Remove Cryptesla 2.2.0 and Restore .vvv Encrypted Files

Recently, it has been reported that a Trojan that is also ransomware called Cryptesla 2.2.0 downloads itself through an Adobe Flash vulnerability. It is better known as TeslaCrypt and encrypts files in a .vvv file format. In its latest installment it is distributed through the Angler Exploit Kit and has also compromised a WordPress blog related to The Independent.

The new ransom note looks like this:

Cryptesla 2.2.0 Ransomware – Distribution Methods

The newest and most effective method of distribution for the Cryptesla 2.2.0 ransomware is through a vulnerability in the Adobe Flash Player. If you have a slightly older version of it, the Trojan automatically downloads TeslaCrypt, although it’s known to download CryptoLocker as well.

Another method of distribution is if you download an email attachment from an email that looks legitimate. This is one of the many emails that are reported to spread the ransomware:

→Dear Customer,
Please review the attached copy of your Invoice (number: NI237483478) for an amount of $500.32.
Thank you for your business.

The name of the attachment can be copy_invoice_89518498.zip and inside a file can be found with the http://softextrain64.com/86.exe name. Most likely, there are other variations.

It may also be distributed by other malware from visiting suspicious websites or social networks and file sharing services.

Cryptesla 2.2.0 Ransomware – Technical Description

Once executed, the latest Cryptesla 2.2.0 ransomware will search for files with extensions known from previous variants:

→.sql, .mp4, .7z, .rar, .m4a, .wma, .avi, .wmv, .csv, .d3dbsp, .zip, .sie, .sum, .ibank, .t13, .t12, .qdf, .gdb, .tax, .pkpass, .bc6, .bc7, .bkp, .qic, .bkf, .sidn, .sidd, .mddata, .itl, .itdb, .icxs, .hvpl, .hplg, .hkdb, .mdbackup, .syncdb, .gho, .cas, .svg, .map, .wmo, .itm, .sb, .fos, .mov, .vdf, .ztmp, .sis, .sid, .ncf, .menu, .layout, .dmp, .blob, .esm, .vcf, .vtf, .dazip, .fpk, .mlx, .kf, .iwd, .vpk, .tor, .psk, .rim, .w3x, .fsh, .ntl, .arch00, .lvl, .snx, .cfr, .ff, .vpp_pc, .lrf, .m2, .mcmeta, .vfs0, .mpqge, .kdb, .db0, .dba, .rofl, .hkx, .bar, .upk, .das, .iwi, .litemod, .asset, .forge, .ltx, .bsa, .apk, .re4, .sav, .lbf, .slm, .bik, .epk, .rgss3a, .pak, .big, wallet, .wotreplay, .xxx, .desc, .py, .m3u, .flv, .js, .css, .rb, .png, .jpeg, .txt, .p7c, .p7b, .p12, .pfx, .pem, .crt, .cer, .der, .x3f, .srw, .pef, .ptx, .r3d, .rw2, .rwl, .raw, .raf, .orf, .nrw, .mrwref, .mef, .erf, .kdc, .dcr, .cr2, .crw, .bay, .sr2, .srf, .arw, .3fr, .dng, .jpe, .jpg, .cdr, .indd, .ai, .eps, .pdf, .pdd, .psd, .dbf, .mdf, .wb2, .rtf, .wpd, .dxg, .xf, .dwg, .pst, .accdb, .mdb, .pptm, .pptx, .ppt, .xlk, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xls, .wps, .docm, .docx, .doc, .odb, .odc, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt

After Cryptesla 2.2.0 threat finds files with these extensions, it will encrypt them with the extension “.vvv”. This variant is known to use RSA-2048 bit encryption algorithm.

The Trojan creates these registry entries:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
  Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  svv_e = “%Application Data%\[random filename].exe”
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
  Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
  *svv_e = “%Application Data%\[random filename].exe”

It does so to enable its automatic execution at each system startup.

