(Source: Dell SecureWorks). filesize < 2000KB and, // Must have exact import hash
CryptoLocker then deletes the original executable file. Block Lists - Figure 10. Phoenix Cryptolocker is a human-operated ransomware tool used in targeted attacks. Criminals are also known to distribute malware using third party download sources, such as peer-to-peer (P2P) networks (e.g., torrents, eMule, etc. The malware uses the "Microsoft Enhanced RSA and AES Cryptographic Provider" (MS_ENH_RSA_AES_PROV) to create keys and to encrypt data with the RSA (CALG_RSA_KEYX) and AES (CALG_AES_256) algorithms. Keep your operating system and software up-to-date with the latest patches. An examination of the files compilation timestamp shows the same date of March 20th of this year: Upon execution, Phoenix Cryptolocker first proceeds to create a new directory in the "C:/%Username%/AppData/Roaming/" location, where it installs a copy of itself under a random name and without appending a typical Windows executable extension such as .exe. Spam email campaigns are used to send hundreds of thousands of deceptive emails which contain malicious attachments (links/files) together with deceptive messages presenting them as 'important documents' (e.g., invoices, documents, bills, etc.) Free Akira ransomware decryptor helps recover your files, YouTube tests restricting ad blocker users to 3 video views, TSMC denies LockBit hack as ransomware gang demands $70 million, Microsoft fixes bug that breaks Windows Start Menu, UWP apps, The Week in Ransomware - June 30th 2023 - Mistaken Identity, Hackers exploit zero-day in Ultimate Member WordPress plugin with 200K installs, Twitter now forces you to sign in to view tweets, New proxyjacking attacks monetize hacked SSH servers bandwidth, Remove the Theonlinesearch.com Search Redirect, Remove the Smartwebfinder.com Search Redirect, How to remove the PBlock+ adware browser extension, Remove the Toksearches.xyz Search Redirect, Remove Security Tool and SecurityTool (Uninstall Guide), How to Remove WinFixer / Virtumonde / Msevents / Trojan.vundo, How to remove Antivirus 2009 (Uninstall Instructions), How to remove Google Redirects or the TDSS, TDL3, or Alureon rootkit using TDSSKiller, Locky Ransomware Information, Help Guide, and FAQ, CryptoLocker Ransomware Information Guide and FAQ, CryptorBit and HowDecrypt Information Guide and FAQ, CryptoDefense and How_Decrypt Ransomware Information Guide and FAQ, How to enable Kernel-mode Hardware-enforced Stack Protection in Windows 11, How to backup and restore the Windows Registry, How to open a Windows 11 Command Prompt as Administrator, How to remove a Trojan, Virus, Worm, or other Malware. Screenshot of Phoenix-Phobos ransomware's pop-up window ("info.hta"): All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. US-CERT and DHS encourage users and administrators experiencing a ransomware infection to report the incident to the FBI at the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Wait for Recuva to complete the scan. By using a sound implementation and following best practices, the malware authors have created a robust program that is difficult to circumvent. Website Take me there. Additional configuration data is stored in the following registry key: The VersionInfo value stored within this key contains configuration data encoded with the XOR key 0x819C33AE. OneDrive features a recycling bin in which all of your deleted files are stored for a limited time. Based on conversations with U.S.-based victims, the ease of payment with MoneyPak and the numerous technical barriers to obtaining Bitcoins led to most payments being made through the former method. The insurer provides an extensive array of insurance products, including cyber insurance policies, to individuals and businesses across the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. (Source: Dell SecureWorks). These apps stealthily infiltrate computers and install additional malware. The victim is given the option of sending payment to a randomly generated Bitcoin wallet. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more. Go to the Backup tab and click Manage backup. CryptoLocker fooled targets into downloading malicious attachments sent via emails. For further reading on Safe Browsing habits, see. Table 2. Advertisement . Based on source code similarities, Phoenix Locker is believed to be a new ransomware strain developed by theEvil Corphacking group to avoid anctionsafter victims ofWastedLocker ransomwareno longer paid ransoms to avoid fines or legal action. Cryptocurrency ransomware payments totaled roughly $350 million in 2020, according to Chainanalysis -- an annual increase of over 300% from 2019. (Source: Dell SecureWorks). A screenshot of the Paysafecard dialog was not immediately available for this publication, but the description states: Paysafecard is an electronic payment method for predominantly online shopping and is based on a pre-pay system. Figure 4. Over time, the threat actors adjusted which types of files are selected for encryption; for example, PDF files were not encrypted in very early samples but were added in mid-September. "CNA is fully restored, and we are operating business as usual. Based on its design, deployment method, and empirical observations of its distribution, CryptoLocker appears to target English-speakers, specifically those located in the United States. CNA. List of local authorities where ransomware attacks should be reported (choose one depending on your residence address): Some ransomware-type infections are designed to encrypt files within external storage devices, infect them, and even spread throughout the entire local network. