Cerber Ransomware 5.0.1: _README_.hta virus decryption and removal By Will Wisser Posted on November 29, 2016 4 min read 0 4,849 A notorious data-encrypting threat is currently manifesting itself as Cerber Ransomware 5.0.1, the latest edition that creates the _README_.hta ransom note. The Cerber ransomware keeps mutating to persevere with its successful deployment campaigns and continue to be a moving target for the IT security community. The new variant looks quite similar to its precursors on the outside, but turns out to have fundamental differences upon closer scrutiny. First of all, the desktop wallpaper with the ransom note now associates the attack with what’s called “Cerber Ransomware 5.0.1”. Secondly, the criminals have switched from using the README.hta recovery manual to one called _README_.hta. Furthermore, Cerber 5.0.1 is being distributed through the aid of RIG-V, which is an advanced version of an infamous exploit kit available on darknet resources. This malware distribution toolset leverages the RC4 cryptographic algorithm to conceal perpetrating payloads, so it allows the ransomware to fly under the radar of antivirus suites as it’s trespassing on a computer. Cerber Ransomware 5.0.1 desktop background One more noteworthy thing that changed in Cerber Ransomware 5.0.1 and the v5.0 series in general is the size of targeted files. Whereas the infection used to encrypt data objects as long as they were larger than 1,024 bytes, the updated version only zeroes in on files whose size is 2,560 bytes or more. Consequently, smaller entries are no longer at risk. Also, the developers of this malady have expanded the range of IP addresses applicable for transmitting UDP packets to the Command and Control server. When operating on a computer, this ransomware collects system statistics and establishes network communication to send them to the C2 so that the attackers on the backend can stay on top of all infection details. Files locked by Cerber 5.0.1 The rest of the attack workflow is virtually the same as before. Cerber 5.0.1 contaminates Windows machines through a scheme that involves a network of compromised websites. When a user visits one of these pages, the above-mentioned RIG-V exploit kit hosted on it will find software vulnerabilities on the PC and harness them to stealthily inject the ransomware. This process is imperceptible to the naked eye, so the would-be victims don’t have much chance to notice and prevent the compromise. Cerber Decryptor page Once on board a computer, the ransom Trojan finds all personal files on the hard drive, removable media and network shares. Then, it encrypts the data using a strong crypto algorithm. It also scrambles filenames according to the following pattern: [10 chars].[4-char extension]. The string of 4 hexadecimal characters, which replaces the original extension, actually matches the MachineGuid registry value. This parameter is unique for every PC. The ransom note named _README_.hta and the new desktop background instruct the victim to navigate to the Cerber Decryptor page using the Tor Browser. The page displays the amount of the ransom that the infected user has to pay to get the private decryption key. Normally, it is 1 BTC, or about $730. That’s the “special price” offer, though, which expires in 5 days. Afterward, the victim will be bound to submit 2 BTC. In order to save yourself the trouble of redeeming your own files for that much money, keep your operating system and installed software up to date and do not browse to dubious web pages. The sections below contain some helpful tips in regards to restoring the encrypted files. Cerber 5.0.1 ransomware automated removal and data recovery When faced with ransomware like Cerber 5.0.1, 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 Cerber 5.0.1 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. Cerber 5.0.1 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 Cerber 5.0.1 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. Remove Cerber 5.0.1 ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking Remove Cerber 5.0.1 ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking Boot into Safe Mode with Networking. The method to do it depends on the version of the infected operating system. Follow the instructions below for your OS build. Windows XP / Vista / 7 Windows 8 / 8.1 / 10 Restart the machine. When the system begins loading back up, keep pressing the F8 key with short intervals. The Windows Advanced Options Menu (Advanced Boot Options) screen will appear. Use arrow keys to select Safe Mode with Networking and hit Enter. Log on with the user account infected by the ransomware. Click on the Search icon next to the Start menu button. Type msconfig in the search field and select the System Configuration option in the results. Go to the Boot tab in the upper part of the GUI. Under Boot options, select Safe boot and click the Apply button. A prompt will appear to reboot the computer so that the changes take effect. Select the