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 copies of itself into the affected system:
- %Application Data%\{Malware File Name}.exe
(Note: %Application Data% is the current user's Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).)
It adds the following processes:
- wmic SHADOWCOPY DELETE /nointeractive
- wbadmin DELETE SYSTEMSTATEBACKUP -deleteOldest
- wbadmin DELETE SYSTEMSTATEBACKUP -keepVersions:0
- wbadmin DELETE BACKUP -deleteOldest
- wbadmin DELETE BACKUP -keepVersions:0
- vssadmin Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
- bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
- bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
- cmd /c wmic SHADOWCOPY DELETE /nointeractive
- cmd /c wbadmin DELETE SYSTEMSTATEBACKUP -deleteOldest
- cmd /c wbadmin DELETE SYSTEMSTATEBACKUP -keepVersions:0
- cmd /c wbadmin DELETE BACKUP -deleteOldest
- cmd /c wbadmin DELETE BACKUP -keepVersions:0
- cmd /c vssadmin Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
- cmd /c bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
- cmd /c bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
- cmd /c bcdedit /set safeboot network
It adds the following mutexes to ensure that only one of its copies runs at any one time:
Autostart Technique
This Ransomware adds the following registry entries to enable its automatic execution at every system startup:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Shell = explorer.exe,%Application Data%\[Malware File Name}.exe
Other System Modifications
This Ransomware adds the following registry entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
EnableLUA = 0
(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 1.)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin = 0
(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 5.)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
EnableLinkedConnections = 1
It sets the system's desktop wallpaper to the following image:
- %Application Data%\wallpaper.jpg
Process Termination
This Ransomware terminates the following services if found on the affected system:
- Culserver
- DefWatch
- GxBlr
- GxCIMgr
- GxCVD
- GxFWD
- GxVss
- QBCFMonitorService
- QBIDPService
- RTVscan
- SavRoam
- VMAuthdService
- VMUSBArbService
- VMnetDHCP
- VMwareHostd
- backup
- ccEvtMgr
- ccSetMgr
- dbeng8
- dbsrv12
- memtas
- mepocs
- msexchange
- msmdsrv
- sophos
- sql
- sqladhlp
- sqlagent
- sqlbrowser
- sqlservr
- sqlwriter
- svc$
- tomcat6
- veeam
- vmware-converter
- vmware-usbarbitator64
- vss
It terminates the following processes if found running in the affected system's memory:
- 360doctor
- 360se
- Culture
- Defwatch
- GDscan
- MsDtSrvr
- QBCFMonitorService
- QBDBMgr
- QBIDPService
- QBW32
- RAgui
- RTVscan
- agntsvc
- agntsvcencsvc
- agntsvcisqlplussvc
- anvir
- anvir64
- apache
- axlbridge
- backup
- ccleaner
- ccleaner64
- dbeng50
- dbsnmp
- encsvc
- excel
- far
- fdhost
- fdlauncher
- httpd
- infopath
- isqlplussvc
- java
- kingdee
- msaccess
- msftesql
- mspub
- mydesktopqos
- mydesktopservice
- mysqld-nt
- mysqld-opt
- mysqld
- ncsvc
- ocautoupds
- ocomm
- ocssd
- onedrive
- onenote
- oracle
- outlook
- powerpnt
- procexp
- qbupdate
- sqbcoreservice
- sql
- sqlagent
- sqlbrowser
- sqlmangr
- sqlserver
- sqlservr
- sqlwriter
- steam
- supervise
- synctime
- taskkill
- tasklist
- tbirdconfig
- thebat
- thunderbird
- tomcat
- tomcat6
- u8
- ufida
- visio
- wdswfsafe
- winword
- wordpad
- wuauclt
- wxServer
- wxServerView
- xfssvccon
Information Theft
This Ransomware gathers the following data:
- Computer Name
- Host Name
- Machine GUID
- User Language
- OEM Information
- Disk Drive Information
Other Details
This Ransomware does the following:
- It empties Recycle Bin of all drives.
- It dismounts disk images found in the system by running these processes:
- powershell Dismount-DiskImage -ImagePath {Full Path of Disk Image}
- cmd /c powershell Dismount-DiskImage -ImagePath {Full Path of Disk Image}
- It is capable of rebooting the system into safe mode with networking.
It accepts the following parameters:
- -safe (This parameter reboots the system into safe mode with networking before encrypting files).
Ransomware Routine
This Ransomware encrypts files found in the following folders:
- {Exchange Install Path}\Mailbox
- %Program Files%\Microsoft SQL Server
- %Program Files%\Microsoft\Exchange Server
- %Program Files%\mysql
(Note: %Program Files% is the default Program Files folder, usually C:\Program Files in Windows 2000(32-bit), Server 2003(32-bit), XP, Vista(64-bit), 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit) , or C:\Program Files (x86) in Windows XP(64-bit), Vista(64-bit), 7(64-bit), 8(64-bit), 8.1(64-bit), 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).)
