Remove Jager Ransomware and Restore AES and RSA Encrypted Files

by Ventsislav Krastev | July 27, 2016 | 0 Comments AES Encryption Algorithm, bitcoin, file-encryption, malware, RSA Encryption Algorithm, Windows

Threat Summary Jager How Does Jager Ransomware Spread Jager Ransomware – In Depth Analysis Jager Ransomware’s Encryption Explained Remove Jager Ransomware and Try To Restore the Encoded Files

JagerDecryptor – this is what victims of the Jager ransomware see after their files have been encoded using a strong AES-256 and RSA-2048 encryption ciphers. This type of ransomware attacks has increased in both numbers and sophistication. The cyber-criminals behind Jager ransomware leave a ransom note asking victims to pay the sum of 100$ to restore their files. After 24 hours the price becomes 150$ and after 48h – 200$. On top of this, the virus threatens to destroy the decryption keys in 72 hours.

Everyone whose computer has been infected by Jager ransomware is advised to immediately remove this virus and try other methods to restore their files instead of paying the ransom. In this article, we have provided more information about this virus as well as instructions on how to remove Jager and try to restore your files.

Threat Summary

Name	Jager
Type	Ransomware
Short Description	Jager uses a combination of AES-256 and RSA-2048 ciphers to encrypt the files of victims and ask 100$ for decryption as a payment in BitCoins.
Symptoms	The user may witness ransom message in a “Important_Read_Me.html” file which explains that there are 72 hours to pay the ransom otherwise the files will be gone forever.
Distribution Method	Via exploit kits, drive by download, JavaScript attacks or PUPs.
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join our forum to Discuss Jager Ransomware.

How Does Jager Ransomware Spread

Cyber-criminals behind Jager ransomware may use a wide variety of tools to spread this ransomware, hide it from anti-malware software and other functions:

Obfuscation software.
File joiners which bundle executables with different scripts.
Exploit kits to conduct successful infection.
JavaScript code.
Spam bots or spam services to spread the file encryption malware.

The most commonly used spam technique is associated with massive spam e-mail campaigns. Such may either contain two types of malicious objects:

Malicious files uploaded as attachments to the e-mail. They may be Microsoft Office documents with malicious macros which are activated after you click on the “Enable Editing” button. They may also be .js files or executables appearing to look like pictures or other types of files.

Malicious web links. They may contain malicious scripts that induce a drive-by download attack. The links may originally appear legitimate, and this is because they are, however, they cause a redirect to the malicious host which infects the computer without the user’s knowledge.

The e-mails sent by cyber-criminals usually appear to resemble messages from legitimate services like PayPal, eBay or other services.

Jager Ransomware – In Depth Analysis

After it has slipped past the defenses of a targeted machine, Jager Ransomware uses advanced techniques to run while being obfuscated and drop its payload. The virus may create files in the following targeted Windows directories:

%AppData%
%Temp%
%Windows%
%Common%
%Roaming%
%Local%

The files may either have completely random names, names that resemble legitimate programs or their installers and even names which make them seem like legitimate Windows processes in Windows Task Manager, for example, svchost.exe.

After it has dropped its malicious files, Jager ransomware may also create custom values for its encryption file to run on Windows startup. This is achievable by modifying the Run or RunOnce registry keys:

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

When Jager Ransowmare begins to encipher user files, it scans for a wide variety of file types:

→ .3dm, .3ds, .3g2, .3gp, .7z, .accdb, .aes, .ai, .aif, .apk, .app, .arc, .asc, .asf, .asm, .asp, .aspx, .asx, .avi, .bmp, .brd, .bz2, .c, .cer, .cfg, .cfm, .cgi, .cgm, .class, .cmd, .cpp, .crt, .cs, .csr, .css, .csv, .cue, .db, .dbf, .dch, .dcu, .dds, .dif, .dip, .djv, .djvu, .doc, .docb, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .dtd, .dwg, .dxf, .eml, .eps, .fdb, .fla, .flv, .frm, .gadget, .gbk, .gbr, .ged, .gif, .gpg, .gpx, .gz, .h, .htm, .html, .hwp, .ibd, .ibooks, .iff, .indd, .jar, .java, .jks, .jpg, .js, .jsp, .key, .kml, .kmz, .lay, .lay6, .ldf, .lua, .m, .m3u, .m4a, .m4v, .max, .mdb, .mdf, .mfd, .mid, .mkv, .mml, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpa, .mpg, .ms11, .msi, .myd, .myi, .nef, .note, .obj, .odb, .odg, .odp, .ods, .odt, .otg, .otp, .ots, .ott, .p12, .pages, .paq, .pas, .pct, .pdb, .pdf, .pem, .php, .pif, .pl, .plugin, .png, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .prf, .priv, .privat, .ps, .psd, .pspimage, .py, .qcow2, .ra, .rar, .raw, .rm, .rss, .rtf, .sch, .sdf, .sh, .sitx, .sldx, .slk, .sln, .sql, .sqlite, .sqlite, .srt, .stc, .std, .sti, .stw, .svg, .swf, .sxc, .sxd, .sxi, .sxm, .sxw, .tar, .tbk, .tex, .tga, .tgz, .thm, .tif, .tiff, .tlb, .tmp, .txt, .uop, .uot, .vb, .vbs, .vcf, .vcxpro, .vdi, .vmdk, .vmx, .vob, .wav, .wks, .wma, .wmv, .wpd, .wps, .wsf, .xcodeproj, .xhtml, .xlc, .xlm, .xlr, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .xml, .yuv, .zip, .zipx, .dat Source: Trendmicro

