GandCrab 5.2 ransomware decryptor and removal [upd. May 2019]

In light of the recent GandCrab 5.2 ransomware version release, get insights into its new features and learn how to go about the recovery of encrypted files.

1. What is Gandcrab v5.2 ransomware?
2. GandCrab 5.2 ransomware automated removal and data recovery
3. GandCrab 5.2 ransomware manual removal and file recovery
4. Ransomware Prevention Tips

What is GandCrab 5.2 ransomware?

Extortion through crypto viruses comes down to all things GandCrab for the second year on end. Whilst some might consider this to be an exaggeration to an extent, the reign of this ransomware on the cyber blackmail battlefield is indisputable and doesn’t appear to be undermined by any other strain. What’s more, it keeps giving birth to spinoffs regularly. A month after version 5.1 went live, GandCrab 5.2 surfaced, and it seems to be backed by even more malicious ambitions at its core.

There is some “catch me if you can” background behind this latest variant. Here’s the story: one of the world’s leading antimalware vendors, Bitdefender Labs, released an automatic decryption tool around mid-February 2019 that supports versions 1, 4 up to 5.1 of the infection. This has become the most likely stimulus for the operators of this nefarious campaign to launch a new edition in quick succession. And here we go – GandCrab 5.2 is already here, and it cannot be cracked using the above-mentioned decryptor.

Obviously, the fundamental tweak in the current variant is in the realm of encryption. The crooks figured out which flaw in their crypto mechanism has been unveiled and exploited by the white hats, and they had to hastily fine-tune the cipher part of their nasty routine. Unfortunately, this has become a successful effort and the victims are still bound to negotiate with the criminals if they want their valuable data back. Other than that, the attack looks basically the same on the outside. The tip of the iceberg is still composed of a desktop wallpaper that the ransomware configures to be displayed instead of the one the user prefers. It contains a warning that says, “Encrypted by GandCrab 5.2” and inherits the old wording that goes, “Your files are under strong protection by our software. In order to restore it you must buy decryptor”. Generally, nothing has changed in this context.

The infected user is told to open a file named [RANDOM]-DECRYPT.txt, which is a no-brainer to find as it is dropped into every encrypted folder. This is a ransom note that reiterates the desktop alert, only with a somewhat expanded formulation, and instructs the victim to visit their personal decryptor page using Tor Browser. The malefactors are “generous” enough to offer free decryption of one file as proof of viable recovery. That’s such a cold comfort, though. The extortionists-run payment page, which is an .onion domain, coerces the visitor to send about $1,200 worth of Dash or Bitcoin cryptocurrency in exchange for the decryption software. There is a deadline – typically a week – after which the amount will grow two times.

GandCrab 5.2 additionally underwent an overhaul of the distribution logic. Aside from the commonplace malspam, or rather phishing, as well as booby-trapped software crack tools and exploits kits, the adversaries have begun employing RDP hacks. They use Internet-wide scanning solutions to spot open ports associated with remote desktop services. Such a technique allows the felons to literally break into a vulnerable Windows computer, drop the ransomware binary (rlxbp.exe or similar) and execute it without any conspicuous giveaways.

Once up and running, the offending program first performs a massive data search on the contaminated host. The scan compares all of the user’s files against a hard-coded database of popular formats. This way, GandCrab 5.2 accurately finds the victim’s personal data objects. Next, the pest leverages a combination of RSA and AES cryptosystems to lock down every detected item. The encrypted files also change externally. Each one gets a random-looking extension appended to the original filename. This string is victim-specific and consists of 4-10 characters. For example, a spreadsheet named PieChart.xlsx transforms into something like PieChart.xlsx.srpfsevst. By the way, the extension matches the first part of the ransom note name, so in this case it will be SRPFSEVST-DECRYPT.txt.

So much for the GandCrab 5.2 attack chain. As mentioned above, its victims cannot rely on free decryptor to get their files back. Under the circumstances, there are two options. One is to cough up the money to the criminals and hope they will carry through with their promise. The other is to follow the steps below and try to restore the data in a few alternative ways. The choice is yours, but the latter one is definitely worth a shot.

GandCrab 5.2 ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like GandCrab 5.2, 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 GandCrab 5.2 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.

GandCrab 5.2 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 GandCrab 5.2 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 files encrypted by GandCrab 5.2

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 GandCrab 5.2 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 GandCrab 5.2 removal tool