Ransomware that uses different encryption techniques, named Mobef has been reported to ask ransom money to give infected users access to the files it encrypts on their computers. Unlike other ransomware infections, Mobef may employ the DES encryption algorithm, suggesting that the malware writers behind it wanted to create a virus that is different and less familiar to researchers and users. However, users should know that unlike AES, the DES algorithm is weaker against brute forcing attacks and file decryption may be possible.
Threat Summary
| Name | Mobef |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with the RSA algorithm and AES-128 ciphers and asks a ransom for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a .txt file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by Mobef Download Malware Removal Tool |
| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Mobef 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. |
Mobef Ransomware – Distribution
To spread across the web, Mobef is believed to utilize an exploit kit which is quite dangerous. Examples of different exploit kit attacks you may see by visiting the following article. This is why users with non regularly patched software and without experience in browsing and using e-mails safely may be the most likely victims. This may happen via a drive by download when the user has clicked on a malicious web link, such as the one on an example spam e-mail below:
Mobef Ransomware – The Threat In Detail
Once the ransomware has been executed on your computer, it may have the following executables:
- 33.tmp.exe
- Ransom.Mobef.A.exe
- Tmp.exe
Those files may be the executables which encrypt the user data, and this very ransomware may create custom registry entries for them in the following Windows Registry Key:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\
After doing so, upon system boot, Mobef ransomware may begin to encrypt files that are most widely and commonly used. The encrypted data is with a strong AES and a bit outdated DES encryption algorithms. The ransomware is reported by Symantec Researchers to scan for and encrypt files with the following file extensions:
→ .3ds .4db .4dd .7z .7zip .accdb .accdt .aep .aes .ai .alk .arj .axx .bak .bpw .cdr .cer .crp .crt .csv .db .dbf .dbx .der .doc .docm .docx .dot .dotm .dotx .drc .dwfx .dwg .dwk .dxf .eml .enz .fdb .flk .flka .flkb .flkw .flwa .gdb .gho .gpg .gxk .hid .hid2 .idx .ifx .iso .k2p .kdb .kdbx .key .ksd .max .mdb .mdf .mpd .mpp .myo .nba .nbf .nsf .nv2 .odb .odp .ods .odt .ofx .ost .p12 .pdb .pdf .pfx .pgp .ppj .pps .ppsx .ppt .pptx .prproj .psd .pst .psw .qba .qbb .qbo .qbw .qfx .qif .rar .raw .rfp .rpt .rsa .rtf .saj .sdc .sdf .sef .sko .sql .sqlite .sxc .tar .tax .tbl .tc .tib .txt .wdb .xbrl .xls .xlsm .xlsx .xml .zip
Furthermore, Mobef uses a text file to notify the user and may drop it on the user’s desktop. The text file name contains the date of the infection after which the ”-INFECTION” part is added to the name of the file. It contains the following ransom instructions:
→ 
“YourID: {CUSTOM NUMERICAL USER ID}
PC: {PC NAME}
USER: {USERNAME}
Hey
Your files are now encrypted. I have the key to decrypt them back. I will give you a decrypter if you pay me. Email me at: momsbestfriend@protonmail.com or torrenttracker@india.com
If you don’t get a reply or if both emails die, then contact me using a guaranteed, foolproof
Bitmessage: download it form here https://github.com/mailchuck/PyBitmessage/releases/download/v0.5.8/Bitmessage-
0.5.8.exe
Run it, click New Identity and then send me a message at {BITMESSAGE BITCOIN ADDRESS}
Cheers”Source:Bleeping Computer
Not only this, but the ransomware may change the wallpaper of the infected user with the very same ransom message:
Users who have had their files encrypted report seeing two types of files in the folders where their files were encrypted:
- The ransom note text file.
- A .key file which most likely contains either the public or the private key for the files.
Remove Mobef Ransomware and Restore the Encrypted Files
The removal of Mobef may be rather simple if done via an anti-malware software which will automatically discover the malicious files and remove them. There is also the manual option of finding the malicious .tmp, .exe and other files and deleting them permanently. But then again, you should also make sure to clean up your registry entries.
The decryption of files encoded with DES and AES algorithms is almost impossible, not before a flaw in the code is found. This is why we advise you to follow the step-by-step restoration instructions below that contain alternative methods which go around the direct decryption. In the meantime, you can follow our security forum or updates on our blog in case a free decryption method surfaces.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Follow Me:
How to Remove Mobef from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Mobef
Step 2: Uninstall Mobef and related software 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 uninstall most programs.Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Mobef 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 Mobef 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: Scan for Mobef with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Mobef.
Ransomware infections and Mobef 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.
If the above link does not work for you and your region, try the other two links below, that lead to the same product:
Get rid of Mobef from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Mobef and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Mobef via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Mobef files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Mobef, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Mobef on your Mac.
Ransomware for Mac Mobef aims to encode all your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decode, unless you pay money. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files, but only in some cases. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