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited. The opened .hta file (in a pop-up window) delivers a little more information. The malware's network communications use an internal domain generation algorithm (DGA) that produces 1,000 potential C2 domain addresses per day. Therefore, be patient during the scanning process. Then, click Restore your OneDrive. This method is only effective, however, when the appended extension is unique - many ransomware infections append a generic extension (for example, ".encrypted", ".enc", ".crypted", ".locked", etc.). The myths around 5G and COVID-19 - What is 5G ? (Source: Dell SecureWorks). Likewise, periodic lulls in activity have occurred frequently, including a span from late November through mid-December. As CNA further discovered, the stolen files included sensitive info (names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, benefits enrollment, and/or medical information) belonging to employees, former employees and their dependents, and, in roughly 10% of cases, customers. In case of ransomware infection, we recommend checking out the No More Ransom project website (more information above). (Source: Dell SecureWorks). All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. and it is very intuitive (little knowledge is necessary to recover data). In early November 2013, the threat actors introduced the "CryptoLocker Decryption Service" (see Figure 10). Table 1. As of this publication, Gameover Zeus remains the primary method of distributing CryptoLocker. CryptoLocker ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on Windows computers, then demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. You are advised to ignore all requests to submit payments or even contact these people. Figure 14. You will need to register at Ukash.com, login and then go to the Manage Ukash area to use the Combine tool. Therefore, manual decryption is virtually impossible, unless the virus is still in development or has certain bugs/flaws (e.g., the key is hard-coded, stored locally or similar). After configuring all of the file restoration options, click Restore to undo all the activities you selected. (Source: Dell SecureWorks). Asymmetric encryption is a more secure form of encryption as only one party is aware of the private key, while both sides know the public key. all of ($f*)
"We are pleased that ina short time sincethe ransomware event, we are now operating in a fully restored state.". Based on the presented evidence, CTU researchers estimate that 200,000 to 250,000 systems were infected globally in the first 100 days of the CryptoLocker threat. OneDrive lets you save, share and preview files, access download history, move, delete, and rename files, as well as create new folders, and much more. It then continues its execution and proceeds to enumerate all directories/files on the victim host and begin its encryption routine, with each affected file being appended with a ".phoenix" file extension: In tandem with the file encryption, a ransom note titled "PHOENIX-HELP" is also dropped to each directory with its contents containing the malware name, an image of a phoenix, and instructions on how to contact the attacker via an email phcontactme[at]c*ck[dot]li or web link hxxps://t[dot]me/phdecrypt: Should a user navigate to the URL provided within the ransom note, it takes them to a page titled phoenix helpdesk which prompts the user to download the messaging app Telegram in order to make contact with the attacker: Upon completion of its encryption routine, the malware then proceeds to invoke the built in Windows binaries waitfor.exe and attrib.exe via cmd.exe to remove both the original binary and the created folder, along with the copied binary - thereby removing all evidence of itself and leaving the victim with just their encrypted files and the dropped ransom note: Figure 12: Phoenix Post-Encryption Cleanup. However, the malware authors appear to have made sound design decisions that complicate efforts to mitigate this threat and have demonstrated a capable distribution system based on the Cutwail and Gameover Zeus botnets. Figure 14 shows the geographic distribution of these IP addresses. CNA will be offering 24 months of complimentary credit monitoring and fraud protection services through Experian. Here, an internet connection is required and there is always the chance of a security breach, although it's a really rare occasion. You can also use a cloud service or remote server. The malware has the ability to find and encrypt files located within shared network drives, USB drives, external hard drives, network file shares and even some cloud storage drives. Ransomware-encrypted files can neither be opened nor otherwise used - unless they are decrypted. author = "Blackberry Threat Research", $f0 = {48 8D 0D D0 2F 1D 00}
