Article created to help you remove the Revenge ransomware virus and restore files encrypted with the .revenge file extension.
A well-coded ransomware infection that is using the AES and RSA encryption algorithms has been reported to infect users since March 2017. The ransomware virus Is dubbed Revenge ransomware and aims to encrypt the files on the computers infected by it. After the encryption, Revenge ransomware drops a # !!!HELP_FILE!!! #.TXT note in which it demands a payment to return all the files. The virus creators communicate via e-mail. In case you have become a victim of this ransomware infection, recommendations are to read this article completely.
Threat Summary
Name |
Revenge |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | The malware encrypts users files using a strong encryption algorithm, making direct decryption possible only via a unique decryption key available to the cyber-criminals. |
Symptoms | The user may witness ransom notes and “instructions” linking to a web page and a decryptor. Changed file names and the file-extension .REVENGE has been used. |
Distribution Method | Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner. |
Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Revenge. |
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. |
Revenge Ransomware – How Does It Infect
For this virus to become active and infect an increasing number of Windows users’ multiple techniques are reportedly used. One of them is to utilize malicious files that contain either the Rig Exploit Kit or EiTest kit, web-injectors and fake updates for the infection. Such may be spread by being added as web links or malicious e-mail attachments in archives. The e-mails accompanying those attachments may contain deceptive messages that aim to trick the user into opening them, for instance:
After the user opens the malicious e-mail attachment, Revenge ransomware becomes activated and multiple malicious files are downloaded onto the computer of the user:
- Rig-EK.swf
- Svchost.exe
- {random named file}.exe
- {random named file(2)}.exe
- {random named file(3)}.exe
- {random named file}.bin.exe
- # !!!HELP_FILE!!! #.TXT
Most of the files are located in the %AppData% dorectory. But there is also the situation with malicious files that are located in the %Windows NT% directory.
Revenge Ransomware – Infection Analysis
After the infection by Revenge ransomware has been initiated, the virus begins to perform multiple different types of modifications to the computer, starting with the executing of administrative Windows commands in the Command Prompt without the user noticing. The commands are reported by researchers to be the following:
→ /C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
/C bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
/C bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
/C net stop vss
/C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
/C net stop vss
These commands are executed with the one and only purpose to stop the volume shadow service and delete the volume shadow copies (backed up files) in a quiet mode, without the user even seeing it.
In the meantime, Revenge ransomware also establishes connection with the following hosts:
- dfg.stickneylodge.com (217.107.34.86)
- 109.236.87.201
- www.everythingcebu.com
The virus also performs multiple other modifications, such as changing the functionality of the autorun service to run malicious executables on system boot. Revenge ransomware also steals confidential information from the web browsers of the infected computer and this may even include passwords and login usernames. This activity is very typical for evolved ransomware viruses, known as doxware.
Revenge Ransomware – Encryption Process
