XZZX Cryptomix Ransomware Variant Released

Lawrence Abrams

November 13, 2017
03:03 PM
0

Today, I discovered a new variant of the CryptoMix Ransomware being distributed that is appending the .XZZX extension to encrypted file names.

This article will provide a brief summary on any changes that have occurred in this new variant. As we are always looking for weaknesses, if you are a victim of this variant and decide to pay the ransom, please send us the decryptor so we can take a look at it. You can also discuss or receive support for Cryptomix ransomware infections in our dedicated Cryptomix Help & Support Topic.

Changes in the XZZX Cryptomix Ransomware Variant

While the encryption methods stay the same in this variant, there have been some slight differences. The ransom note is still named _HELP_INSTRUCTION.TXT, but now uses the xzzx@tuta.io, xzzx1@protonmail.com, xzzx10@yandex.com, and xzzx101@yandex.com emails for a victim to contact for payment information.

The next noticeable change is the extension appended to encrypted files. With this version, when a file is encrypted by the ransomware, it will modify the filename and then append the .XZZX extension to encrypted file's name. For example, a test file encrypted by this variant has an encrypted file name of 0D0A516824060636C21EC8BC280FEA12.XZZX.

This variant also contains 11 public RSA-1024 encryption keys that will be used to to encrypt the AES key used to encrypt a victim's files. This allows the ransomware to work completely offline with no network communication. This variant's 11 public RSA keys are the same as the previous XZZX Cryptomix Ransomware variant.

As this is just a cursory analysis of this new variant, if anything else is discovered, we will be sure to update this article.

How to protect yourself from the XZZX CryptoMix Ransomware

In order to protect yourself from the XZZX variant of CryptoMix , or from any ransomware, it is important that you use good computing habits and security software. First and foremost, you should always have a reliable and tested backup of your data that can be restored in the case of an emergency, such as a ransomware attack.

You should also have security software that contains behavioral detections such as Emsisoft Anti-Malware or Malwarebytes. Regardless of the security software you use, make sure it contains behavioral detections so you do not have to rely on signatures or heuristics.

Last, but not least, make sure you practice the following good online security habits, which in many cases are the most important steps of all:

Backup, Backup, Backup!
Do not open attachments if you do not know who sent them.
Do not open attachments until you confirm that the person actually sent you them,
Scan attachments with tools like VirusTotal.
Make sure all Windows updates are installed as soon as they come out! Also make sure you update all programs, especially Java, Flash, and Adobe Reader. Older programs contain security vulnerabilities that are commonly exploited by malware distributors. Therefore it is important to keep them updated.
Make sure you use have some sort of security software installed.
Use hard passwords and never reuse the same password at multiple sites.

For a complete guide on ransomware protection, you visit our How to Protect and Harden a Computer against Ransomware article.

IOCs

File Hashes:

SHA256: 33a60a16e50b8df2a731023951475ff0f973fc66334d2cfa6ce30aa36bb36414

Filenames associated with the XZZX Cryptomix Variant:

_HELP_INSTRUCTION.TXT
C:\ProgramData\[random].exe

XZZX Ransom Note Text:

Hello!

Attention! All Your data was encrypted!

For specific informartion, please send us an email with Your ID number:

xzzx@tuta.io

xzzx1@protonmail.com

xzzx10@yandex.com

xzzx101@yandex.com

Please send email to all email addresses! We will help You as soon as possible!


DECRYPT-ID-[id] number

Emails Associated with the XZZX Ransomware:

xzzx@tuta.io
xzzx1@protonmail.com
xzzx10@yandex.com
xzzx101@yandex.com

Executed Commands:

sc stop VVS
sc stop wscsvc
sc stop WinDefend
sc stop wuauserv
sc stop BITS
sc stop ERSvc
sc stop WerSvc
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
cmd.exe /C bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe" /C vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Bundled Public RSA-1024 Keys:

XZZX Cryptomix Ransomware Variant Released

Lawrence Abrams

Changes in the XZZX Cryptomix Ransomware Variant

How to protect yourself from the XZZX CryptoMix Ransomware

IOCs

File Hashes:

Filenames associated with the XZZX Cryptomix Variant:

XZZX Ransom Note Text:

Emails Associated with the XZZX Ransomware:

Executed Commands:

Bundled Public RSA-1024 Keys:

Lawrence Abrams

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XZZX Cryptomix Ransomware Variant Released

Lawrence Abrams

Changes in the XZZX Cryptomix Ransomware Variant

How to protect yourself from the XZZX CryptoMix Ransomware

Related Articles:

IOCs

File Hashes:

Filenames associated with the XZZX Cryptomix Variant:

XZZX Ransom Note Text:

Emails Associated with the XZZX Ransomware:

Executed Commands:

Bundled Public RSA-1024 Keys:

Lawrence Abrams

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