It avoids encrypting files with the following strings in their file path:
- %Public%
- %ProgramData%
- %Program Files%
- %System Root%\Users\All Users
- %Windows%
- %Temp%
- %User Profile%\AppData
- %Application Data%
(Note: %Public% is the folder that serves as a repository of files or folders common to all users, which is usually C:\Users\Public in Windows Vista, 7, and 8.. %ProgramData% is a version of the Program Files folder where any user on a multi-user computer can make changes to programs. This contains application data for all users. This is usually C:\ProgramData on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit), or C:\Documents and Settings\All Users on Windows Server 2003(32-bit), 2000(32-bit) and XP.. %Program Files% is the default Program Files folder, usually C:\Program Files in Windows 2000(32-bit), Server 2003(32-bit), XP, Vista(64-bit), 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit) , or C:\Program Files (x86) in Windows XP(64-bit), Vista(64-bit), 7(64-bit), 8(64-bit), 8.1(64-bit), 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).. %System Root% is the Windows root folder, where it usually is C:\ on all Windows operating system versions.. %Windows% is the Windows folder, where it usually is C:\Windows on all Windows operating system versions.. %Temp% is the Windows temporary folder, where it usually is C:\Windows\Temp on all Windows operating system versions.. %User Profile% is the current user's profile folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name} on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name} on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).. %Application Data% is the current user's Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).)
It avoids encrypting files found in the following folders:
- AppData
- EFI
- Intel
- MSOCache
- Mozilla
- Program Files
- ProgramData
- Tor Browser
- Windows
- WINDOWS
- boot
- google
- perflogs
- system volume information
- windows.old
It appends the following extension to the file name of the encrypted files:
It drops the following file(s) as ransom note:
- %Desktop%\HOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt
- {File Path of Encrypted Files}\HOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt
It avoids encrypting files with the following file extensions:
- .exe
- .bat
- .bin
- .cmd
- .com
- .cpl
- .dat
- .dll
- .drv
- .hta
- .ini
- .lnk
- .lock
- .log
- .mod
- .msc
- .msi
- .msp
- .pif
- .prf
- .rdp
- .scr
- .shs
- .swp
- .sys
- .theme
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.XXPE50FFF070
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
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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
Restore these modified registry values
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Important:Editing the Windows Registry incorrectly can lead to irreversible system malfunction. Please do this only if you know how to or you can seek your system administrator's help. You may also check out this Microsoft article first before modifying your computer's registry.
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
- EnableLUA = 0
- EnableLUA = 1
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
- ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin = 0
- ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin = 5
To restore registry values this malware/grayware modified:
- Open Registry Editor. To do this:
- On Windows 7 and Server 2008 (R2):
Click the Start button, type REGEDIT in the Search input field then press Enter. - On Windows 8, 8.1, 10, and Server 2012 (R2):
Right-click on the lower left corner of the screen and click Run, type REGEDIT in the Run input field, and then press Enter.
- In the left panel, double-click the following:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System - In the right panel, locate the registry value:
EnableLUA = 0 - Right-click on the value name and choose Modify. Change the value data of this entry to:
EnableLUA = 1 - Again In the right panel, locate the registry value:
ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin = 0 - Right-click on the value name and choose Modify. Change the value data of this entry to:
ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin = 5 - Close Registry Editor.
Step 6
Delete this registry value
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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 NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
- Shell = explorer.exe,%Application Data%\[Malware File Name}.exe
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
- EnableLinkedConnections = 1
To delete the registry value this malware/grayware created:
- Open Registry Editor.
» 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, double-click the following:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER>Software>Microsoft>Windows NT>CurrentVersion>Winlogon - In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
Shell = explorer.exe,%Application Data%\[Malware File Name}.exe - In the left panel, double-click the following:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>SOFTWARE>Microsoft>Windows>CurrentVersion>Policies>System - In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
EnableLinkedConnections = 1 - Close Registry Editor.
Step 7
Search and delete these files
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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.
- %Application Data%\{Malware File Name}.exe
- %Application Data%\wallpaper.jpg
- %Desktop%\HOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt
- {File Path of Encrypted Files}\HOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt
To delete malware/grayware files:
For Windows 7 and Server 2008 (R2), 8, 8.1, 10, and 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 users, right-click on the lower left corner of the screen, then click File Explorer.
- In the Search Computer/This PC input box, type:
- %Application Data%\{Malware File Name}.exe
- %Application Data%\wallpaper.jpg
- %Desktop%\HOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt
- {File Path of Encrypted Files}\HOW_TO_RECOVER_FILES.txt
- Once located, select the file then press SHIFT+DELETE to delete it.
- Repeat the said steps for all files listed.
*Note: Read the following Microsoft page if these steps do not work on Windows 7 and Server 2008 (R2).
Step 8
Restart in normal mode and scan your computer with your Trend Micro product for files detected as Ransom.Win32.NOESCAPE.THFOEBC. 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
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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.
Step 11
Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as Ransom.Win32.NOESCAPE.THFOEBC. 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 the following Trend Micro Support pages for more information:
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