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LOOV ransomware becomes the first STOP/DJVU variant of 2022

LOOV ransomware is a malicious computer virus variant that belongs to the dangerous STOP/DJVU ransomware family. The ransomware is known to function by compromising all files contained in any computer through encryption and also appending them with .loov extension. E.g., a file that was formerly saved as 1.jpg automatically becomes 1.jpg.loov and the same process is repeated continuously. While the cyber-attack is still going on, a ransom note known as _readme.txt will be released in all folders. These _readme.txt ransom notes contain a direct message from the cybercriminals with instructions on how the victim should reach out to them and pay certain amount of money as ransom in exchange for a LOOV decryption tool.

In explaining further, those behind the cyber-attack will emphasize that the entire database of the computer has been encrypted, including potentially important documents, data, pictures etc. and based on that, the only way they could hope to get back the lost data is by paying a particular amount of money as ransom in order to be given a decryption tool. To facilitate communication between them, two emails addresses namely: manager@mailtemp.ch and helpsupportmanager@airmail.cc will also be made available to the victim.

Furthermore, they will notify the victim about the various prices and conditions of payment attached. For instance, if the victim can pay within 72 hours or three days of being notified, he will be entitled to a 50% discount, which means instead of paying $980 as decryption cost, they will now have to $490. But once the grace period elapses, only the full amount will be acceptable.

However, if the victim shows any willingness of paying the ransom fee, they will also inform him that payment can only be done by purchasing the cryptocurrency equivalence of the ransom fee and transferring same to the wallet address of their choice. They always make use of such channel basically to ensure their identity is never revealed and avoid possible arrest and prosecution by law enforcement agents. In order to prove they have the capacity to decrypt encrypted files, they may request for excerpts to be used for test decryption.

However, our in-house experts strongly advise that victims of ransomware SHOULD NOT PAY RANSOM and it’s interesting to note that the same policy is supported by the FBI. It should be noted that paying the ransom does not guarantee that encrypted files will be recovered and moreover, paying such huge sums of money to cybercriminals can only empower them financially to increase their resources and victimize more computer users, which turns it into a vicious circle.

If that’s not bad enough, also consider that such decryption tools can release information-stealing Trojans in the likes of AZORULT or VIDAR on the already compromised computer for the purposes of stealing personal details such as software login credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, browser saved passwords and banking details among others. Once such sensitive and important data gets into the wrong hands, it can lead to further blackmail and extortions.

For those that are already infected with such STOP/DJVU variant, there is need to remove LOOV ransomware virus from your computer as soon as you can. The best way to get it done is by making use of a reliable antivirus while your computer is set up in Safe Mode with Networking. You can make use of any antivirus but always ensure that such antivirus is capable of doing an effective job of it. If you do not know of any antivirus you can trust, always remember that INTEGO Antivirus antivirus is exceptionally powerful and trustworthy.

In addition to that, you can also make use of RESTORO to repair any damaged file on Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

REMOVE MALWARE & REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

Ransomware Distribution Techniques Used By Cybercriminals

The most common way of getting infected with such STOP/DJVU ransomware variants including LOOV virus is by downloading malicious torrents. The cybercriminals often lace pirated software copies with virus and Trojans, therefore opening fake software contents like key generator or “crack” can result in severe malware infection. In recent times, a good number of those that have fallen victim to ransomware attacks reported about certain software contents cybercriminals often make use of in distributing ransomware. These pirated license activation tools and deceptive cracks are eventually uploaded to diverse online torrent libraries:

• Cubase;
• Adobe Photoshop;
• Fifa 20;
• Tenorshare 4ukey;
• Internet Download Manager;
• AutoCad;
• Opera browser;
• Corel Draw;
• VMware Workstation;
• Adobe Illustrator;
• League of Legends;
• KMSPico (illegal Windows activation tool).

Based on the explanations above, visiting or trying to make use of software contents gotten from online torrents is highly discouraged. Such dangerous activities can only put your computer at risk of being infected with loads of malware. Also, when you download such pirated software contents, you’re involving yourself in copyright infringement which could lead to prosecution. On the contrary, when you source your software needs legitimately from the official pages of the original developers or their endorsed partners, you’re helping the industry to grow. Whatever price tag is attached to it is definitely negligible compared to the outrageous ransom fees cybercriminals would demand from their victims, and also, you won’t be at risk of losing your sensitive/vital personal data.