It will also delete Shadow Volume Copies:

→%System%\vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet deletes shadow volume copies

So, decryption is only possible, by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its Internet traffic and Internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. Another way to get your files back is to restore them if you have backups on an external storage device. The new ransom note looks like CryptoWall’s and CryptoLocker’s one. It is known to demand a sum like 500$ at first. We advise you to not pay the ransom, as there is no guarantee you will get a decryption key, let alone a working one. The ransomware can create thousands of files with the names: decrypt.exe, decrypt.html, and decrypt.txt, along with the ransom note files Howto_RESTORE_FILES.html, how_recover+abc.txt and how_recover+abc.html.

Remove Cryptesla 2.2.0 Ransomware Completely

To completely remove the Cryptesla 2.2.0 Ransomware from your computer, you should have at least some experience in removing viruses. We highly recommend you to back up your system files. Afterwards, carefully follow the instructions provided here:

1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Cryptesla 2.2.0

1. Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode

1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.

For Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:

1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:

– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.

– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.

3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.

4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account

While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.

Step 1: Open the Start Menu

Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.

Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.

Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.

Step 6: Click on Restart.

Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.

2. Remove Cryptesla 2.2.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

2. Remove Cryptesla 2.2.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Cryptesla 2.2.0.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove Cryptesla 2.2.0.

Step 1:Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.

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 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.

Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.

Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any Cryptesla 2.2.0 files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.

Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.

3. Remove Cryptesla 2.2.0 with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

3. Remove Cryptesla 2.2.0 with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

1. Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to scan for and remove Cryptesla 2.2.0. 2. Scan your PC with MalwareBytes to remove all Cryptesla 2.2.0 associated files automatically.

Step 1: Download Malwarebytes by clicking here.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.


Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.

Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.

Step 6: Review and click on ‘Next’ on the following 4 steps that will appear afterwards and after that click on the ‘Install’ button.

Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button and check the ‘Launch MalwareBytes AntiMalware’ check box.

Step 1: Launch MalwareBytes if you havent launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to update and then click on the blue ‘Scan Now’ button. If it doesnt start updating automatically, click on the blue ‘Update Now’ highlighted text.

Step 3: At this point, after clicking the ‘Scan Now’ button, the system should start scanning your PC. It may take a while but be patient – it is worth it.

Step 4: After the scan has been complete and all of the threats have been identified, click on the ‘Remove Selected’ button to detelete them permanently.

Step 5: Once the scan has completed, MalwareBytes will prompt you to restart your computer. It is recommended to save all your data you are working on before restarting.

4. Remove Cryptesla 2.2.0 with STOPZilla AntiMalware

4. Remove Cryptesla 2.2.0 with STOPZilla AntiMalware

1. Install STOPZilla Anti Malware to scan for and remove Cryptesla 2.2.0. 2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all Cryptesla 2.2.0 associated files completely.

Step 1: Download STOPZilla by clicking here.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.

Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.

Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.

Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button.

Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.

Step 1: Launch STOPZilla if you havent launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button.

Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.

5. Back up your data to secure it against infections and file encryptions by Cryptesla 2.2.0 in the future

5. Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future

Security engineers recommend that you back up your files immediately, preferably on an external memory carrier in order to be able to restore them. In order to protect yourself from Cryptesla 2.2.0 (For Windows Users) please follow these simple steps:

1. For Windows 7 and earlier 1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 1. Enabling the Windows Defense Feature (Previous Versions)

1-Click on Windows Start Menu

2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup

4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.

5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.

6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by Cryptesla 2.2.0.

1-Press Windows button + R

2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter

3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’

4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.

5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from Cryptesla 2.2.0.

1- Press Windows button + R keys.

2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.

3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.

5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from Cryptesla 2.2.0 is on.

Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.

2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.

3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by Cryptesla 2.2.0 should be restored.

Berta Bilbao

Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.

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