MOLE03 ransomware: how to decrypt .MOLE03 files

Brand new variant of the CryptoMix ransomware is out that speckles encrypted files with the .MOLE03 extension and still encrypts them beyond regular recovery.

Things are apparently going well for the architects of the CryptoMix ransomware campaign. They keep on coining new versions, one in two weeks on average. This continuous refreshing of the malicious code is somewhat strange, because there isn’t much change accompanying these updates. The most conspicuous tweak in the latest release, for instance, is the new .MOLE03 extension being appended to hostage files. The same would apply to previous iterations that played around with digits and introduced hardly any functional novelty. Anyway, the cybercriminals’ motivation is something only they can explain, but the strength of the cipher and the crooks’ well-balanced OPSEC persevere as the time goes by, making this ransomware prolific.

The propagation of the MOLE03 virus circles around the spam vector. There are generally two schemes involved. One has to do with trojanized email attachments that, once opened, download and execute the ransomware process on the targeted host. The other engages an intermediate entity, a fake Microsoft Word Online website linked-to from deceptive malspam emails. Either way, victims who end up opening or downloading the booby-trapped file – attachment or phony plugin – unwittingly let the ransomware inside. Then, the infection starts scanning the PC for personal data. It goes equipped with a predefined list consisting of the most popular file extensions, so when a matching item is spotted on the local drives, removable media or network shares it gets encrypted.

By applying a combo of RSA-2048 and AES-128 cryptographic algorithms, MOLE03 ransomware renders files inaccessible for good. Additionally, it scrambles filenames to turn them into strings of random hexadecimal characters, thus making file identification impossible. The .MOLE03 extension concatenated to each file adds a final stroke to the data tweaking routine. To let the victim know what happened and how to sort things out, the virus drops rescue notes named _HELP_INSTRUCTION.txt. Its contents have been slightly modified in this variant of CryptoMix. The warning part of the how-to goes, “!_! INFORMATIONS!_! All your files are encrypted with RSA_2048 and AES_128 ciphers.”

The ransom note contains the victim’s unique decrypt-ID, which must be entered in the specially crafted Tor page titled “MOLE00-02 RETURN FILES!” The felons must have been in a hurry when launching the .MOLE03 edition as they forgot to include it in the title of their malicious decryption service site. The victim is informed right away that the size of the ransom is 1.0 Bitcoin, which covers the decrypt tool and the private RSA key. If the infected person agrees to pay up, they are supposed to leave their decrypt-ID and email address, and the attackers will purportedly contact them within 24 hours to provide further instructions. That’s what the extortion chain looks like. Those who are unwilling to pay the ransom should commence the troubleshooting with MOLE03 ransomware removal and then move on with alternative data recovery techniques.

.MOLE03 ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like .MOLE03, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download .MOLE03 remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

.MOLE03 ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the .MOLE03 virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of .MOLE03 extension files

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid .MOLE03 ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download .MOLE03 removal tool