XCVF ransomware description
Contents
XCVF is a ransomware-type virus that encrypts files on infected computers. The name of this virus derives from file marker it appends to encrypted files – each locked file gets additional .xcvf extension. To illustrate how files are renamed, see these examples: 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.xcvf, 2.txt becomes 2.txt.xcvf and so on. This computer is known to be the 472nd ransomware variant released by the STOP/DJVU cybercrime gang.
The primary aim of this ransomware is to encrypt all computer-stored files belonging to the victim. This way, it removes all possibilities to open, view or edit these files. Once these files are taken hostage, the virus offers the computer user a “solution” – pay the ransom in order to receive XCVF file decryption tool. This computer threat can cause great damage to those computer users who do not have the habit of creating data backups regularly.
To explain the attackers’ intentions, the virus saves a copy of _readme.txt ransom note in every compromised data folder. This note contains a short message from cybercriminals.
Ransom note contains explanation from the cybercriminals
Contents of the _readme.txt note are quite straightforward. The note explains that all of victim’s files are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key, making it impossible to access locked files without a special decryption key. However, the criminals are willing to provide the decryption means if the computer user decides to contact them and agrees to pay a ransom.
The note recommends writing an email to the attackers using one of provided email addresses: manager@time2mail.ch or supportsys@airmail.cc. The victim should attach the personal ID string and one encrypted file sample for test decryption.
The ransom note explains that if the victim reaches out to the ransomware operators within 72 hours (3 full days), the price will be reduced in half and set to $490. In all other scenarios, the price of the decryption tools is $980. The criminals will later explain that the payment can only be made using cryptocurrency (preferably Bitcoin) to avoid persecution of law enforcement agencies.
The note also advises that the victim won’t be able to restore encrypted files without paying them. In addition, they recommend checking the “spam” and “junk” folders in order to receive the response from the criminals.
Cybersecurity experts and FBI advise you: DO NOT PAY THE RANSOM! It doesn’t guarantee data recovery and also funds further cybercrime attacks. Finally, paying can guarantee you a place in potential targets list and you may be attacked by the criminals in the future.
Additional risks associated with this malware
Victims of STOP/DJVU ransomware variants should know that these computer viruses often install additional malware on compromised computers. To be specific, recent research shows that these computer viruses tend to drop information-stealing Remote Access Trojans (RATs) such as VIDAR or AZORULT.
Both of these threats can be controlled remotely and used to extract browser-saved passwords, browsing history, cookies, cryptocurrency wallets and other relevant information. It can also be used to view or delete victim’s files and download additional malware on the computer.
When it comes to other malicious modifications inflicted by XCVF virus, they’re mostly about preventing the victim from recovering from the ransomware attack easily. For example, the virus deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system using a command line task. This halts the possibility of using System Restore points in a useful way.
Moreover, the ransomware edits Windows HOSTS file only to add a set of domains to block on the compromised host. As a consequence, the victim finds it impossible to open specific websites using web browser because of DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. This error is caused due to ransomware’s activity mapping the URLs to localhost IP and thus causing DNS resolution error.
If you have unfortunately fallen victim to a ransomware attack, we strongly recommend that you remove XCVF ransomware virus as soon as you can. Keeping the threat on your computer system can give the attackers more time to cause damage, so deleting all of the malware is simply a must. We have prepared useful guidelines on how to perform a successful malware removal procedure. You can find the tutorial below the article. Do not forget to use a genuine antivirus and also consider downloading RESTORO to finalise the removal and repair virus damage on Windows OS files.
