RANSOM_AIRACROP.A

 Analysis by: Homer Pacag

 ALIASES:

Ransom.FileCryptor(Malwarebytes); W32/Filecoder_XRatLocker.B!tr(Fortinet);

 PLATFORM:

Windows

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

  • Threat Type: Trojan

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted: Yes

  • In the wild: Yes


  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size:

332,800 bytes

File Type:

EXE

Memory Resident:

Yes

Initial Samples Received Date:

10 Nov 2016

Payload:

Terminates processes, Displays message/message boxes, Encrypts files

Installation

This Trojan drops the following files:

  • {Folder Path}\How to decrypt your files.txt -ransom note
  • {Malware Path}\selfdestruct.bat - Deletes the malware file and itself

Autostart Technique

This Trojan adds the following registry entries to enable its automatic execution at every system startup:

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
NMoreira service = {Malware Path}\{Malware Name} eusoudejesus

Other System Modifications

This Trojan modifies the following file(s):

  • It encrypts files and appends the extension .__AiraCropEncrypted!

Process Termination

This Trojan terminates processes or services that contain any of the following strings if found running in the affected system's memory:

  • fb_inet_server.exe
  • sqlservr.exe
  • pg_ctl.exe

NOTES:

This ransomware deletes shadow copies by executing the following command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /Quiet /All

It stops services using WMIC if it has the following strings:

  • '%Firebird%'
  • '%MSSQL%'
  • '%SQL%'
  • '%Exchange%'
  • '%wsbex%'
  • '%postgresql%'
  • '%BACKP%'
  • '%tomcat%'

If the following services are found, it is disabled and terminated:

  • FirebirdServerDefaultInstance
  • postgresql-9.0
  • MSSQLSERVER
  • MSSQL$SQLEXPRESS
  • MSExchangeAB
  • MSExchangeAntispamUpdate
  • MSExchangeEdgeSync
  • MSExchangeFDS
  • MSExchangeFBA
  • MSExchangeImap4
  • MSExchangeIS
  • MSExchangeMailSubmission
  • MSExchangeMailboxAssistants
  • MSExchangeMailboxReplication
  • MSExchangeMonitoring
  • MSExchangePop3
  • MSExchangeProtectedServiceHost
  • MSExchangeRepl
  • MSExchangeRPC
  • MSExchangeSearch
  • wsbexchange
  • MSExchangeServiceHost
  • MSExchangeSA
  • MSExchangeThrottling
  • MSExchangeTransport
  • MSExchangeTransportLogSearch
  • MSExchangeADTopology

The ransom note How to decrypt your files.txt contains the following:

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine:

9.800

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

Restart in Safe Mode

[ Learn More ]

Step 4

Delete this registry value

[ Learn More ]

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_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • NMoreira service = {Malware Path}\{Malware Name} eusoudejesus

Step 5

Search and delete this file

[ 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.  
  • {Folder Path}\How to decrypt your files.txt

Step 6

Restart in normal mode and scan your computer with your Trend Micro product for files detected as RANSOM_AIRACROP.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 this Knowledge Base page for more information.


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