New Ransomware virus called Mamba also known as HDDCryptor has been discovered via a malicious files, named “141.exe” and “152.exe” that uses AES encryption to fully encrypt a hard drive and not let users to even boot Windows. This new tendency for ransomware viruses is continuing to grow and is not likely to fade away soon. Such encryption prevents the user from completely accessing the hard drive and hence the files in it. This way, it becomes significantly more complicated to try and decrypt your files or restore them using any data recovery software. It simply prevents any access to the hard drive, because it, itself is AES encrypted.
Threat Summary
Name |
Mamba |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | The malware encrypts the hard drive of the user with a custom password, denying all access to it. It asks for 1 BTC ransom payment to send a password for encryption. |
Symptoms | On system boot displays the following ransom note – “You are Hacked ! H.D.D. Encrypted , Contact Us For Decryption Key (w889901665@yandex.com) YOURID: {ID}” |
Distribution Method | Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner. Malicious executables with numbers detected (for example 133.exe). |
Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Mamba Ransomware. |
Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
Mamba Virus – How Does It Infect?
The ransomware is reported by the researcher who discovered it, Renato Marinho to infect users using a malicious executable that has a file name consisting of 3 numbers. The researcher searched a file, called 141.exe which was related to the malware and several detections rendered it as a Ransom_HDDCRYPTOR_A (TrendMicro). What is interesting is how the researchers came to see the ransomware – it attacked a whole company’s network of devices and had a user ID for the computer it encrypted. This is a strong indicator that the Mamba virus may be spread via other, compromised computers with other malware.
Mamba Ransomware – In-Depth Analysis
When further researched and tested on a computer running a Windows 8.1 virtual machine the virus activated and created a folder in C: drive with the following files:
- C:\DC22\dcapi.dll
- C:\DC22\dccon.exe
- C:\DC22\dcinst.exe
- C:\DC22\dcrypt.exe
- C:\DC22\dcrypt.sys
- C:\DC22\log_file.txt
- C:\DC22\Mount.exe
- C:\DC22\netpass.exe
- C:\DC22\netpass.txt
- C:\DC22\netuse.txt
When we checked the name dcrypt ourselves, we have established that it is a project that is completely open source and can be downloaded from Sourceforge. Another program which they may have used is reported by the researchers to be called DiskCryptor. It is essentially a tool that combines several algorithms, creating a password and making it difficult for hackers to access a drive. Well, the joke is on the victim because the hackers have learned to use this free tool to make Mamba ransomware.
After these files are created Windows automatically restarts and the virus obtains different information, like share drive data and other info. Mamba ransomware then installs additional malicious files and services that are running like ghosts on the victim PC. One of the services this virus also creates, was reported by the researchers to be called “DefragmentService”, being located in the following path:
In addition to this, the Mamba Ransomware creates a new user on the encrypted computer as well.
Renato Marinho and his team reported to try and run the dcrypt.exe and other executables, but they report several failed attempts until they finally saw the VM reboot after which the following ransom message was displayed:
The experienced researchers were also able to detect which process caused the encryption, a file named dccon.exe, located in the C:\DC22\ folder. The file executed the following parameters to encrypt the drive:
→ Device: \Device\HarddiskVolume1
SymLink: \\?\Volume{11788659-88c2-11e5-bf9c-806e6f6e6963}
Mount point: C:
Capacity: 39.9 GB
Status: mounted, boot, system
Cipher: AES
Encryption mode: XTS
Pkcs5.2 prf: HMAC-SHA-512
Encrypted portion: 100.000%
This information strongly suggests an AES-512 cipher with an encryption mode of XTS mode may have been used instead of the claimed 2048 by the cyber-criminals on the other side of the e-mail address in the note.
Mamba Ransomware – Conclusion and How to Fix It
Malware researchers are strongly convinced that there is one unified password for all of the encrypted drives, this virus may have encoded so far. Upon contacting the e-mail address they received the following reply:
In case you see the ransom message of this virus, we strongly suggest you NOT to pay any ransom money to cyber-criminals, because, just like Petya and Mischa ransomware variants encrypting hard drives, a solution may be discovered for this virus very soon. In the meantime, we advise you to unplug the hard drive from your computer using the following instructions:
They are created for another virus of the same type, for which there is a decryptor released. You can see step 1 to step 3 in the “Decryption Phase” of the instructions how to remove your hard drive. Then simply keep the hard drive intact and do not try to tamper with it. Instead, we advise you to purchase a new drive in the meantime and install an advanced anti-malware program that will ensure that you are protected in the future. Expect an update with an instructions URL on this article as soon as a free decryption solution is released.
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
It is highly recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Mamba with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Mamba 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Mamba 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 Mamba there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Mamba
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Mamba.
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 Mamba 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.
Mamba-FAQ
What is Mamba Ransomware?
Mamba 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 Mamba 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 Mamba Infect?
Via several ways.Mamba 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 Mamba 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 .Mamba files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Mamba 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 .Mamba files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Mamba" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Mamba 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 Mamba 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 Mamba ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Mamba 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 Mamba 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 Mamba Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Mamba 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 Mamba 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.
Hello. I just got infected by this and connected the encrypted hard drive to my other PC via SATA cable. I cannot decrypt the drive. Do you have any other solutions?
hey, at the present moment there is no solution but researchers believe that the deecryption password is the same for every encrypted drive. I advise you not to connect the drive to your other computer and not to try and tamper it in any way because you may damage it permanently, especially if it has a fail safe mechanism.
como prevenir el ataque
buen dia, me encriptaron el disco con el virus ransomware que diskcrypotor, pahue y la clave funcioneo pero dentro yo tengo dos discos mas que estan unmounted y cuando los trato de montar me pide unna clave, quiero volver a montarlos y me tira e4
queria saber si en algun lugar del c:]estan estan esos archivos para poder desincrtpar el resto de los disco, gracias\Saludos