(Source: Dell SecureWorks). Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Phoenix-Phobos virus on your mobile device. CryptoLocker changes this dynamic by aggressively encrypting files on the victim's system and returning control of the files to the victim only after the ransom is paid. The United States was disproportionately represented among countries with measurable infection rates. and encouraging users to open them. Table 3. We recently updated our anonymous product survey; wed welcome your feedback. CryptoLocker then connects to the attackers command and control (C2) server to deposit the asymmetric private encryption key out of the victims reach. The Phoenix Cryptolocker ransomware variant first appeared in early 2021 and made the headlines due to its involvement in an attack on the American insurance provider CNA Financial. Therefore, the only solution is to restore everything from a backup. In addition to the disruption operation against Gameover Zeus, the Justice Department led a separate multi-national action to disrupt the malware known as Cryptolocker (sometimes written as "CryptoLocker"), which began appearing about September 2013 and is also a highly sophisticated malware that uses cryptographic key pairs to encrypt the . Figure 2. CNA is considered the seventh-largest commercial insurance firm in the US based on stats from theInsurance Information Institute. The Phoenix Cryptolocker ransomware variant first appeared in early 2021 and is believed to be yet another rebranding of the ransomware used by the Evil Corp (TA505) group. (Source: Dell SecureWorks). Prior to the ransomware attack, the bad attacks accessed the network several times to copy information. New Products - For the complete list of local cybersecurity centers and information on why you should report ransomware attacks, read this article. If they elected to hold these ransoms, they would be worth nearly $980,000 as of this publication based on the current weighted price of $804/BTC. The average ransomware payment size was over $118,000 in 2021, up from $88,000 in 2020 and $25,000 in 2019. Privacy Policy - For this reason, we recommend that you use the No More Ransom Projectand this is where identifying the ransomware infectionis useful. Duncan is a technology professional with over 20 years experience of working in various IT roles. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS If you're signed in with a work or school account, click the Settings cog at the top of the page. In the samples gathered by the December sinkhole, the United Kingdom and Australia approached the absolute infection numbers of the U.S, despite having much smaller populations. Data backups: One of the most reliable backup methods is to use an external storage device and keep it unplugged. Finding the correct decryption tool on the internet can be very frustrating. The data breach reported by CNA affected 75,349 individuals, according to breach information filed with the office of Maine's Attorney General. CryptoLocker encrypts various files types (.doc .xls .ppt .eps .ai .jpg .srw .cer) found on the compromised machine. Step 1: Choose the files/folders you want to backup. "The investigation revealed that the threat actor accessed certain CNA systems at various times from March 5, 2021 to March 21, 2021," CNA said inbreach notification lettersmailed to affected customers today. For more information on safely handling email attachments read, Follow safe practices when browsing the web. During this observation period, 6,459 unique IP addresses contacted the CTU sinkhole servers. Siemens Energy confirms data breach after MOVEit data-theft attack, MOVEIt breach impacts Genworth, CalPERS as data for 3.2 million exposed, Millions of Oregon, Louisiana state IDs stolen in MOVEit breach, Swiss government warns of ongoing DDoS attacks, data leak, BlackCat ransomware fails to extort Australian commercial law giant, Microsoft Teams outage blocks access to web and desktop clients, Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - Ethics Statement - Affiliate Disclosure, Copyright @ 2003 - 2023 Bleeping Computer LLC - All Rights Reserved. The domain names contain 12 to 15 alphabetical characters and are within one of seven possible top-level domains (TLDs): com, net, org, info, biz, ru, and co.uk. This tool supports over a thousand data types (graphics, video, audio, documents, etc.) Therefore, the only solution is to restore everything from a backup. As a form of bookkeeping, the malware stores the location of every encrypted file in the Files subkey of the HKCU\SOFTWARE\CryptoLocker (or CryptoLocker_0388) registry key (see Figure 3).
