Analysis by: Patrick Noel Collado
ALIASES:

Trojan-Ransom.Python.Qlocker.a (Kaspersky)

 PLATFORM:

Linux

 OVERALL RISK RATING:
 DAMAGE POTENTIAL:
 DISTRIBUTION POTENTIAL:
 REPORTED INFECTION:
 INFORMATION EXPOSURE:

  • Threat Type: Ransomware

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

Infection Channel: Downloaded from the Internet

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.

It executes then deletes itself afterward.

It avoids encrypting files with the following file extensions.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: 5,523 bytes
File Type: PY
Memory Resident: Yes
Initial Samples Received Date: 03 May 2021
Payload: Displays message/message boxes, Encrypts files

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 executes then deletes itself afterward.

Other Details

This Ransomware does the following:

  • Avoids encrypting files larger than 20mb
  • Encrypts files by archiving the said files using 7zip with the password only known by the attacker.

Ransomware Routine

This Ransomware avoids encrypting files with the following strings in their file name:

  • aquota.user
  • !!!READ_ME.txt

It avoids encrypting files with the following strings in their file path:

  • /.
  • /@

It appends the following extension to the file name of the encrypted files:

  • .7z

It leaves text files that serve as ransom notes containing the following text:

  • {Encrypted Directory}\!!!READ_ME.txt

It avoids encrypting files with the following file extensions:

  • .7z

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 9.800
FIRST VSAPI PATTERN FILE: 16.698.02
FIRST VSAPI PATTERN DATE: 05 May 2021
VSAPI OPR PATTERN File: 16.699.00
VSAPI OPR PATTERN Date: 06 May 2021

Step 1

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 2

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 3

Identify and terminate files detected as Ransom.Python.QLOCKER.A

[ Learn More ]
  1. Windows Task Manager may not display all running processes. In this case, please use a third-party process viewer, preferably Process Explorer, to terminate the malware/grayware/spyware file. You may download the said tool here.
  2. If the detected file is displayed in either Windows Task Manager or Process Explorer but you cannot delete it, restart your computer in safe mode. To do this, refer to this link for the complete steps.
  3. If the detected file is not displayed in either Windows Task Manager or Process Explorer, continue doing the next steps.

Step 4

Search and delete these files

[ Learn More ]
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. {Encrypted Directory}\!!!READ_ME.txt 

Step 5

Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as Ransom.Python.QLOCKER.A. 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:

Step 6

Restore encrypted files from backup.


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