Analysis by: Melvin Jhun Palbusa
ALIASES:

W32/Conti.F!tr.ransom (FORTINET), Ransom:Win32/Conti.ZC (MICROSOFT)

 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 drops files as ransom note.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: 735,232 bytes
File Type: EXE
Memory Resident: Yes
Initial Samples Received Date: 28 Dec 2022
Payload: Drops files, Displays graphics/image, Terminates processes, 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 drops the following files:

  • {Encrypted Directory}\#BlackHunt_Private.key
  • {Encrypted Directory}\#BlackHunt_ReadMe.hta
  • {Encrypted Directory}\#BlackHunt_ReadMe.txt
  • %ProgramData%\#BlackHunt_BG.jpg
  • %ProgramData%\#BlackHunt_Icon.ico
  • %ProgramData%\#BlackHunt_ID.txt
  • %ProgramData%\#BlackHunt_Logs.txt
  • %ProgramData%\#BlackHunt_Public.key

(Note: %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.)

It adds the following processes:

  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\classes\.Black"" /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\classes\.Black\DefaultIcon"" /ve /t REG_SZ /d ""C:ProgramData\#Blackhunt_Icon.ico"" /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\classes\Black"" /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\classes\Black\DefaultIcon"" /ve /t REG_SZ /d ""C:ProgramData\#Blackhunt_Icon.ico"" /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run"" /v ""{2C5F9FCC-F266-43F6-BFD7-838DAEE269E11}"" /T reg_sz /D ""C:ProgramData\#BlackHunt_ReadMe.hta"" /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windowa Defender""" /v ""DisableAntiSpyware""
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windowa Defender\Real-Time Protection"" /v ""DisableRealtimeMonitoring"" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windowa Defender\Spynet"" /v ""SubmitSamplesConsent"" /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windowa Defender\Threats"" /v ""Threats_ThreatSeverityDefaultAction"" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windowa Defender\Threats\ThreaServerityDefaultAction"" /v ""Low"" /t REG_DWORD /d 6 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windowa Defender\Threats\ThreaServerityDefaultAction"" /v ""Medium"" /t REG_DWORD /d 6 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windowa Defender\Threats\ThreaServerityDefaultAction"" /v ""High"" /t REG_DWORD /d 6 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windowa Defender\Threats\ThreaServerityDefaultAction"" /v ""Severe"" /t REG_DWORD /d 6 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windowa Defender\UX Configuration"" /v ""Notification_Suppress"" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer"" /v ""NoClose"" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer"" /v ""StartMenuLogOff"" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System"" /v ""DisableChangePassword"" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System"" /v ""DisableLockWorkstation"" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System"" /v ""NoLogoff"" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System"" /v ""DisableLockWorkstation"" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\SystemRestore"" /v "DisableConfig"" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\SystemRestore"" /v "DisableSR"" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\WinRE"" /v ""DisableSetup"" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Backup\Client"" /v ""DisableBackupLauncher"" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Backup\Client"" /v ""DisableRestoreUI"" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Backup\Client"" /v ""DisableSystemBackUI"" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Backup\Client"" /v ""DisableBackupUI"" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System"" /v ""DisableTaskMgr"" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer"" /v ""NoRun"" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run"" /v ""SecurityService"" /t REG_SZ /d ""[Malware File path] -backups"" /f'
  • cmd.exe "/c SchTasks.exe /Create /RU ""NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM'' /sc onstart /TN ""UPdate service Windows System"" /TR ""[Malware File Path] -backups""
  • cmd.exe "/c vssadmin.exe Delete shadows /all /quiet"
  • cmd.exe "/c bcdedit /set (default) recoveryenabled No"
  • cmd.exe "/c bcdedit /set (default) bootstatuspolicy IgnoreAllFailures"
  • cmd.exe "/c fsutil.exe usn deletejournal /D [drive]"
  • cmd.exe "/c wbadmin.exe delete catalog -quiet"
  • cmd.exe "/c schtasks.exe /Change /TN ""\Microsoft\Windows\SystemRestore\SR"" /disable
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System"" /v ""DisableTaskMgr"" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c REG_ADD ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System"" /v ""legalnoticecaption"" /t REG_SZ /d ""WARNING WARNING WARNING . "" /f"
  • cmd.exe " "/c REG_ADD ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System"" /v ""legalnoticetext" /t REG_SZ /d "Your Network Infected With BlackHunt Ransomware Team. ALL Your important Files Encrypted and Stolen, Do You Want Your Files? read [ReadMe] Files carefully and contact us by ["{BLOCKED}096@gmail.com" ] AND ["{BLOCKED}46@onionmail.com" ] "" /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c REG DELETE ""HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run"" /v ""HealthService"" /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System"" /v ""DisableTaskMgr"" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c reg add ""HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer"" /v ""NoRun"
  • cmd.exe "/c shutdown /r /t 10 /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c taskkill /IM mshta.exe /f"
  • cmd.exe "/c notepad.exe C:ProgramData\#BlackHunt_ReadMe.txt"
  • cmd.exe "/c C:\ProgramData\#BlackHunt_ReadMe.hta"
  • cmd.exe "/c shutdown /r /t 15 /f"
  • cmd.exe "start /min cmd/c del /F [Malware File Path]
  • Create process - "[malware file path] -nomutex -nologs -p [network drive] " →if -shares is enabled
  • cmd "/c wevtutil.exe cl Setup"
  • cmd "/c wevtutil.exe cl System"
  • cmd "/c wevtutil.exe cl Application"
  • cmd "/c wevtutil.exe cl Security"
  • cmd "/c wevtutil.exe cl Security /e:false"

