Analysis by: Noel Anthony Llimos

ALIASES:

HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic (Kaspersky)

 PLATFORM:

Windows

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

  • Threat Type: Ransomware

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted: No

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

Infection Channel: Downloaded from the Internet, Dropped by other malware

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 connects to certain websites to send and receive information. However, as of this writing, the said sites are inaccessible.

It encrypts files with specific file extensions. It drops files as ransom note.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: 1,419,776 bytes
File Type: EXE
Memory Resident: No
Initial Samples Received Date: 18 Sep 2018
Payload: Downloads files, Connects to URLs/IPs, Logs keystrokes, Displays graphics/image, Compromises network security, Steals information, Encrypts files, Others

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.

Other System Modifications

This Ransomware sets the system's desktop wallpaper to the following image:

Information Theft

This Ransomware gathers the following data:

  • Machine GUID
  • Machine Name
  • User Name

Other Details

This Ransomware connects to the following website to send and receive information:

  • http://viro.m{BLOCKED}ier.fr

It does the following:

  • It is capable of the following:
    • Download and execute a file.
    • Propagate
    • Log Key Strokes
    • Make the infected machine act as a Botnet to spam emails.
  • It encrypts files found in all fixed, removable and network drives.

However, as of this writing, the said sites are inaccessible.

Ransomware Routine

This Ransomware encrypts files with the following extensions:

  • .asp
  • .aspx
  • .csv
  • .doc
  • .docx
  • .html
  • .jpg
  • .mdb
  • .odt
  • .odt
  • .pdf
  • .php
  • .png
  • .ppt
  • .pptx
  • .psd
  • .sln
  • .sql
  • .swp
  • .txt
  • .xls
  • .xlsx
  • .xml

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

  • .enc

It drops the following file(s) as ransom note:

  • {Encrypted Directory}\README.txt

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 9.850
FIRST VSAPI PATTERN FILE: 14.512.02
FIRST VSAPI PATTERN DATE: 18 Sep 2018
VSAPI OPR PATTERN File: 14.513.00
VSAPI OPR PATTERN Date: 19 Sep 2018

Step 1

Before doing any scans, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 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

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}\README.txt

Step 4

Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as RANSOM_VIBOROT.THIAHAH. 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 5

Restore encrypted files from backup.


Did this description help? Tell us how we did.