Restart option and wait for the system to load into Safe Mode. Again, log on with the ransomware-stricken user account. In Safe Mode, the ransom Trojan won’t keep security software from running or otherwise thwart troubleshooting. Open your preferred web browser, download and install an antimalware tool of choice and start a full system scan. Have all the detected ransomware components removed in a hassle-free way. Get rid of Cerber 5.0.1 ransomware using System Restore Get rid of Cerber 5.0.1 ransomware using System Restore System Restore enables Windows users to roll back all changes made to the OS since the latest restore point creation time. This feature can help eliminate the most persistent ransomware. Before going this route, though, make sure System Restore had been enabled prior to the breach, otherwise the method will be inefficient. Open Windows Advanced Options Menu as described in the previous section: hit F8 repeatedly when the PC is starting up. Use arrow keys to highlight the Safe Mode with Command Prompt entry. Hit Enter. In the Command Prompt window, type cd restore and hit Enter Type rstrui.exe in the new command line and press Enter When the System Restore screen pops up, click Next, select a restore point that predates the contamination, and use the application’s controls to roll back the system to this earlier state. 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 locked 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. Backups can make your day Backups can make your day Not only are you a lucky person in case you’ve been backing up your most important files, but you’re also a wise and prudent user. This isn’t necessarily a resource-heavy activity these days – in fact, some providers of online services are allocating a sufficient size of cloud storage space for free so that every customer can easily upload their critical data without paying a penny. Having removed the Cerber 5.0.1 ransomware, therefore, all you have to do is download your stuff from the remote server or transfer it all from an external piece of hardware if that’s the case. Restore previous versions of encrypted files Restore previous versions of encrypted files A positive upshot of using this technique depends on whether or not the ransomware has erased the Volume Shadow Copies of the files on your PC. This is a Windows feature that automatically makes and keeps the backups of data elements on the hard drive as long as System Restore is enabled. The cryptoware in question is programmed to switch off the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), but it has reportedly failed to in some cases. Checking one’s options regarding this workaround is doable in two ways: through the Properties menu of each file or by means of the remarkable open-source tool called Shadow Explorer. We recommend the software-based way because it’s automated, hence faster and easier. Just install the app and use its intuitive controls to get previous versions of the encrypted objects reinstated. Alternatively, you can leverage the Previous Versions feature, which is native to Windows operating system. This method is more cumbersome that the use of ShadowExplorer, but it can help restore the most important individual files on condition that the ransomware failed to disable the Volume Snapshot Service on the computer. Right-click on a file of choice and select Properties. Then, go to the Previous Versions tab as illustrated below. Go ahead and pick the file’s latest backup version on the list. Use the Copy or Restore buttons to reinstate this object to a new path or to its original folder, respectively. Ransomware Prevention Tips To avoid Cerber 5.0.1 ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations: Toggle your email provider’s anti-spam settings to filter out all the potentially harmful incoming messages. Raising the bar beyond the default protection is an important countermeasure for ransom TrojansDefine specific file extension restrictions in your email system. Make sure that attachments with the following extensions are blacklisted: .js, .vbs, .docm, .hta, .exe, .cmd, .scr, and .bat. Also, treat ZIP archives in received messages with extreme cautionRename the vssadmin.exe process so that ransomware is unable to obliterate all Shadow Volume Copies of your files in one shotKeep your Firewall active at all times. It can prevent crypto ransomware from communicating with its C&C server. This way, the threat won’t be able to obtain cryptographic keys and lock your filesBack up your files regularly, at least the most important ones. This recommendation is self-explanatory. A ransomware attack isn’t an issue as long as you keep unaffected copies of your data in a safe placeUse an effective antimalware suite. There are security tools that identify ransomware-specific behavior and block the infection before it can do any harm. 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 Cerber 5.0.1 removal tool
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