A new ransomware has entered the file-encrypting scene. Researcher at S!Ri warns of a new threat called Woodrat developed to corrupt data and extort innocent victims for payments.
Woodrat is a classic ransomware threat. Upon infiltrating a system, it launches a scan that detects user-generated data. The virus targets files that could contain important information, such as spreadsheets, pictures, presentations, archives, and databases.
The ransomware uses advanced cryptographic algorithms to lock the detected files and prevent the user from viewing and editing them.
Victims can quickly notice that their files are corrupted as Woodrat's encryption process renames the locked files by adding the ".woodrat" extension to them. For example, a file named "documents.zip" will be renamed to "documents.zip.woodrat."
In addition to locking the saved files, Woodrat will execute multiple commands to delete the Volume Shadow Copies and establish persistence on the computer. These operations will not only make the data-recovery harder but also ensure that the threat launches every time the OS is rebooted.
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Woodrat Ransom Note
Upon completing the encryption process, Woodrat creates a file named "LOCKED_README.txt" that informs the victim that their data is locked and held as a hostage until a ransom is paid.
Ransom Note Text:
“Ooops, all your files are encrypted, that means you can't use them for a while!!! They are not perpmanently lost, for there's a special key to get them back. You can try all the ways you have to decrypted your files, but it's just a waste of time, eventually you will know there's no other way but to contact us for help. With our help, you could get your files back within a hour, but you need to follow the instructions below : [1] Send an email to the addr below : woodratofficial@outlook.com [2] with content of : *1 your "ID" & "BIT KEY" located in "LOCKED_README.txt" *2 The amount of files encrypted and the finish time(I have ways to figure out the finish time, so think twice) [3] Then, there's two choices : *1 [recommended] pay us immediately, so we'll help you decrypt as soon as the payment was conformed *2 wait for our reply(need a lot of time) * the first method was recommended for you have limited amount of time * if you'd like to test some files, you can send them to us via mail,but here's the limtation : * quantity <= 4 and total file size <= 4mb [*] send xmr to the addr below : 41k9ry6hQUZLJJd9ZEJpPVXNuUVjRNJGkPbroMf XJVf6DsqHfJ6Sro2LHJzr6wuvXwE5kS7c9Azni2F8srmGScU5Fzu9P2C more detail about xmr purchasing, visit hxxps://www.getmonero.org/ or just use search engine for 'buy xmr' if you have future questions, it's welcome to send us a mail! [*] here's the price, notice : you only have limited amount of time ===================================================== = encrypted in 1-3 days - 1.5 xmr to get decrypt = = encrypted in 3-7 days - 3 xmr to get decrypt = = encrypted in a month - 10 xmr to get decrypt = = encrypted over a month - never get decrypt = =====================================================
Chinese Ransom Note:
哎呀，你所有文件都已加密，这意味着您暂时不能使用它们！！！ 它们不会永久丢失，因为有一个特殊的钥匙可以将它们取回。 您可以尝试所有方法来解密文件，但这只是浪费时间， 最终，您将知道别无选择，只能与我们联系以寻求帮助。 在我们的帮助下，您可以在一小时内取回文件，但是您需要按照以下说明进行操作： [1]向下面的地址发送电子邮件： woodratofficial@outlook.com [2]的内容为： * 1您的 "ID" 和 "BIT KEY" "LOCKED_README.txt" * 2加密文件的数量和完成时间（我有办法计算出完成时间，所以请三思） [3]然后，有两个选择： * 1 [推荐]立即付款给我们，因此我们会在付款成功后帮助您解密 * 2 等待我们的回复（需要很多时间） * 建议您在时间有限的情况下使用第一种方法 * 如果您想测试某些文件，可以通过邮件将其发送给我们，但这是限制条件： * 数量<= 4，文件总大小<= 4mb [*] 将xmr发送到以下地址： 41k9ry6hQUZLJJd9ZEJpPVXNuUVjRNJGkPbroMf XJVf6DsqHfJ6Sro2LHJzr6wuvXwE5kS7c9Azni2F8srmGScU5Fzu9P2C 有关xmr购买的更多详细信息，请访问hxxps://www.getmonero.org/或仅将搜索引擎用于'购买xmr' 如果您将来有疑问，欢迎给我们发送邮件！ [*]这是价格，请注意：您只有有限的时间 ==================================== = 在1-3天内加密 -1.5 xmr以获取解密 = = 在3-7天内加密 -3 xmr以获取解密 = = 每月加密 -10 xmr以获取解密 = = 加密一个月 -永不解密 = ==================================== ID : -”
Woodrat's ransom note doesn't specify the price for decryption but gives the victims four options. Depending on how long victims take to pay, price ranges from 1.5 to 10XMR (Monero cryptocurrency). At the current exchange rates, the ransom varies from $167 to $1,119.
Victims are also instructed to contact the criminals via the woodratofficial@outlook.com email address. Their messages should include their personal ID and BIT Key, both of which are different for every victim and are disclosed in the ransom note. Victims are also required to specify the number of encrypted files and when the encryption process was completed.
Victims are threatened that if they wait more than one month to pay, their files will be permanently locked.
Decryption
Unfortunately, there is no third-party decryption tool for Woodrat ransomware. However, the virus is yet to be analyzed. Code flaws could allow researchers to develop decryption software. Therefore, users are not advised to pay the ransom.
Furthermore, paying criminals doesn't guarantee results. Victims should also bear in mind that by paying, they sponsor crime and encourage the criminals to continue their malicious business.
Victims can use backups stored on cloud or external storage to restore their data. Of course, Woodrat must be removed before such operations are attempted. Otherwise, the ransomware will not only re-encrypt the newly-restored data but also infect the backup device and encrypt the data on it.
How Woodrat reaches its victims
Woodrat is spread through classic malware distribution techniques, such as pirated software, malspam, corrupted links, and fake updates. Trojans could also drop Woodrat as second-stage malware.
Cybersecurity professionals say most cyber infections can be prevented by the user. Caution is the key to the infection-free device.
Users are advised to follow the best security practices and keep their devices updated with the latest security patches.
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