Remove MENSAGEM.txt Crypto-Malware and Restore .lock Encrypted Files

Ransomware infection, named Able, written for Brazilian users has been reported to be on the rise. The ransomwar displays a terrifying picture after which notifies users in its ransom note that their files are encrypted. The Brazillian ransomware also adds a “.lock” extension to the files which have been encoded. Researchers have reported that a very strong algorithm has been used(AES-256) which prevents users from accessing their files. Infected users are advised NOT to pay any ransom money demanded by the criminals and wait for alternative solutions. We will post and update here as soon as they are released, so we advise following this article. In the meantime, you may want to remove the ransomware and try restoring your files using the methods which have been provided after this article.

Threat Summary

Name	Able
Type	Ransomware
Short Description	The ransomware encrypts files with a strong cipher and asks a ransom for decryption in Brasilian.
Symptoms	Files are encrypted with the .lock file extension and the AES-256 cipher and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a “MESAGEM.txt” file.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks.
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by Able Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join our forum to Discuss Able 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.

The Able Ransomware – How Is It Distributed

To successfully spread it across computers, the cyber criminals may use different strategies:

• Infected flash drives.
• Infected e-mail archives and other attachments such as Microsoft Documents that are spread via malicious macros.
• Malicious web links spread across users via different types of spam messages.

Users should be aware of any method that the crooks behind the Brazilian ransomware may use and scan every web link and file they believe is suspicious using VirusTotal before they open it. We also recommend following our security tips for maximum future protection.

The Able Ransomware In Detail

Similar to the Italian Bloccato Ransomware it has been executed on the computer, the Brazilian crypto malware may situate various files in the following Windows locations:

After this has been done, the malware may execute its malicious modules, and they may have different functions. One of the functions may be to modify the following Windows Registry Entries:

→ 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

This may be done by the Brazilian ransomware to make its malicious file that encrypts the data on the compromised device to run automatically, usually when you restart your computer. Once this file runs, it may begin to scan for and encrypt files with different file extensions, such as the following examples:

→ “PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”Source:fileinfo.com

After encrypting the files of the compromised computer, the ransomware adds the .lock file extension to the encrypted files of the compromised computer, for example:

→ Picture.jpg.lock

After the files have been encrypted, the virus drops a “MESAGEM.txt” file on the desktop or on the folders with encrypted files. It contains the following ransom note:

→ Original:
TODOS OS SEUS ARQUIVOS FORAM BLOQUEADOS !
PARA DESBLOQUEAR SUAS INFORMAÇÕES, ACESSE O LINK: http://is.gd/comunicado1
ou http://is.gd/comunicado2
ou http://is.gd/comunicado3
Translated:
ALL YOUR FILES WERE LOCKED!
TO UNLOCK YOUR INFORMATION, VISIT THE LINK: http://is.gd/comunicado1
or http://is.gd/comunicado2
or http://is.gd/comunicado3

Not only this, but the .lock malware also sets the following message as a wallpaper on the infected computer:

The message from the wallpaper roughly translates to the following:

→ “All your files were locked !!!
So the decryption is the same, go to the ‘message’ file created on your desktop, after accessing instructions follow them for the release of all your files!
If you do not follow the steps, your entire database will be deleted !!!
Without following the message instructions and impossible the recovery of files !!!!”

Able Ransomware – Summary, Removal, and File Decryption of .lock Files

Malware researchers strongly believe that this devastating ransomware variant is a part of the HiddenTear project. The creators of the ransomware most likely aim at Brazilian or Portuguese computers. They do not fool around, threatening users to lock their computer if they do not pay money to restore their files.

However, in case you have been infected by .lock Brazilian ransomware, we advise you to not pay the ransom amount In any circumstances, because this way you assist the malware developers by funding the development of the virus and you may also not get your files back. This is why we strongly recommend you to follow the instructions below to remove the Brazilian Ransomware from your computer.

Regarding file decryption, researchers like Demonslay335 strongly recommend to infected users to try the free tools to BruteForce and decrypt files encrypted by the ransomware:

HiddenTear BruteForcer
HiddenTear Decrypter

If those solutions do not work for you, you may also want to review the alternative methods for file reverting, posted in step “3. Restore files Encrypted by .Lock Ransomware”.

Manually delete Able from your computer

Note! Substantial notification about the Able threat: Manual removal of Able 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 Able 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 Able on your PC

Find malicious files created by Able

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 Able on your PC

Fix registry entries created by Able 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 Able by downloading an advanced anti-malware program

1. Remove Able with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

Remove Able with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Able.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove Able.

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 Able 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 Able 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 Able.

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 Able.

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 Able 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 Able should be restored.

3. Restore files encrypted by Able

Restore Files Encrypted by Able

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 Able Using Other Alternative Tools

STOPZilla Anti Malware

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