It adds the following mutexes to ensure that only one of its copies runs at any one time:

  • BLACK_HUNT_MUTEX

Autostart Technique

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
SecurityService = {Malware File path} -backups

Other System Modifications

This Ransomware adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\classes\
.Black\DefaultIcon
(Default) = %ProgramData%\#BlackHunt_Icon.ico

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\classes\
Black\DefaultIcon
(Default) = %ProgramData%\#BlackHunt_Icon.ico

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
{2C5F9FCC-F266-43F6-BFD7-838DAEE269E11} = %ProgramData%\#BlackHunt_ReadMe.hta

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows Defender
DisableAntiSpyware = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows Defender\Spynet
SubmitSamplesConsent = 2

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows Defender\Real-Time Protection
DisableRealtimeMonitoring = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows Defender\Threats
Threats_ThreatSeverityDefaultAction = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows Defender\Threats\ThreaServerityDefaultAction
Low = 6

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows Defender\Threats\ThreaServerityDefaultAction
Medium = 6

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows Defender\Threats\ThreaServerityDefaultAction
High = 6

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows Defender\Threats\ThreaServerityDefaultAction
Severe = 6

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows Defender\UX Configuration
Notification_Suppress = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer
NoClose = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer
StartMenuLogOff = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
DisableChangePassword = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
DisableLockWorkstation = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
NoLogoff = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
DisableLockWorkstation = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows NT\SystemRestore
DisableConfig = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows NT\SystemRestore
DisableSR = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\WinRE
DisableSetup = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\Backup\Client
DisableBackupLauncher = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\Backup\Client
DisableRestoreUI = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\Backup\Client
DisableSystemBackUI = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\Backup\Client
DisableBackupUI = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
DisableTaskMgr = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer
NoRun = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
DisableTaskMgr = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
legalnoticecaption = WARNING WARNING WARNING .

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
legalnoticetext = Your Network Infected With BlackHunt Ransomware Team. ALL Your important Files Encrypted and Stolen, Do You Want Your Files? read [ReadMe] Files carefully and contact us by ["{BLOCKED}096@gmail.com"] AND ["{BLOCKED}46@onionmail.com"]

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
DisableTaskMgr = 0

It modifies 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
EnableLinkedConnection = 1

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 0.)

