Remove CryptoWall RSA-4096 Variant and Restore .jpg Encrypted Files

by Ventsislav Krastev | March 4, 2016 | 2 Comments file-encryption, ransomware

A new ransomware, observed to be a variant of CryptoWall, has been reported to infect users on a massive scale all over the world. The most notorious ransomware, CryptoWall, detected as “Cryptodefense” by Symantec researchers, has been reported to have held over 600 000 computers and generated over 325$ million revenue in ransom payment. This particular variant uses a Trojan.Agent.MSIL to infect the user’s PC. All users who have become “hostages” of this ransomware should immediately use advanced anti-malware software to remove the threat. Regarding the file restoration, it is advisable to use the suggested methods after this article to try and get your data back instead of paying the ransom money.

Name	CryptoWall RSA-4096
Type	Ransomware
Short Description	Encrypts files on the compromised computer, asking for 500$ ransom money in BTC.
Symptoms	The user may witness “RECOVERY” files to open on startup and his files to become completely hidden from him, except a few.
Distribution Method	Via a MSIL Trojan (downloader) that may be distributed through malicious macros in email attachments.
Detection Tool	Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
User Experience	Join our forum to discuss CryptoWall RSA-4096.
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.

CryptoWall RSA-4096 – Distribution

Similar to CryptoWall 4.0, this particular ransomware uses an MSIL Trojan agent which is essentially a downloader for the actual malware. In this case, the Trojan was located in the following location with the following name:

→ “C:/Users/{Username}/AppData/Local/Wwp0J.tmp”

This suggests that the Trojan assumes random names for its malicious .tmp module. It may open a port, connect to a remote host which may be the C&C(Command and Control center) of the cyber-criminals controlling CryptoWall and infect the computer.

Such Trojans may be redistributed via malicious payload carrying files, like infected Microsoft Office macros, for example. Image the following scenario – you open up an email from PayPal that contains a Microsoft Excel attachment which is named “Your Withdrawal History” or some other name you are interested in. In it, there is always the “Enable Editing” button and after clicking on it, there may be a malicious script that creates the “Wwp0J.tmp” file on your computer. Of course there are many scenarios besides the previously mentioned one, but they all end up the same way if the “.tmp” file is well obfuscated from your AntiVirus protection.

CryptoWall RSA-4096 In Detail

Once the malicious executable has been activated onto your computer it may download malicious modules of the malware in the following Windows directories:

%AppData%
%Roaming%
%Temp%
%System%
%User’s Directory%
%Local%
%Common%

The malicious modules my contain either random names, names that resemble an application installed on the user PC or names that may contain a mistake made on purpose. Examples are as follows:

D0138i2n09dh2.exe
Notepad.dll
Solitare.tmp

After such files are created, the malware creates registry entries to make them run on system startup, for example:

→ In the key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\run\
Value for D0138i2n09dh2.exe with this data:
“addon_v{number}” = “%User’sProfile%\Application Data\D0138i2n09dh2.exe

After being set up, the ransomware may or may not restart the infected PC. Either way, after a system restart, the user sees three files, named “RECOVERY” on his computer:

The “RECOVERY” .txt,.png and .HTML files open automatically on system start up and contain the following ransom message:

At this point, the ransomware has encrypted the user’s files with a .JPG file extension and has made them to be a .MP3 File Format. It has targeted the following file extensions with an RSA-4096 encryption algorhithm:

→ .exe, .pdf, .docx, .xls, .txt, .doc, .jpg, .bmp, .psd, .vdi, .swf, mp3, .mp4

An encrypted file, by this trojan looks like the following:

Most of the files disappear from the user. Here is an example with a folder full of files, on which’s place the same RECOVERY files, are placed, with the following file names:

The “_RECoVERY_+cljba.HTML” file opens the browser of the user and features direct web links to an individually generated page for the user. It appears to be a decryption “service” webpage.

As visible at this point, the ransomware has demanded around 500$ in BitCoins, and it had link to reputable bitcoin conversion and payment services. It also has a live timer counting down how much time you have until your fee doubles to 1000$. It also displays a message that a special CryptoWall decryptor will be provided.

Not only this, but this is one of the few ransomware variants that provides a decryption of one file for free. Here is a file which we sent and they decrypted:

Furthermore, one of the features of the ransomware is the ability to contact its “customer support” for any questions, which is a new peak in ransomware development and implementation. We have tried contacting the cyber-crooks and negotiate with them and managed to get a 50$ “discount”.

Not only this, but this ransomware even had spam protection in the form of CAPTCHA:

There are many ransomware infections out there, and they are only likely to increase. And the worst is that they use obfuscated processes to bypass antivirus software detection. Experts advise following several simple pieces of advice to protect yourself in the future against this or any other infections that may compromise your data. We at SensorsTechForum also would advise you to use a sandboxing software because it significantly increases your protection against infected files that you may accidentally open on your computer. Example for such program is called Sandboxie, which is completely free, but also has a licensed version with a lot of features.

Remove CryptoWall and Restore .jpg Encrypted Files

When it comes to removing CryptoWall from your computer, it may be easier than your think. In fact, after it has infected your computer, the malware may delete itself to prevent reverse engineering and analysis of its encryption modules. However, the Trojan may still reside on your computer, and this is why we recommend scanning it for malware.

