The PoisonFang virus is a new ransomware that contains many advanced components that can cause widespread damage on the infected hosts. The security analysis shows that it bears no code from any of the other famous families. Our article shows how active infections can be removed and the data restored.
Threat Summary
| Name | PoisonFang |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts sensitive information on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with a strong encryption algorithm. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss PoisonFang. |
| 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. |
PoisonFang Virus – Distribution Ways
The PoisonFang virus is a newly released virus that probably originates from Israel. The ongoing hacker attacks use the most popular tactics in order to increase the number of infected users.
A main tactic is the use of email phishing messages — they utilize text, images and design elements taken from well-known companies or services. The associated virus files may be either attached directly or hyperlinked in the body contents. Along with the fake download sites that are created in a similar fashion the emails are the most widely used mechanisms for spreading infected payloads.
The first type is associated with infected documents in which the hackers embed code that launches the virus infection sequence. Once they are opened by the victims a notification message will be called which asks the users to enable the built-in macros (scripts). As soon as this is done the PoisonFang virus will be instituted on the host system.
The second type makes of hacker-modified installers which are made by taking the legitimate installer from the official download page of the vendor. The criminals usually target software that is popular with end users: creativity suites, system utilities or general purpose productivity apps.
The other mechanism that can be used to spread the files is the use of browser hijackers. They are hacker-made plugins for the most popular web browsers that are usually found on the associated repositories. They often utilize fake user reviews and developer credentials along with an elaborate description.
PoisonFang Virus – In-Depth Analysis
The PoisonFang virus is a newly released ransomware that appears to be made by its hacker or criminal collective. The initial security analysis does not showcase any code snippets from any of the famous ransomware families.
During the investigation the researchers were able to uncover that the engine was modular in nature allowing many components to be included in its default infection sequence. This gives hackers the ability to customize the attacks according to the targets.
The captured strains have been found to contain numerous mechanisms that infiltrate the system on a deep level. One of the first actions that are started involve the use of a data harvesting module. It is customized to extract strings that can reveal sensitive data both about the users and their machine. The collected information can be classified into two different data types:
- Private Information — Strings that are related to the victims and can expose their identity. This includes data such as their name, address, location, interests, passwords and etc.
- Campaign Metrics — This data type consists of information that can be used to optimize the hacker attacks. This can include anything from the installed hardware components to certain operating system values.
The collected information can then be used by another module that is responsible for bypassing the security countermeasures found on the infected host. The list includes signatures belonging to ant-virus software, virtual machine hosts and sandbox/debug environments.
Once the infections have been deployed onto the computers the virus process can hookup to any running programs and services, including those that have administrative privileges. To make things more difficult it can spawn numerous processes and launch commands in virtual memory. This makes it very difficult for system administrators to contain the infection.
Further system modifications include a wide range of malicious actions such as the following:
- Windows Services Modification —The PoisonFang virus has been found to be able to enable/disable certain services such as Windows Defender.
- System Checks — The virus has been found to perform several different types of security checks such as the presence of certain files, strings in configuration files and etc.
- Guarded Memory Regions Creation — The virus engine can run in protected memory which avoids memory dumping and further analysis.
- Settings Manipulation — The virus is capable of changing the Internet proxy settings which can redirect the traffic through a hacker-controlled server.
The virus also manipulates the boot options by disabling the boot recovery menu – this also makes manual user recovery very difficult. In addition the PoisonFang virus module is installed as a persistent threat which automatically starts it whenever the computer is booted.
Additionally the engine will delete the Shadow Volume Copies and System Restore files to make it more difficult to recover the victim data. In such cases the victims will need to resort to a professional data recovery program, refer to our instructions for more details.
The engine is capable of infecting other computers on the network by interacting with the Windows Mount Manager, the component that is responsible for network shares and removable devices connections.
PoisonFang Virus — Encryption
The ransomware engine is started once all prior components have finished executing. It uses a strong cipher in order to affect data, it is suspected that the virus utilizes a built-in list of target file types:
- Archives
- Images
- Videos
- Music
- Documents
- Databases
- Backups
A lockscreen instance is then created which blocks all typical computer interactions until the threat is completely removed. It reads the following message:
THIS SOFTWARE IS FOR ACADEMIC RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY!
Poisonfang was developed as part of a ransomware project at the Technion Israel Institute of Technology
At the moment we cannot confirm if this is true as it has been found to contain many components that are reminiscent of actual advanced ransomware.
Remove PoisonFang Ransomware Virus and Restore Encrypted Files
If your computer got infected with the PoisonFang ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for PoisonFang with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall PoisonFang 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 PoisonFang 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 PoisonFang 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 PoisonFang
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by PoisonFang.
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 PoisonFang 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.
PoisonFang-FAQ
What is PoisonFang Ransomware?
PoisonFang 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 PoisonFang 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 PoisonFang Infect?
Via several ways.PoisonFang 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 PoisonFang 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 .PoisonFang files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .PoisonFang 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 .PoisonFang files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".PoisonFang" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .PoisonFang 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 PoisonFang 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 PoisonFang ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .PoisonFang 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 PoisonFang 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 PoisonFang Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this PoisonFang 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 PoisonFang 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.
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