It sets the system's desktop wallpaper to the following image:

  • %ProgramData%\#BlackHunt_BG.jpg

Propagation

This Ransomware drops copies of itself in the following drives:

  • Shared Networks →If -spread is enabled
  • Removable Drives →If -spread is enabled

Process Termination

This Ransomware terminates the following processes if found running in the affected system's memory:

  • sql.exe
  • mbamtray.exe
  • Ntrtscan.exe
  • CNTAoSMgr.exe
  • PccNTMon.exe
  • tmlisten.exe
  • xfssvccon.exe
  • zoolz.exe
  • agntsvc.exe
  • dbeng50.exe
  • dbsnmp.exe
  • encsvc.exe
  • firefoxconfig.exe
  • infopath.exe
  • isqlplussvc.exe
  • msftesql.exe
  • mydesktopqos.exe
  • mydesktopservice.exe
  • mysqld.exe
  • mysqld-nt.exe
  • mysqld-opt.exe
  • thebat64.exe
  • ocomm.exe
  • thebat.exe
  • tbirdconfig.exe
  • notepad++.exe
  • powerpnt.exe
  • sqbcoreservice.exe
  • sqlagent.exe
  • sqlbrowser.exe
  • sqlservr.exe
  • sqlwriter.exe
  • synctime.exe
  • note
  • sql
  • oracle.exe
  • ocssd.exe
  • dbsnmp.exe
  • synctime.exe
  • agntsvc.exe
  • isqlplussvc.exe
  • xfssvccon.exe
  • mydesktopservice.exe
  • ocautoupds.exe
  • encsvc.exe
  • firefox.exe
  • tbirdconfig.exe
  • mydesktopqos.exe
  • excel.exe
  • msaccess.exe
  • mspub.exe
  • onenote.exe
  • outlook.exe
  • steam.exe
  • thunderbird.exe
  • visio.exe
  • winword.exe
  • wordpad.exe
  • notepad.exe

Other Details

This Ransomware does the following:

  • Connects to the following website to check the IP details:
    • ip-api.com
  • It terminates if the infected machine's country is among the list of countries below:
    • Azerbaijan
    • Armenia
    • Belarus
    • Georgia
    • Kazakhstan
    • Kyrgzstan
    • Moldova
    • Tajikistan
    • Turkmenistan
    • Uzbekistan
    • Ukraine
    • Iran
    • Turkey
  • Terminates the following services:
    • SQLAgent$SQLEXPRESS
    • MSSQL$QLEXPRESS
    • SQLWriter
    • SQLBrowser
    • MSSQLSERVER
    • MSSQL$CONTOSO1\
    • SQLServer (MSSQLSERVER)
    • MSSQL$SQLSERVERAGENT
    • vmvss
    • MSSQL$FE EXPRESS
    • SQLANYs_Sage_FAS_Fixed_Assets
    • MSSQL$VIM_SQLEXP
    • MSSQLFDLauncher
    • SQLTELEMETRY
    • MsDtsServer130
    • SSISTELEMETRY130
    • MSSQL$VEEAMSQL2012
    • SQLAgent$VEEAMSQL2012
    • SQLAgent
    • MSSQLServerADHelper100
    • MSSQLServerOLAPService
    • MsDtServer100
    • ReportServer
    • SQLTELEMETRY$HL
    • TMBMServer
    • MSSQL%PROGID
    • MSSQL$WOLTERSKLUWER
    • SQLAgent$PROGID
    • SQLAgent$WOLTERSKLUWER
    • MSSQLFDLauncher$OPTIMA
    • MSSQL$OPTIMA
    • SQLAgent$OPTIMA
    • ReportServer$OPTIMA
    • msftesql$SQLEXPRESS
    • postgresql-x64-9.4
    • MSDTC
    • vmicvss
    • HostControllerService
    • MSComplianceAudit
    • MSExchanfeADTopolog
    • MSExchangeAntispamUpdate
    • MSExchangeCompliance
    • MSExchangeDagMgmt
    • MSExchangeDelivery
    • MSExchanfeDiagnostics
    • MSExchangeEdgeSync
    • MSExchangeFastSearch
    • MSExchangeFrontEndTransport
    • MSExchangeHM
    • MSExchangeHMRecovery
    • MSExchangeImap4
    • MSExchangeIMAP4BE
    • MSExchangeIS
    • MSExchangeMailboxAssistants
    • MSExchangeMailboxReplication
    • MSExchangeNotificationBroker
    • MSExchangePop3
    • MSExchangePO3BE
    • MSExchangeRepl
    • MSExchangeRPC
    • MSEchangeChangeServiceHost
    • MSExchangeSubmission
    • MSExchangeThrottling
    • MSExchangeTransport
    • MSExchangeTransportLogSearch
    • MSExchangeVM
    • MSExchangeVMCR
    • SearchEchangeTracing
    • wsbexchange
    • IISADMIN
    • Tomcat8CLOUDERP
    • Tomcat8_DESARROLLO221
    • sql
    • System Event Notification
    • COM+ Event System
    • Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider
    • Volume Shadow Copy
    • swprv
    • vds
    • vss
    • svc$
    • memtas
    • mepocs
    • sophos
    • veeam
    • backup
    • GxVss
    • GxBlr
    • GxFWD
    • GxCVD
    • GxCIMgr
    • DefWatch
    • ccEvtMgr
    • ccSetMgr
    • SavRoam
    • RTVscan
    • QBfCService
    • QBIDPService
    • Intuit
    • QuickBooks
    • FCS
    • QBCFMonitoSerive
    • YooBackup
    • YooIT
    • Zhudongfangyu
    • str_raw_agent
    • VSNAPVSS
    • VeeamTransportSvc
    • VeeamDeploymentService
    • VeeamNFSSvc
    • PDVFSService
    • BackupExecVSSProvider
    • BackupExecAgentAccelerator
    • BackupExecAgentBrowser
    • BackupExecDiveciMediaService
    • BackupExecJobEngine
    • BackupExecManagementService
    • BackupExecRPCService
    • AcrSch2Svc
    • AcronisAgent
    • CASAD2DWebSvc
    • CAARCUpdateSvc
  • It terminates if the following processes are found:
    • ProcessHacker
    • Procexp64
    • Procexp
    • WireShark
    • dumpcap
    • Sysmon
    • Sysmon64
    • procexp64a
    • procmon
    • procmon64
    • procmon64a
    • OLLYDBG
    • x64dbg
    • x86dbg
    • idaq
    • idaq64
    • WinDbgFrameClass
    • zeta Debuger
    • Rock Debugger
    • ObsidianGUI
    • ID.exe
    • lordpe
    • Die.exe
    • xntsv
    • xocalc
    • xvlk
    • NFD.exe
    • PDBRIPPER
    • IDA64
    • IDA.exe
    • Immunitydebugger
    • ghidra
    • x32dbg
  • It terminates if the machine has the following system language:
    • 82C →Azeri(Azerbaijan)
    • 42C →Azeri(Azerbaijan)
    • 42B →Armenian(Armenia)
    • 423 →Belarusian(Belarus)
    • 437 →Georgian(Georgia)
    • 42F →Macedonian(Macedonia)
    • 440 →Kyrgyz(Kyrgyzstan)
    • 819 →Russian(Russia)
    • 428 →Tajic(Tajikistan)
    • 442 →Turkmen(Turkmenistan)
    • 843 →Uzbek-Cyrillic(Uzbekistan
    • 443 →Uzbek-Latin(Uzbekistan)
    • 422 →Ukrainian(Ukraine)
    • 429 →Persian(Iran)
    • 41F →Turkish(Turkey)
  • Empty Recycled Bin
  • Disable Windows Defender
  • Appends "#BLACK_HUNT#" in every encrypted files
  • Change the icon of encrypted files with %ProgramData%\#BlackHunt_Icon.ico

It accepts the following parameters:

  • -p → Only process files inside defined paths
  • -nologs →Disable File logging
  • -nomutex →Disable Mutex Creation
  • -update →Run fake windows update
  • -shares →enable shares configuration
  • -scanner →enable network scanning
  • -noshares →disable shares configuration
  • -safemode →enable safemode booting
  • -backups →delete backups
  • -cipher →enable cipher configuration
  • -restart →restart system after finished encryption
  • -shareinfo →doesnt hide its window
  • -info →display on its windows files being encrypted
  • -status →displays status of encryption
  • -spread →enable to propagate itself to removable drives and network drives
  • -noencrypt →Initialize but it wont proceed with its encryption routine
  • -virtual →

