Remove CryptXXX 3.0 Ransomware and Restore .crypt Encrypted Files

The CryptXXX ransomware creators have now released CryptXXX 3.0. The latest variant stops Kaspersky’s decryptor of unlocking files. A side effect of the new release is that the creators’ own decryptor doesn’t work as well. The ransomware again uses the Angler Exploit Kit. To see if you can restore your files now and how to remove this ransomware, you should read the whole article.

Threat Summary

Name	CryptXXX 3.0
Type	Ransomware
Short Description	The ransomware encrypts your files with .crypt extension and asks a ransom of 500 US dollars for decryption.
Symptoms	All of your files get encrypted. Files containing messages with instructions are created.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Exploit Kits
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by CryptXXX 3.0 Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss CryptXXX 3.0.
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 3.0 Ransomware – Spread

CryptXXX 3.0 ransomware is spread in a number of ways. One of the ways is through spam e-mails. The e-mails have attached files with the malware inside. If you open the attachment, the malware enters your PC, and the damage is done. Social networks or file sharing services might also have such dangerous files helping deliver the ransomware.

The CryptXXX 3.0 ransomware spreads mainly with the Angler Exploit Kit as previous variants. The Bedep Trojan is not excluded to be involved again. By visiting websites or from clicking on suspicious links you can get the exploit kit to inject the malware in your computer machine.

CryptXXX 3.0 Ransomware – More Information

The CryptXXX 3.0 is the newest variant of the crypto-virus. The previous ones CryptXXX ransomware and CryptXXX 2.0 ransomware have been beaten by Kaspersky, who provided a free decryptor. To stop this, the ransomware creators made this third variant and prevented the Kaspersky decrypting tool from working. Doing that resulted in a side-effect and now even if you pay the ransom, the very own decryptor of the malware makers will not work.

You can see in the picture below, the error the decryptor gives:

The following files could be created:

HKLM/Software/Microsoft/WindowsNT/CurrentVersion/Winlogon/Shell

and

HKLM/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Run/

The goal of these files is for the CryptXXX 3.0 ransomware to be persistent and load with each start of the Operating System.

Registry entries are probably also created to support the evasive actions of the ransomware.

Afterward, CryptXXX 3.0 will lock your files, no matter on what storage device they are found or what current extension they have. The ransomware searches to encrypt files with the following extensions:

→ .3dm, .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, .zipx

The file extension that is set on every file is still .crypt.

Above you can see a picture example of the instructions for ransom payment of CryptXXX 3.0.
Below the files that load them are listed:

• de_crypt_readme.bmp
• de_crypt_readme.txt
• de_crypt_readme.html

You are asked to pay the sum of 1.2 Bitcoins or the equivalent of 500 US dollars within five days’ time. The amount keeps increasing with every day passed.

Contacting the ransomware makers of the CryptXXX 3.0 ransomware is no good. Paying the ransom is strongly NOT advised. For the moment, the cyber-criminals have broken their own decryptor, and the decryption of your files is not possible. Even if they have it fixed, paying the ransom will only aid the crooks. They could also get motivated in making a stronger variant of the virus. Do not worry, as there are other ways you can try to get your files back and Kaspersky should eventually find a solution to decrypting files for free with one of their tools.

If you notice a weird activity on your PC, shut it down – you might stop a raving ransomware from encrypting your files. In the ransomware prevention thread in our forum you will find lots of useful tips on the matter.

Remove CryptXXX 3.0 Ransomware and Restore .crypt Encrypted Files

If CryptXXX 3.0 ransomware has infected your computer, you should remove it as it will try to encrypt files found on each storage device on your computer. If you are infected with the ransomware, you should have at least a bit of experience in removing viruses. See the instructions given below to remove it and if you can restore some files. Kaspersky might beat the ransomware code again and update their decryptor, but you should remove the virus regardless.

Manually delete CryptXXX 3.0 from your computer

Note! Substantial notification about the CryptXXX 3.0 threat: Manual removal of CryptXXX 3.0 requires interference with system files and registries. Thus, it can cause damage to your PC. Even if your computer skills are not at a professional level, don’t worry. You can do the removal yourself just in 5 minutes, using a malware removal tool.

1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove CryptXXX 3.0 files and objects.

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. Find malicious files created by CryptXXX 3.0 on your PC.

Find malicious files created by CryptXXX 3.0

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

For Newer Windows Operating Systems

Step 1:

On your keyboard press  + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.

Step 2:

Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.

Step 3:

Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:

N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.

For Older Windows Operating Systems

In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:

Step 1:

Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.

Step 2:

After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.

Step 3:

After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.

Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.

3. Fix registry entries created by CryptXXX 3.0 on your PC.

Fix registry entries created by CryptXXX 3.0 on your PC.

Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries of your computer to change different settings. This is why manual clean up of your Windows Registry Database is strongly recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit lenghty, we recommend following our instructive article about fixing registry entries.

Automatically remove CryptXXX 3.0 by downloading an advanced anti-malware program

1. Remove CryptXXX 3.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

Remove CryptXXX 3.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove CryptXXX 3.0.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove CryptXXX 3.0.

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

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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 CryptXXX 3.0 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.

2. Back up your data to secure it against infections and file encryption by CryptXXX 3.0 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 .

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 CryptXXX 3.0.

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 CryptXXX 3.0.

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 CryptXXX 3.0 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 CryptXXX 3.0 should be restored.

3. Restore files encrypted by CryptXXX 3.0

Restore Files Encrypted by CryptXXX 3.0

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 a decryptors for files encrypted with the this and other encryption algorithms:

Kaspersky Decryptors

Another method of restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some examples of data recovery programs:

• Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery Technicians License(Pro version with more features)
• Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery
• Stellar Phoenix Photo Recovery

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

Another way to decrypt the files is 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.

Optional: Using Alternative Anti-Malware Tools

Remove CryptXXX 3.0 Using Other Alternative Tools

STOPZilla Anti Malware

1. Download and Install STOPZilla Anti-malware to Scan for And Remove CryptXXX 3.0.
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 CryptXXX 3.0 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.

Berta Bilbao

Berta is the Editor-in-Chief of SensorsTechForum. She is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space.

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