For the encryption of Revenge ransomware, multiple different processes are initiated in the Windows Task Manager to ensure that it is uninterrupted. The encryption procedure targets over 400 different types of files, including pictures, archives, documents, videos and other widely used content. When we put together all of the file extensions together, the list of encrypted files, if detected, becomes quite big:
.1CD, .3DM, .3DS, .3FR, .3G2, .3GP, .3PR, .7Z, .7ZIP, .AAC, .AB4, .ABD, .ACC,.ACCDB, .ACCDE, .ACCDR, .ACCDT, .ACH, .ACR, .ACT, .ADB, .ADP, .ADS, .AGDL, .AI, .AIFF, .AIT, .AL, .AOI, .APJ, .APK, .ARW, .ASCX, .ASF, .ASM, .ASP, .ASPX, .ASSET, .ASX, .ATB, .AVI, .AWG, .BACK, .BACKUP, .BACKUPDB, .BAK, .BANK, .BAY, .BDB, .BGT, .BIK, .BIN, .BKP, .BLEND, .BMP, .BPW, .BSA, .C, .CASH, .CDB, .CDF, .CDR, .CDR3, .CDR4, .CDR5, .CDR6, .CDRW, .CDX, .CE1, .CE2, .CER, .CFG, .CFN, .CGM, .CIB, .CLASS, .CLS, .CMT, .CONFIG, .CONTACT, .CPI, .CPP, .CR2, .CRAW, .CRT, .CRW, .CRY, .CS, .CSH, .CSL, .CSS, .CSV, .D3DBSP, .DAC, .DAS, .DAT, .DB .DB_JOURNAL, .DB3, .DBF, .DBX, .DC2, .DCR, .DCS, .DDD, .DDOC, .DDRW, .DDS, .DEF, .DER, .DES, .DESIGN, .DGC, .DGN, .DIT, .DJVU, .DNG, .DOC, .DOCM, .DOCX, .DOT, .DOTM, .DOTX, .DRF, .DRW, .DTD, .DWG, .DXB, .DXF, .DXG, .EDB, .EML, .EPS, .ERBSQL, .ERF, .EXF, .FDB, .FFD, .FFF, .FH, .FHD, .FLA, .FLAC, .FLB, .FLF, .FLV, .FLVV, .FORGE, .FPX, .FXG, .GBR, .GHO, .GIF, .GRAY, .GREY, .GROUPS, .GRY, .H, .HBK, .HDD, .HPP, .HTML, .IBANK, .IBD, .IBZ, .IDX, .IIF, .IIQ, .INCPAS, .INDD, .INFO, .INFO_, .IWI, .JAR, .JAVA, .JNT, .JPE, .JPEG, .JPG, .JS, .JSON, .K2P, .KC2, .KDBX, .KDC, .KEY, .KPDX, .KWM, .LACCDB, .LBF, .LCK, .LDF, .LIT, .LITEMOD, .LITESQL, .LOCK, .LTX, .LUA, .M, .M2TS, .M3U, .M4A, .M4P, .M4V, .MA, .MAB, .MAPIMAIL, .MAX, .MBX, .MD, .MDB, .MDC, .MDF, .MEF, .MFW, .MID, .MKV, .MLB, .MMW, .MNY, .MONEY, .MONEYWELL, .MOS, .MOV, .MP3, .MP4, .MPEG, .MPG, .MRW, .MSF, .MSG, .MTS, .MYD, .ND, .NDD, .NDF, .NEF, .NK2, .NOP, .NRW, .NS2, .NS3, .NS4, .NSD, .NSF, .NSG, .NSH, .NVRAM, .NWB, .NX2, .NXL, .NYF, .OAB, .OBJ, .ODB, .ODC, .ODF, .ODG, .ODM, .ODP, .ODS, .ODT, .OGG, .OIL, .OMG, .ONE, .ORF, .OST, .OTG, .OTH, .OTP, .OTS, .OTT, .P12, .P7B, .P7C, .PAB, .PAGES, .PAS, .PAT, .PBF, .PCD, .PCT, .PDB, .PDD, .PDF, .PEF, .PFX, .PHP, .PIF, .PL, .PLC, .PLUS_MUHD, .PM!, .PM, .PMI, .PMJ, .PML, .PMM, .PMO, .PMR, .PNC, .PND, .PNG, .PNX, .POT, .POTM, .POTX, .PPAM, .PPS, .PPSM, .PPSX, .PPT, .PPTM, .PPTX, .PRF, .PRIVATE, .PS, .PSAFE3, .PSD, .PSPIMAGE, .PST, .PTX, .PUB, .PWM, .PY, .QBA, .QBB, .QBM, .QBR, .QBW, .QBX, .QBY, .QCOW, .QCOW2, .QED, .QTB, .R3D, .RAF, .RAR, .RAT, .RAW, .RDB, .RE4, .RM, .RTF, .RVT, .RW2, .RWL, .RWZ, .S3DB, .SAFE, .SAS7BDAT, .SAV, .SAVE, .SAY, .SD0, .SDA, .SDB, .SDF, .SH, .SLDM, .SLDX, .SLM, .SQL, .SQLITE, .SQLITE3, .SQLITEDB, .SQLITE-SHM, .SQLITE-WAL, .SR2, .SRB, .SRF, .SRS, .SRT, .SRW, .ST4, .ST5, .ST6, .ST7, .ST8, .STC, .STD, .STI, .STL, .STM, .STW, .STX, .SVG, .SWF, .SXC, .SXD, .SXG, .SXI, .SXM, .SXW, .TAX, .TBB, .TBK, .TBN, .TEX, .TGA, .THM, .TIF, .TIFF, .TLG, .TLX, .TXT, .UPK, .USR, .VBOX, .VDI, .VHD, .VHDX, .VMDK, .VMSD, .VMX, .VMXF, .VOB, .VPD, .VSD, .WAB, .WAD, .WALLET, .WAR, .WAV, .WB2, .WMA, .WMF, .WMV, .WPD, .WPS, .X11, .X3F, .XIS, .XLA, .XLAM, .XLK, .XLM, .XLR, .XLS, .XLSB, .XLSM, .XLSX, .XLT, .XLTM, .XLTX, .XLW, .XML, .XPS, .XXX, .YCBCRA, .YUV, .ZIP Source: id-ransomware.blogspot.bg
For the encryption process, Revenge ransomware reportedly uses two types of encryption algorithms which are both very strong:
- RSA-1024
- AES-256
For the specific encryption process of the files, the AES cipher may be used. Bytes of the original files are replaced with encrypted data and the files become no longer openable. After the procedure is complete, the RSA cipher may be additionally applied to generate unique decryption keys, which makes decryption even more difficult and highly unlikely.
