The notorious Troldesh family of ransomware viruses has just increased with a new variant. The new crypto-ransomware variant encrypts the user files adding a .Better_call_saul file extension after them. It is reported by researchers at Nyxbone to utilize a powerful AES-256 encryption cipher. The ransomware is also reported to change the wallpaper with a ransom note written in both Russian and English languages as well. Users who have been affected by this virus – encoder, should immediately remove it, instead of paying the ransom and try to restore the files using one of the alternative solutions in this article.
SIDENOTE: This post was originally published in June 2016. But we gave it an update in August 2019.
Threat Summary
| Name | Troldesh |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts your files with .better_call_saul extension and asks a ransom payment of $150 for decryption. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware encrypts all of the files, changes the wallpaper to a russian and english versions of the same message and adds a README.txt note. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Exploit Kits |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Troldesh. |
Troldesh Ransomware — Update August 2019
The Troldesh ransomware has been detected in an ongoing attack wave in August 2019. The criminals that are behind the attacks are using hacked or specially made sites in order to deliver the infection. When the victims click on them they will automatically launch the dropper script which in turn will lead to the ransomware infection.
According to the available security reports the trigger will be a JScript file which will proceed with the infection — in the moment primarily Windows computers are targeted.
The file name of the script is written in the Russian language and it appears that the attackers are attempting to spoof an airline company message. Various contents can be inserted and manipulate the users into opening them. When this is done the ransomware will be automatically downloaded from a remote host and executed on a local host.
A randomly-named directory name will be created and the ransomware will be placed there. Following the intrusion the typical Troldesh ransomware attack sequence will begin.
Troldesh Ransomware – How Does It Infect
One method Troldesh may use to successfully infect users is via malicious URLs. Such web links may redirect to web pages which contain malicious JavaScript or an Exploit Kit. Such web links may be seen in various locations by end users, for example:
- On spam comments in comment sections of different sites.
- Featured as a reply or a topic in a not so well secured forum.
- Automatically pop-up on the computer as a result of having a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) installed on the computer.
- Redirect as a result of clicking on a malicious advertisement (malvertising)
Another method of distribution which may be used by Troldesh is by directly spreading the .exe of the malware. For this to happen, process obfuscation is believed to be used on the executable to conceal it from the real time shield of any antivirus that may be installed to the latest definitions on the victim`s computer. Such files can usually be spread via:
- Malicious e-mails as attachments, which are usually in .zip or .rar archives.
- Pose as fixes, patches, keygens, cracks and others.
- Pretend to be a setup of a legitimate software on a third-party website.
So far, one thing may be certain. Researchers have reported that this variant of Troldesh uses the following hosts to conduct massive spam campaigns:
→ 155.94.254.7
220.116.246.88
73.69.54.155
59.16.141.51
46.241.162.75
181229176179
181.46.183.183
91.250.53.114
69.23.139.144
105.131.75.227
188.0.72.57
176.223.169.98
121.136.241.45
1.64.242.80
76.9.38.194
73.205.91.110
203.175.48.196
1.239.96.173 Source: Nyxbone(@mosh)
And this is not the only bad news about how this ransomware spreads. Experts believe it to have something in common with a very dangerous botnet, called Kelihos that is known for sending out phishing campaigns.(https://sensorstechforum.com/kelihos-botnet-phishing-campaign-collects-apple-ids-spam-emails/)
Troldesh Ransomware – Malicious Activity
The ransomware drops the following files after infection:
- schet1074.15.03.16.doc – 1.1 MB
- CSRSS.exe – 1.8 MB
- 025074DE.exe – 114.3 KB
- E8B6CE19.exe – 1.0 MB