Aside online torrents libraries, cybercriminals also rely on malicious email attachments in distributing ransomware. They often compose “real-looking” and believable messages that would be attached to documents created on PDF, XLS or DOCX. They usually make use of these particular platforms because they enable macro functions or even JavaScript which makes it possible for external payload to be attached and exported to any computer.

They try as much as possible to camouflage their real identity, thus making it extremely difficult for unsuspecting victims to avoid the attack. They often pretend to be colleagues or even front as legitimate popular brands like Amazon, UPS or FedEx and consequently, will attach files with compelling headings such as Tracking Details, Invoice or Order Summary etc. Also, the cybercriminals sometimes make use of spoofing techniques to hide the actual sender’s email address. Nevertheless, in such situations, it is best to be cautious. If there is no need for such emails then you may as well abstain from opening it.

Be that as it may, victims of STOP/DJVU ransomware shouldn’t be desperate and start visiting dubious websites that claim to offer decryption services because such solutions scarcely exist at the moment. Trying to make use of such websites or the tools they offer may lead to more problems. Always remember that cybercriminals sometimes spread other versions of ransomware like ZORAB in the guise of fake STOP/DJVU decryptors. When you download such tools, it can lead to double encryption of your files.

More Information You Need To Know About the Virus

This section explains in full details about the technical aspect of what happens during a LOOV ransomware attack. So, if you’re wondering about the extent to which your computer was compromised due to virus infection, then this part will come handy. Firstly, the malware is known to set up build.exe or build2.exe executables which would be followed by winupdate.exe (which displays fake Windows screen). The virus then connects to https[:]//api.2ip.ua/geo.json and saves the result in geo.json file. The malware then proceeds to gathering every relevant information about the computer including its geolocation, longitude and latitude, time zone, zip code and related information, and would send the information to its central server. Here are some examples of geo.json file shown below.

Additionally, the virus gathers data about the compromised computer’s hardware and software details as well as the list of active processes.

Afterward, the malware will compare the extracted country code against a list containing encryption exempted countries, which include; Russian Federation, Uzbekistan Syria, Armenia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Kazachstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus. If the malware determines that the country code is positive with any of the aforementioned countries, it will abruptly stop any further attempts at encryption, but if otherwise, it will move to the next step by collecting an online encryption key from their server and combines it with the victim’s ID before saving them to bowsakkdestx.txt file and also to PersonalID.txt file. A good example of this file is shown below.

If for any reason, it couldn’t extract an online encryption ID, it will resort to the use of an offline one. The difference between the online and offline keys is that online keys are individually unique while offline keys are uniform. You can detect if an offline key was used if it has t1 characters appearing at the end of the personal ID. The implication is that offline keys have a higher chance of .loov files being decrypted unlike online keys. See below for more information about this.

The ransomware then commences full data encryption by scanning its entire folders and encrypting them with Salsa20 before locking them with RSA-2048 encryption key.

Shown in the image below is a screenshot of _readme.txt ransom note dropped in every folder.

Then the malware will delete Volume Shadow Copies using Command Prompt task as shown below:

_{vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet}

At last, the virus will add a list of domains to the Windows HOSTS file and tags them to the localhost IP. This move prevents the victim from getting any possible help online and DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error may appear any time to try to open any of the blacklisted websites.

Remove LOOV Ransomware Virus and Recover Your Files

The most important action to take as a victim of ransomware attack is to report to local authorities responsible for handling such issues and also to remove LOOV ransomware virus immediately. You can follow the directions in the guide below on how to run your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. This option will enable your antivirus to function effectively in ensuring that the malware is completely removed.

The following steps are highly recommended by our team, following the removal of LOOV ransomware virus:

• Get in touch with relevant law enforcement agencies and inform them about the situation;
• Make use of any available backup device to restore your files;
• Learn possible ways to decrypt files encrypted by certain STOP/DJVU variants;
• Immediately replace all passwords that are directly or remotely connected to the compromised computer.

In conclusion, remember that the best course of action is to remain proactive by avoiding online torrents libraries or the opening of malicious email attachments.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:

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Norbert Webb

Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.