After encrypting the files, their first 4 bytes of code begins with the indication ! ENC. The ransomware then drops an .HTML file named “Important_Read_Me.html”. It aims to scare the affected user into paying the ransom by giving short deadlines and threatening to destroy any decryption possibilities.

The message is the following:

All your files have been encrypted with RSA-2048 and AES-256 ciphers. To decrypt your files, you need a private key which only we have on our server and nobody else.
Decryption price: 100$
Decryption price after 24h: 150$
Decryption price after 48h: 200$
After 72h: All your files will be unrecoverable
Contact us with email for more information about price and payment process (smartfiles9@yandex.com) don’t forget to include your unique id ({USER ID HERE})
We will use BitCoins for payment. If you haven:
1. Start by creating a BitCoin wallet(we recommend Blockchain.info)
2. Buy necessary amount of BitCoins, our recommendations:

→ Btcdirect.eu – A good service for Europe
Bittylicious.com – Get BTC via Visa/MC or SEPA (EU) bank transfer
Cex.io – Buy Bitcoins using Visa / Mastercard or Wire Transfer.
Coincafe.com – It is recommended for the fast and easy service. Payment methods: Western Union, Bank of America, cash through FedEx, Moneygram, and/or wire transfer
Bitstamp.net – Old and proven Bitcoin dealer
Btc-e.com – Bitcoins dealer (Visa/Mastercard, etc.)
Buybitcoinworldwide.com – International catalog of Bitcoins exchanges
Bitcoin-net.com – Another Bitcoins sellers catalog
Howtobuybitcoins.info – International catalog of Bitcoins exchanges
Bittybot.co/eu/ – A catalog for the European Union

We will decrypt one file for free which is less than 200KB to show that our decryptor works. You can find this document in desktop and documents folders

Jager Ransomware’s Encryption Explained

The encryption algorithms which are being used by Jager ransomware are the following:

RSA-2048 (Rivest Shamir Adleman).
AES-256 (Advanced Encryption Standard).

The encryption process is rather sophisticated but to simply explain it, the AES cipher is used to encrypt the files, changing their hex code structure. It may not encrypt the entire file. Instead it may use bits of data which it encodes. This is enough to render the file unusable.

The RSA cipher may then be used to encrypt the AES decryption key which is created after the encryption of the files is done.

The encryption procedure by Jager may look like the sequence in the following image:

Source: Wikipedia.com

To decrypt the files, the cyber-criminals use the reverse procedure – they have programmed a decryptor which works with the RSA key which is sent to them. After they upload the files on the decryptor, it simply uses the key, unlocks the file and then it can be used again.

However, if the affected user tries direct decryption by using different factorization methods, it will take an enormous amount of time.

Related Article: Restore Files Encrypted via RSA Encryption

These ciphers (RSA and AES) are some of the top algorithms used by the government to encrypt top secret files and their decryption if you do not know the key may take hundreds of years if your computer does not break by that time.

Remove Jager Ransomware and Try To Restore the Encoded Files

Jager ransomware is a very powerful virus. It may spread even further, and experts strongly advise users to employ a relevant ransomware protection against it. It is also highly recommended not to pay any ransom and wait for a decrypter to be released out to the public which may happen eventually. Malware researchers are constantly analyzing viruses and discovering holes in their code which eventually allow them to create free decryptors.

We advise you to follow the removal instructions below to delete Jager ransomware completely and wait for us to update this article with a decrypter. In the meantime, you may attempt the other methods for file restoration which we have provided in step “3. Restore files encrypted by Jager” below. They may not be 100% successful, but there is a chance you may restore at least some of your files for free which is a good temporary solution until a decryptor is released.

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 Jager from Windows.

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

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 Jager 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 Jager 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 Jager 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 Jager 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of Jager from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall Jager 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 Jager:

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 Jager. 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 Jager. 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 Jager 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 Jager. 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.

Step 2: Scan for and remove Jager files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Jager, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for Jager:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove Jager from Google Chrome.

Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Erase Jager from Mozilla Firefox.

Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window

Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Uninstall Jager from Microsoft Edge.

Step 1: Start Edge browser.

Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.

Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".

Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.

Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove Jager from Safari.

Step 1: Start the Safari app.

Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.

Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".

Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.

Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.

Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Jager will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Eliminate Jager from Internet Explorer.

Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.

Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'

Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.

Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.

Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.