - In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
(Default) = %System%\mshta.exe %Desktop%\LockBit_Ransomware.hta - Close Registry Editor.
Step 6
Delete this registry key
[ Learn More ]
[ back ]
Important: Editing the Windows Registry incorrectly can lead to irreversible system malfunction. Please do this step only if you know how or you can ask assistance from your system administrator. Else, check this Microsoft article first before modifying your computer's registry.
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\18DD76ECFE12E7
- In HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.lockbit
- In HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Lockbit
To delete registry keys this malware/grayware created:
- Open Registry Editor. To do this:
» For Windows 7 and Server 2008 (R2) users, click the Start button, type regedit in the Search input field then press Enter.
» For Windows 8, 8.1, 10, and Server 2012 (R2) users, right-click on the lower left corner of the screen, click Run, type regedit in the text box provided, and then press Enter. - In the left panel of the Registry Editor window, double-click the following:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER>Software>18DD76ECFE12E7 - Still in the left panel, locate and delete the key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT>.lockbit - Close Registry Editor.
Step 7
Search and delete this file
[ Learn More ]
[ back ]
There may be some files that are hidden. Please make sure you check the
Search Hidden Files and Folders checkbox in the "More advanced options" option to include all hidden files and folders in the search result.
- %User Temp%\{4 Random Numbers}.tmp.bmp
- %Desktop%\LockBit_Ransomware.hta
- {Encrypted Directory}\Restore-My-Files.txt
To manually delete a malware/grayware file from an affected system:
•For Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 (R2), Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2012 (R2):
- Open a Windows Explorer window.
- For Windows 7 and Server 2008 (R2) users, click Start>Computer.
- For Windows 8, 8.1, 10, and Server 2012 (R2) users, right-click on the lower-left corner of the screen,then click File Explorer.
- In the Search Computer/This PC input box, type:
- %User Temp%\{4 Random Numbers}.tmp.bmp
- %Desktop%\LockBit_Ransomware.hta
- {Encrypted Directory}\Restore-My-Files.txt
- Once located, select the file then press SHIFT+DELETE to delete it.
*Note: Read the following Microsoft page if these steps do not work on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 (R2).
Step 8
Restart in normal mode and scan your computer with your Trend Micro product for files detected as Ransom.Win32.LOCKBIT.SMYEBGW. If the detected files have already been cleaned, deleted, or quarantined by your Trend Micro product, no further step is required. You may opt to simply delete the quarantined files. Please check this Knowledge Base page for more information.
Step 9
Reset your Desktop properties
[ Learn More ]
[ back ]
To restore your wallpaper:
- Click Start>Settings>Control Panel.
- Double-click the Display option and click the Background tab.
- Click the Browse button to select your preferred wallpaper or select an image from the Windows built-in wallpapers.
- Choose OK to apply the changes.
Step 10
Restore encrypted files from backup.
Did this description help? Tell us how we did.