The files are appended the .revenge file extension after the encryption process has completed and they may also contain a victim id, the file name in an encrypted format, a 8 character string and another filename in an 8 character encrypted format and after all of these, the files have the extension appended. They may look like the following:
After the encryption process is complete, the # !!!HELP_FILE!!! #.TXT appears on the infected computer. It has the same message written in 5 languages (English, Italian, German, Polish, Korean):
Remove Revenge Ransomware and Restore .REVENGE Files
Before attempting any removal of this ransomware infections, malware researchers strongly recommend to focus on backing up the files that have been encrypted by this ransomware infection, just in case.
Then, we advise you to follow the step-by-step removal guide below which will show you how to remove the Revenge ransomware infection from your computer permanently. In case you lack the experience to perform a manual removal, experts always advise taking the approach that is conducted automatically. It includes the download and installation of an advanced anti-malware program which will take care of the Revenge virus swiftly and protect your computer in the future too.
After having already taken care of the malicious objects dropped by Revenge on your computer, recommendations are to try and restore your files using alternative tools, like the ones we suggested in step “2. Restore files encrypted by Revenge” below. These tools are in no way guarantee that you will recover all your encrypted data, however they are a good alternative, because at least some of the files can be recovered this way.
- Guide 1: How to Remove Revenge from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Revenge from Mac OS X.
- Guide 3: Remove Revenge from Google Chrome.
- Guide 4: Erase Revenge from Mozilla Firefox.
- Guide 5: Uninstall Revenge from Microsoft Edge.
- Guide 6: Remove Revenge from Safari.
- Guide 7: Eliminate Revenge from Internet Explorer.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
How to Remove Revenge from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Revenge





Step 2: Uninstall Revenge 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:



Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Revenge 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 Revenge there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:



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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Get rid of Revenge from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Revenge and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- 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 Revenge 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:
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 Revenge files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Revenge, 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.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Remove Revenge 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
Erase Revenge 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
Uninstall Revenge 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
Remove Revenge 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 Revenge will be removed.
Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer
Eliminate Revenge 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.
BS DIAS EWSTOYB INFECTADO CON EL VIRUS, TODOS MIS ARCHIVOS TIENEN EXTENSIÓN .SAGE Y QUEDARON INUTILES. NO LOS PUEDO ABRIR. NO PUEDO RESTAURAR POR QUE BORRO TODOS LO S PUNTOS DE RESTAURACION, BAJE LA HERRAMIENTA SPY HUNTER V 4.0, ELIMINO ALGUNAS AMENAZAS PERO NINGUNA CON RELACION A ESE VIRUS. BAJE OTRA HERRAMIENTA PARA RECUPERACION DE ARCHIVOS PERO NO ME RECUPERO TODO. ¿ Hay alguna manera de restaurar los archivos a su estado original? o el virus borra el archivo original y crea una copia con la extension *.sage? entonces toca recuperar con software de recuperacion de archivos?. muchas gracias. mi Nombre es carlos mario nieto de santa marta, magdalena, colombia Email; cnietogomez@hotmail.com, 3004823295 – 4224508 – 4203362
hello, from what you wrote, i understand that you were infected by Sage ransomware. For more information on sage, please visit the following article:
sensorstechforum.com/sage-2-2-ransomware-restore-sage-virus-files/