Source: Nyxbone(@mosh)
After dropping its payload, the ransomware modifies the registry entries of infected computers to change different settings:
→ HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\Client Server Runtime Subsystem
HKCU\Software\Classes\VirtualStore\MACHINE\SOFTWARE\System32\Configuration\cnt
HKCU\Software\Classes\VirtualStore\MACHINE\SOFTWARE\System32\Configuration\i
HKCU\Software\Classes\VirtualStore\MACHINE\SOFTWARE\System32\Configuration\mode
HKCU\Software\Classes\VirtualStore\MACHINE\SOFTWARE\System32\Configuration\pk
HKCU\Software\Classes\VirtualStore\MACHINE\SOFTWARE\System32\Configuration\state
HKCU\Software\Classes\VirtualStore\MACHINE\SOFTWARE\System32\Configuration\sys
HKCU\Software\Classes\VirtualStore\MACHINE\SOFTWARE\System32\Configuration\Version Source: Nyxbone(@mosh)
The ransomware also creates additional files in the infected computer on different locations:
→ C:\ProgramData\Windows\csrss.exe
C:\Users\{USERNAME}\AppData\Local\Temp\E8B6CE19.exe –
C:\Users\{USERNAME}\AppData\Local\Temp\025074DE.exe –
C:\Users\{USERNAME}\AppData\Local\Temp\state
C:\Users\{USERNAME}\AppData\Local\Temp\lock
C:\Users\{USERNAME}\AppData\Roaming\77E4183577E41835.bmp
C:\Users\{USERNAME}\\Desktop\README1.txt
C:\Users\{USERNAME}\Desktop\README2.txt
C:\Users\{USERNAME}\Desktop\README3.txt
C:\Users\{USERNAME}\\Desktop\README4.txt
C:\Users\{USERNAME}\Desktop\README5.txt
C:\Users\{USERNAME}\Desktop\README6.txt
C:\Users\{USERNAME}\Desktop\README7.txt
C:\Users\{USERNAME}\Desktop\README8.txt
C:\Users\{USERNAME}\Desktop\README9.txt
C:\Users\{USERNAME}\Desktop\README10.txt
C:\Users\Public\Desktop\README1.txt
C:\Users\Public\Desktop\README2.txt
C:\Users\Public\Desktop\README3.txt
C:\Users\Public\Desktop\README4.txt
C:\Users\Public\Desktop\README5.txt
C:\Users\Public\Desktop\README6.txt
C:\Users\Public\Desktop\README7.txt
C:\Users\Public\Desktop\README8.txt
C:\Users\Public\Desktop\README9.txt
C:\Users\Public\Desktop\README10.txtSource: Nyxbone(@mosh)
After doing, so, the ransomware executes a call command to its encryptor. Its reported to scan for and encrypt the following types of files:
→ wb2, cdr, srw, p7b, odm, mdf, p7c, 3fr, der, odb, arw, rwl, cer, xlk, pdd, rw2, crt, dx, r3d, pem, bay, ptx, pfx, indd, nrw, p12, bd, backup, torrent, kwm, pwm, safe, xl, xls, xlsx, xlsm, xlsb, xltm, xlt, xlam, xla, mdb, rtf, txt, xml, csv, pdf, prn, dif, slk, ods, xltx, xlm, odc, xlw, uxdc, pm, udl, dsn, iqy, dqy, rqy, oqy, cub, bak, xsn, xsf, xtp, xtp2, accdb, adb, adp, mda, accda, mde, accde, accdw, accdt, accdc, mdw, dbf, tab, asc, frm, opt, myd, myi, db, onetoc2, one, onepkg, vcs, ics, pst, oft, msg, pptx, ppt, pptm, pps, ppsm, pot, potx, potm, odp, thmx, wpd, wps, ppa, ppam, wmf, emf, pub, ps, xps, vsd, vdx, vss, vsx, vst, vtx, vsw, vdw, emz, dwg, dxf, docx, doc, docm, dotx, dot, dotm, djvu, chm, htm, html, mht, mhtml, shtml, shtm, asp, aspx, dwt, stm, cs, css, psd, pdd, 3ds, max, crw, nef, raf, orf, mrw, dcr, mos, pef, srf, dng, x3f, cr2, erf, sr2, kdc, mfw, mef, cin, sdpx, dpx, fido, dae, dcm, dc3, dic, eps, kmz, iff, tdi, exr, pcx, pdp, pxr, sct, u3d, obj, ai3, ai4, ai5, ai6, ai7, ai8, ai, epsp, epsf, hdr, rgbe, xyze, flm, pbm, pgm, ppm, pnm, pfm, pam, pct, pict, psb, fxg, swf, hta, htc, ssi, as, asr, xsl, xsd, dtd, xslt, rss, rdf, lbi, asa, ascx, asmx, config, cfm, cfml, cfc, tld, phtml, jsp, wml, tpl, lasso, jsf, vb, vbs, vtm, vtml, edml, raw, jpg, jpeg, jpe, bmp, png, tif, tiff, dib, gif, svg, svgz, rle, tga, vda, icb, wbm, wbmp, jpf, jpx, jp2, j2k, j2c, jpc, avi, mkv, mov, mp4, wmv, 3gp, mpg, mpeg, m4v, divx, mpv, m1v, dat, anim, m4a, qt, 3g2, f4v, mkidx, mka, avs, vdr, flv, bin, mp3, wav, asx, pls, zip, 7z, rar, tar, gz, bz2, wim, xz, c, h, hpp, cpp, php, php3, php4, php5, py, pl, sln, js, json, inc, sql, java, class, ini, asm, clx, tbb, tbi, tbk, pst, dbx, cbf, crypted, tib, eml, fld, vbm, vbk, vib, vhd, 1cd, dt, cf, cfu, mxl, epf, vrp, grs, geo, elf, lgf, lgp, log, st, pff, mft, efd, md, dmp, fdb, lst, fbkSource: Nyxbone(@mosh)
After doing this, the files are scrambled with an AES-256 encryption algorithm. The enciphered files are usually with the .better_call_saul, for example:
→ Original file:
New Text Document.txt
Encrypted File:
{ RANDOM ALPHA NUMERICAL ID }-i-{RANDOM ALPHA NUMERICAL ID}=.{ RANDOM ALPHA NUMERICAL ID }.better_call_saul
This ransomware, then changes the wallpaper of the infected computer to the following picture:
The ransomware may also communicate with the attackers to send to them the decryption key along with other system information. The reported IP addresses of attackers are reported by Nyxbone experts to be the following:
→ 86.59.21.38
208.83.223.34
37.59.46.159
158.58.170.2
188.165.26.13
104.25.11.6
72.246.48.8 Source: Nyxbone(@mosh)
In addition to all of those, after encrypting the files, the ransomware adds multiple “README.txt” files with sequence numbers, for example “README1.txt” ,”README2.txt” ,”README3.txt” ,”README4.txt” on the Desktop of the user or encrypted folders. The text of the readme is in Russian and English. The english version of the ransom note is the following:
To decrypt the files you should send the following code:
{UNIQUE CODE} to e-mail addess post77999@gmail.com or post7799@yahoo.com.
Then you will receive all necessary instrucions.
All the attempts of decryption by yourself will result only in irrevocable loss of your data.
If you still want to try to decrypt them by yourself please make a backup at first because the decryption will become impossible in case of any changes inside the files.
If you did not receive the answer from the aforecited email for more than 48 hours (and only in this case!), use the reserve email. You can get it by two ways:
1) Download Tor Browser from here:
{tor web link}
Install it and type the following address into the address bar:
{onion domain}
Press Enter and then the page with reserve emails will be loaded.
2) Go to the one of the following addresses in any browser:
{onion domains with .to and .cab extensions}”
Troldesh Ransomware – Conclusion, Removal and File Restoration
The bottom line is that this variant of the Troldesh family is a bit more sophisticated than the the .xtbl and .crypt Troldesh variants).
If you want to remove Troldesh ransomware, you may follow the instructions for manual removal below or download an advanced anti-malware program. It will make sure your computer is free of any objects modified by Troldesh Ransomware and protect you from such threats in the future as well.
In case you wish to restore your files, we advise trying to use Kaspersky`s Rannoh Decryptor which has been reported to successfully decrypt .crypt encrypted files by the Troldesh variant CryptXXX. Otherwise, you can find other, less effective alternatives from step “3. Restore files encrypted by Troldesh” below.
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.
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Step 1: Scan for Troldesh with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Troldesh and related malware 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Troldesh 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 Troldesh there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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.
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: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Troldesh
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Troldesh.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Troldesh 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.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Troldesh-FAQ
What is Troldesh Ransomware?
Troldesh 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 algorithms 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.
What Does Troldesh Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Troldesh Infect?
Via several ways.Troldesh Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, 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.
Another way you may become a victim of Troldesh 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 .Troldesh files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Troldesh files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Troldesh files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Troldesh" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Troldesh files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Troldesh Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Troldesh ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Troldesh files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Troldesh Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Troldesh Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Troldesh how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Troldesh ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.