The family of Crysis ransomware viruses is able to encode files on different drives as well as external devices. The virus uses an extremely powerful combination of three ciphers to encrypt data – AES, RSA key to lock the AES decryption code and something, known as CBC mode which is explained in detail below. The ransomware adds the e-mail on which users can contact the cyber-criminals to conduct the payoff. This Crysis virus is known to have at least 4 variants, driving us to believe that it may be a part of a RaaS (Ransomware-as-a-service) scheme.
Threat Summary
| Name | Crysis |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with the AES, RSA and CBC-mode mechanisms and requests the sum of around 400 to 900 euros from the user to grant access back to the files. |
| Symptoms | After encryption the ransomware steals login passwords and adds the .xtbl extension after every file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Guardware Ransomware. |
How Is Crysis Distributed Over The Web
To be successfully widespread, Crysis Ransomware variants use spam e-mail campaigns that directly contain malicious files, with masked file extensions. The files may be pretending to be Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point) documents, PDF files, setups of different programs or other legitimate records. In addition to that, they may be archived in a .RAR or .ZIP file extension to avoid detection by the protection of the e-mail service providers. Examples of how malicious files by Crysis may look like is the following:
- Confirmation Letter.docx.exe file with a Microsoft Word Icon
- Invoice.pdf.exe with an Adobe Reader Icon on it.
Crysis XTBL Ransomware In Detail
This family of ransomware is reported to have several versions and variants. They can be identified by the method for file decryption, more specifically that there are 5 different names of the encoded XTBL files:
- {cyber-criminal`s email}.ext
- {UNIQUE ID}.{cyber-criminal`s email}.ext
- {UNIQUE ID}.{cyber-criminal`s email}.xtbl
- {cyber-criminal`s email}.xtbl
After the malicious files by Crysis have been executed, it looks for around 190 types of files on the compromised computer and encrypts them. The most affected files by the ransomware are believed by researchers to contain the following file extensions:
→ “PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG” Source:fileinfo.com
Not only this, but Crysis also looks for removable drives, such as USB, Memory Cards, external HDD`s, external SSDs and others.
To encrypt the files, Crysis uses three types of ciphers:
AES-256 (Advanced Encryption Standard)
This encryption algorithm is used to directly encrypt the files and is classified as a Suite.B encryption, and it is used by the NSA to encrypt some secret files. Its direct decryption may take years even If tried by a very powerful machine.
RSA
This encryption mechanism has relatively the same strength as the AES, depending on how many bits it is. It may be used to encrypt the private decryption key generated after encrypting all the files with the AES encryption.
CBC (Cipher Block Chaining)-mode
This mode of encoding is particularly effective when used in combination with AES encryption. It is the main reason why this ransomware is so dangerous for direct decryption. It uses modes, known as Initialization Vector (IV) and a chaining mechanism to additionally scramble the cipher text, separating it in blocks which have a specific order. This mechanism is like a fail-safe to the cyber-criminals. When the user tries to directly decrypt the files and somehow rearranges these blocks, the files becomes corrupted and permanently non-decryptable.
After decryption, the Crysis ransomware virus also deletes the shadow volume copies and other backups of the infected computer. This can be done by executing the following command in Windows:
→ vssadmin delete shadows /for={VOLUME OF THE PC} /all /quiet
After this has been done, the virus connects to the server of the Cyber-Criminals and sends the name if the infected computer as well as several infected files. In several Windows versions, it also attempts to start as an administrator and continues to increase its list of encrypted files.
In addition to that, Crysis comes with an info stealer, which collects sensitive information from the infected computer:
- Messenger logs.
- Passwords.
- Information on different software that is installed and other program data.
- Web camera logs and information.
All of the information collected is naturally sent to the address of the cyber-criminals, and after encryption is complete, the ransomware creates these two files on the already infected computer:
- How to decrypt your files.txt
- DECRYPT.jpg
Both the files contain different ransom instructions. The wallpapers set has been reported by researchers few of the variants to be the following:
Regarding decryption fee, Crysis variants wants users to send from around 400 to 900 euros. The cyber criminals provide instructions on how to send the money by converting it to BitCoins. The e-mail addresses associated with this ransomware were reported by id-ransomware.blogspot.bg to be the following:
sub_zero12@aol.com
gerkaman@aol.com
freetibet@india.com
cyber_baba2@aol.com
siddhiup2@india.com
gruzinrussian@aol.com
ramachandra7@india.com
goldman0@india.com
centurion_legion@aol.com
dalailama2015@protonmail.ch
Vegclass@aol.com
a_princ@aol.com
TREE_OF_LIFE@INDIA.COM
redshitline@india.com
milarepa.lotos@aol.com
Ecovector3@aol.com
Eco_vector@aol.com
Some of the e-mails are met with other Ransomware variats, like Redshitline and EcoVector ransomware variants.
Crysis XTBL Ransomware – Conclusion, Removal, and File Restoration Alternatives
In brief, this ransomware is one of the most serious viruses we have seen so far, especially because of the Cipher Block Chaining mode being used, which makes decryption of files very very risky. The ransomware’s spread is reported to be very high, which means that users should install an advanced anti-malware program that will protect them and their files against Crysis.
To remove Crysis effectively, we advise you to use an advanced anti-malware program. Of course you may try manual removal, but the automatic solution is the best since Crysis has many variants and they may have different files and registry keys created on the infected computer.
Since direct decryption is impossible at this point, users may try other methods to restore the files, which safely enough go around direct decryption. Such methods may be found in step “3. Restore Files Encrypted by Crysis” below. Be advised that if you are willing to invest the time and money in these alternative methods, you do not get a 100% guarantee that these methods will work. But they are the best alternative solution there is so far.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for Crysis with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Crysis and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Crysis on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Crysis there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Crysis
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Crysis.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Crysis aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Crysis-FAQ
What is Crysis Ransomware?
Crysis is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Crysis Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Crysis Infect?
Via several ways.Crysis Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Crysis is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Crysis files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Crysis files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Crysis files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Crysis" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Crysis files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Crysis Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Crysis ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Crysis files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Crysis Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Crysis Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Crysis how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Crysis ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.