Regarding the file decryption, there are several ways to cope with RSA encryption. Since it is RSA-4096 bit encryption algorithm, it would take hundreds of hours for it to be directly fixed using a decryptor. And most decryptors for RSA require the original file to establish the unlocking key and based on that recover the other files you may have encrypted. However, this ransomware is particularly dangerous, because it conceals the files. So you cannot decrypt what you cannot find. This is why we have suggested several other file recovery methods plus a decryptor by Kaspersky in the removal and restoration instructions after this article.

1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove CryptoWall RSA-4096

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 CryptoWall RSA-4096 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

Remove CryptoWall RSA-4096 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove CryptoWall RSA-4096.

2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove CryptoWall RSA-4096.

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 CryptoWall RSA-4096 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. Back up your data to secure it against infections and file encryption by CryptoWall RSA-4096 in the future

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

IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data automatically with cloud backup and insure it against any type of data loss on your device, even the most severe. We recommend reading more about and downloading SOS Online Backup .

To back up your files via Windows and prevent any future intrusions, follow these instructions:

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 CryptoWall RSA-4096.

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 CryptoWall RSA-4096.

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 CryptoWall RSA-4096 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 CryptoWall RSA-4096 should be restored.

4. Restore files encrypted by CryptoWall RSA-4096

Restore Files Encrypted by CryptoWall RSA-4096

Security engineers strongly advise users NOT to pay the ransom money and attempt restoring the files using other methods. Here are several suggestions:

To restore your data, your first bet is to check again for shadow copies in Windows using this software:

Shadow Explorer

If this method does not work, Kaspersky have provided decryptors for files encrypted with the this and other encryption algorithms. For RSA-4096 algorhitm we advise using Rector Decryptor:

Kaspersky Decryptors

Another method of restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software, since this CryptoWall variant conceals them completely. Here are some examples of data recovery programs:

There is also the technical option to use a network sniffer:

Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer(while the PC is still infected) to get the encryption key, while files are being 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.

Optional: Using Alternative Anti-Malware Tools

Remove CryptoWall RSA-4096 Using Other Alternative Tools

STOPZilla Anti Malware

1. Download and Install STOPZilla Anti-malware to Scan for And Remove CryptoWall RSA-4096.
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.

2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all CryptoWall RSA-4096 associated files completely.
Step 1: Launch STOPZilla if you haven’t 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.

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.

How to Remove CryptoWall RSA-4096 from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove CryptoWall RSA-4096

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall CryptoWall RSA-4096 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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by CryptoWall RSA-4096 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 CryptoWall RSA-4096 there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
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 CryptoWall RSA-4096 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is 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. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CryptoWall RSA-4096.

Ransomware infections and CryptoWall RSA-4096 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.

1. Download the reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.

Windows Mac OS X

Get rid of CryptoWall RSA-4096 from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall CryptoWall RSA-4096 and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to CryptoWall RSA-4096:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to CryptoWall RSA-4096. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to CryptoWall RSA-4096. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

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 CryptoWall RSA-4096 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as CryptoWall RSA-4096. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for CryptoWall RSA-4096:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CryptoWall RSA-4096.

1. Download the reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.

CryptoWall RSA-4096 FAQ

What is CryptoWall RSA-4096 ransomware and how does it work?

CryptoWall RSA-4096 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 algorithm how 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.

How does CryptoWall RSA-4096 ransomware infect my computer?

Via several ways.CryptoWall RSA-4096 Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.

After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.

Another way, you may become a victim of CryptoWall RSA-4096 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 .CryptoWall RSA-4096 files?

You can't. At this point the .CryptoWall RSA-4096 files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.

Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?

Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .CryptoWall RSA-4096 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

One way to restore files, encrypted by CryptoWall RSA-4096 ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.

How Do I restore ".CryptoWall RSA-4096" files (Other Methods)?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CryptoWall RSA-4096 files.

These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.

How do I get rid of CryptoWall RSA-4096 ransomware virus?

The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate CryptoWall RSA-4096 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CryptoWall RSA-4096 files.

Also, keep in mind that viruses like CryptoWall RSA-4096 ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.

What to Do If nothing works?

There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:

Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.

More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.

2 Comments

j March 16, 2016 at 12:13 pm

I have been effected by RSA4096 ransomeware this morning. all my images are lockecd out and Cannot open them. but their file extensions are unchanged. I get the following
I am a designer and all my previous work are locked completely now and having the worst virus infection. Can you please help? Do I have to pay for the spyhunter program to get my data back? unfortunately, i haven’t backed up my data for more than a month now…..

I get a text message like the following and all my folders are populated with files named RECOVERsaqww.html, RECOVERsaqww.jpegs, and RECOVERsaqww.txt.

the jpeg files are printed versions of the RECOVERsaqww.txt file and I cannot even google what that is..

IF I PAY FOR SPYHUNTER AND REGHUNTER, CAN I GET MY FILES, JPEGS,PNGS,PDFs back???

Reply ↓
1. Milena Dimitrova March 17, 2016 at 7:37 am
  
  Hi J,
  
  Unfortunately, Spyhunter cannot decrypt your files, because it is a program for protection (anti-malware software). However, it can remove the ransomware.
  
  For now, security experts have not discovered a method to decrypt files encrypted by TeslaCrypt.
  
  Reply ↓