Remove CryptXXX 2.0 Ransomware and Restore Access to Your Encrypted PC

by Ventsislav Krastev | May 10, 2016 | 2 Comments File Encryptor, Lockscreen, ransomware, RSA 4096 Cipher

The CryptXXX malware writers have designed a new version which has been reported to contain several drastic improvements in encrypting the files of unsuspecting victims. The ransomware encrypts users’ files after which locks the screen with the ransom message. This is particularly dangerous because users are not able to access their computer to even see what happened to their files. Similar to the previous version, CryptXXX 2.0 (2.006 to be correct) uses a strong encryption cipher to render the files corrupt after which ads a unique identification on the ransom note files. Users who have been infected with the latest version of CryptXXX should be advised that at this point there is no relevant method for decryption of the files encrypted by this version of CryptXXX.

Threat Summary

Name	CryptXXX 2.0
Type	Ransomware
Short Description	The ransomware may encrypt files with RSA-4096 cipher and asks a ransom for decryption by locking the screen and adding a picture, a text and an HTML file.
Symptoms	Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom asks the user to install Tor browser and pay in BitCoin.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks.
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join our forum to Discuss Locky 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.
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.

CryptXXX 2.0 Ransomware – How Did I Get It

To successfully infect this computer, the malware is believed to spread via malicious URLs and exploit kits. One of its primary spread methods is believed to be Angler Exploit Kit which has proven its effectiveness over time. Such exploit kits may be spread via:

HTML files included in archives or opened automatically by other software.
Redirects to malicious URLs.
As a result of clicking on a malvertising banner.
Via spam e-mail messages.

Whatever the distribution method may be, the exploit kit may generate a “hole” in the security and open an unsecured port through which the computer may be infected.

CryptXXX 2.0 Ransomware In Detail

Researchers at Proofpoint(https://www.proofpoint.com/us/threat-insight/post/cryptxxx2-ransomware-authors-strike-back-against-free-decryption-tool) security who have discovered this threat have reported that the authors of Reveton Police Ransomware have went back to their roots. This is because, just like the already outdated Reventon, CryptXXX ransomware locks the screen of the infected PC, preventing the user access to his device:

Also, there is a change in the executables it may create on the infected computers. The ransomware uses names that resemble legitimate Windows processes, creating the files in key Windows folders:

→ In %Temp%:
Svchost.exe
In %System32%:
Rundll32.exe

Not only this but unlike the previous version of CryptXXX, this ransomware also makes the encrypted files to be significantly bigger in size and changing them to such extent that even the previously working Kaspersky Rannoh Decrypter cannot decrypt them. The decrypter requires one original file to establish the encryption pattern, however with the 2.006 version the decryptor provides the following error message:

“Encrypted file size does not equal to the original”

Furthermore, another improvement in this ransomware besides the ones above is that instead of the older “de_crypt_readme” .bmp, .txt and .html ransom notes and payment sites it uses changed ones whose names are a unique identification for the infected user PC, which is a random alpha numerical number, for example:

Similar to the older version, the ransomware still looks for a wide variety of file types to encrypt:

→ .aes, .ARC, .asc, .asf, .asm, .asp, .avi, .bak, .bat, .bmp, .brd, .cgm, .class, .cmd, .cpp, .crt, .csr, .CSV, .dbf, .dch, .dcu, .dif, .dip, .djv, .djvu, .doc, .DOC, .docb, .docm, .docx, .DOT, .dotm, .dotx, .eml, .fla, .flv, .frm, .gif, .gpg, .hwp, .ibd, .jar, .java, .jpeg, .jpg, .key, .lay, .lay6, .ldf, .max, .mdb, .mdf, .mid, .mkv, .mml, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpeg, .mpg, .ms11, .MYD, .MYI, .NEF, .obj, .odb, .odg, .odp, .ods, .odt, .otg, .otp, .ots, .ott, .PAQ, .pas, .pdf, .pem, .php, .png, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .PPT, .pptm, .pptx, .psd, .qcow2, .rar, .raw, .RTF, .sch, .sldx, .slk, .sql, .SQLITE3, .SQLITEDB, .stc, .std, .sti, .stw, .svg, .swf, .sxc, .sxd, .sxi, .sxm, .sxw, .tar, .tar, .bz2, .tbk, .tgz, .tif, .tiff, .txt, .uop, .uot, .vbs, .vdi, .vmdk, .vmx, .vob, .wav, .wks, .wma, .wmv, .xlc, .xlm, .xls, .XLS, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .xml, .zip Source:Symantec

Not only this, but CryptXXX ransomware also has renamed the decryption page, naming its decrypter which can be downloaded after paying the ransom “Google Decrypter” instead of the previously named “CryptoWall Decrypter”.

Remove CryptXXX 2.0 Ransomware and Restore .Crypt Encrypted Files

To remove the CryptXXX 2.0 threat, be advised that ordinary removal methods will not work because this cyber-threat uses several different techniques to prevent access. This is why we advise giving the removal instructions after this article a try. They may effectively provide you with methods to remove the lockscreen by cleaning your registry entries and removing its files. If those instructions fail to work, we advise using an advanced anti-malware software which will deal with the threat automatically.

Furthermore, if you want to decrypt your files, be advised that unlike the first version of CryptXXX, there is no effective decryption method released for the latest variant. This is why we have provided you with some alternative methods and tools to help you restore files encoded by this ransomware. Be advised that if a decryption has been found we will post an update on our blog or our security forum, so we also recommend following them as well.

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 CryptXXX 2.0 from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove CryptXXX 2.0

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 CryptXXX 2.0 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 CryptXXX 2.0 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 CryptXXX 2.0 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 CryptXXX 2.0 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 CryptXXX 2.0.

Ransomware infections and CryptXXX 2.0 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 CryptXXX 2.0 from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall CryptXXX 2.0 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 CryptXXX 2.0:

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 CryptXXX 2.0. 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 CryptXXX 2.0. 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 CryptXXX 2.0 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 CryptXXX 2.0. 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 CryptXXX 2.0:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CryptXXX 2.0.

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.

CryptXXX 2.0 FAQ

What is CryptXXX 2.0 ransomware and how does it work?

CryptXXX 2.0 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 CryptXXX 2.0 ransomware infect my computer?

Via several ways.CryptXXX 2.0 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 CryptXXX 2.0 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 .CryptXXX 2.0 files?

You can't. At this point the .CryptXXX 2.0 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 .CryptXXX 2.0 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

One way to restore files, encrypted by CryptXXX 2.0 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 ".CryptXXX 2.0" files (Other Methods)?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CryptXXX 2.0 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 CryptXXX 2.0 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 CryptXXX 2.0 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CryptXXX 2.0 files.

Also, keep in mind that viruses like CryptXXX 2.0 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

amin May 17, 2016 at 7:33 pm
Hello
A few days ago all my files .crypt struck by ransomware and all media files are locked photos and text
And open not
I am very sorry for myself.
Please help me
Of course, with the help of RannohDecryptor
A small amount of files returned
But still busy
Thank you
Reply ↓
1. Vencislav Krustev (Post author)May 20, 2016 at 1:44 pm
  Hello amin,
  I feel sorry for you. Keep trying with RannohDecryptor. Otherwise, we strongly recommend that you also select files that are smaller in size, like pictures and others first.
  Reply ↓