Ransomware Routine

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

  • .exe
  • .dll
  • BlackHunt
  • .Black
  • .Hunt
  • .lnk
  • .sys
  • .msi
  • .bat
  • $Recycle.Bin
  • autorun.inf
  • boot.ini
  • bootfront.bin
  • bootsect.bak
  • bootmgr
  • bootmgr.efi
  • bootmgfw.efi
  • desktop.ini
  • iconcache.db
  • ntldr
  • ntuser.ini
  • thumbs.db
  • pagefile.sys
  • win.ini
  • UsrClass.dat
  • hiberfil.sys
  • DumpStack.log.tmp
  • Config.Msi

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

  • Windows
  • tmp
  • winnt
  • temp
  • $Mft
  • C:\Users\Default
  • thumb
  • $Recycle.Bin
  • System Volume Information
  • Boot
  • All Users
  • Trend Micro
  • perflogs
  • Microsoft
  • chrome
  • Internet Explorer
  • Mozilla
  • Windows.old
  • Tor Browser
  • sql
  • WindowsImageBackup
  • databasr
  • Backup
  • command

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

  • .[Random 16 Character].[Email address].Black

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

  • {Encrypted folder}\#BlackHunt_ReadMe.hta
  • {Encrypted folder}\#BlackHunt_ReadMe.txt

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 9.800
FIRST VSAPI PATTERN FILE: 18.160.05
FIRST VSAPI PATTERN DATE: 28 Dec 2022
VSAPI OPR PATTERN File: 18.161.00
VSAPI OPR PATTERN Date: 29 Dec 2022

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:

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

[ Learn More ]

Step 5

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
    • {2C5F9FCC-F266-43F6-BFD7-838DAEE269E11} = %ProgramData%\#BlackHunt_ReadMe.hta
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • SecurityService = [Malware File path] -backups
  • InHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
    • NoClose = 1
  • InHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
    • StartMenuLogOff = 1
  • InHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • DisableChangePassword = 1
  • InHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • DisableLockWorkstation = 1
  • InHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • NoLogoff = 1
  • InHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\SystemRestore
    • DisableConfig = 1
  • InHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\SystemRestore
    • DisableSR = 1
  • InHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\WinRE
    • DisableSetup = 1
  • InHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Backup\Client
    • DisableBackupLauncher = 1
  • InHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Backup\Client
    • DisableRestoreUI = 1
  • InHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Backup\Client
    • DisableSystemBackUI = 1
  • InHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Backup\Client
    • DisableBackUI = 1
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • legalnoticecaption = WARNING WARNING WARNING . 
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • legalnoticetext = Your Network Infected With BlackHunt Ransomware Team. ALL Your important Files Encrypted and Stolen, Do You Want Your Files? read [ReadMe] Files carefully and contact us by [amikel096@gmail.com] AND [onion746@onionmail.com] /v legalnoticetext /t REG_SZ /d Your Network Infected With BlackHunt Ransomware Team. ALL Your important Files Encrypted and Stolen, Do You Want Your Files? read [ReadMe] Files carefully and contact us by [amikel096@gmail.com] AND [onion746@onionmail.com]
  • InHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • EnableLinkedConnection = 1

Step 6

Delete this registry key

[ 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\Classes\.Black
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\.Black\DefaultIcon
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Black
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Black\DefaultIcon

Step 7

Restore this modified 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.

  • InHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • EnableLUA = 0 (Change to default value: 1)

Step 8

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}\#BlackHunt_Private.key
  • {Encrypted Directory}\#BlackHunt_ReadMe.hta
  • {Encrypted Directory}\#BlackHunt_ReadMe.txt
  • %ProgramData%\#BlackHunt_BG.jpg
  • %ProgramData%\#BlackHunt_Icon.ico
  • %ProgramData%\#BlackHunt_ID.txt
  • %ProgramData%\#BlackHunt_Logs.txt
  • %ProgramData%\#BlackHunt_Public.key

Step 9

Reset your Desktop properties

[ Learn More ]

Step 10

Restore encrypted files from backup.

Step 11

Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as Ransom.Win32.BLACKHUNT.THLBHBB. 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 12

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.

RESTORE
  • Close Registry Editor.


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