Ransomware Summary
| Name | XCVF Ransomware Virus |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus |
| Family | STOP/DJVU |
| Encryption type | RSA 2048 + Salsa20 |
| Previous versions | DARJ DAZX, TYWD, TYCX, TYOS, TYPO, JYWD (find full list here) |
| Version | 472nd |
| Extension | .xcvf |
| Cybercriminal emails | manager@time2mail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc |
| Additional malware dropped | Azorult or Vidar Trojan |
| Damage | The ransomware encrypts all files on the compromised PC and marks the original filenames with .xcvf extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This virus usually drags VIDAR Stealer alongside it and also eliminates Volume Shadow Copies from the system. On top of that, it tends to modify Windows HOSTS file to restrict computer user’s access to cybersecurity-related websites online. |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom demand | $490-$980 in Bitcoin |
| Distribution | Victims often download this ransomware along illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, activators, key generators or tools like KMSPico. |
| Known software cracks to contain this malware | Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey, Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, Adobe Illustrator, Internet Download Manager, Tally, League of Legends. |
| Detection names | Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.PAL!MTB (Microsoft), Trojan.Crypt (A) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.gen (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.47850419 (BitDefender), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal |
| Removal | Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using trustworthy software. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO (secure download link). |
REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE
Scan your system for FREE to detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.
The screenshot provided below shows a data folder compromised by the said ransomware variant.
How to prevent ransomware-type computer infections?
In order to prevent ransomware-type computer viruses, computer users should familiarise themselves with common malware distribution methods and also take action to install antivirus protection on their computers.
Speaking of XCVF virus distribution, its main attack method heavily relies on illegal online downloads. Most of the time, cybercriminals disguise it as a pirated copy of a popular software such as Adobe Photoshop, League of Legends, Internet Download Manager, KMSPico and others. Computer users usually find these “100% working free full versions” of computer software in warez and crack sites and can download them either via torrent clients or directly via generated link. The latter method usually serves a password-protected archive with a malicious setup inside of it.
Computer users should know that malware can be found in the absolute majority of pirated software copies, besides, using such software is an act of a copyright infringement and users can get fined for using or distributing illegal software copies. However, the most worrisome fact about these downloads is that they can fill the computer with series of spyware and malware and the process of repairing the damages can be extremely lengthy and costly both financially and emotionally.
Threat actors also tend to rely on malicious email attachments disguised as legitimate documents. In most cases, criminals take advantage of document formats that support scripts or macro functions and use these to activate a code to download the ransomware from an external source and run it on victim’s computer as soon as the victim opens the document. For this reason, we recommend computer users to be extremely cautious when checking their emails and avoid opening those that seem at least slightly suspicious or are marked as spam.
Finally, those who have already fallen victim to a ransomware attack should practice caution when checking online resources claiming to provide ransomware decryption solutions. Most of these sites are scam, and some might be pushing another ransomware through fake decryption tools. For example, ZORAB ransomware operators used to hide their malware in fake STOP/DJVU decryption tools they uploaded online and attempted to lure already infected computer users into downloading a secondary payload.
Remove XCVF Ransomware Virus and Decrypt Your Files
Before you begin the computer scan with an up-to-date antivirus to remove XCVF ransomware virus, we strongly recommend that you boot your computer in Safe Mode with Networking first. This helps to neutralise malicious processes running in the background that might try to interfere with your security software’s functionality.
We also recommend using software like RESTORO (download link) as an additional step to repair virus damage caused on Windows OS files.
If you’ve succeeded to remove XCVF ransomware virus, do not forget to:
- Report the incident to police or an agency responsible for handling cybercrime incidents in your local area.
- Use data backups to recover encrypted files.
- Learn more about STOP/DJVU encrypted files and possible ways they could be repaired or decrypted.
- Take action to change all passwords that you used on the compromised computer.
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:
STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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XCVF Ransomware Virus Removal Guidelines
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove XCVF Ransomware Virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.
Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus
Now, you can search for and remove XCVF Ransomware Virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.
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Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.
Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.
Step 2. Start System Restore process
- Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
- Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
- This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
- Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.
After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
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Decrypt XCVF files
Fix and open large XCVF files easily:
It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.
- Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
- Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the XCVF extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
- In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
- Try opening the file.
STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide
STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. XCVF Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like DARJ DAZX, TYWD, TYCX, TYOS, TYPO, JYWD (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.
Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.
In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt XCVF files, follow the given tutorial.
- Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
- Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
- Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
- In UAC window, click Yes.
- Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
- The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work. - Click Decrypt to start restoring XCVF files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.
Meanings of decryptor's messages
The XCVF decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:
Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]
This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.
No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.
Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.
If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your XCVF extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.
Report Internet crime to legal departments
Victims of XCVF Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:
- In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
- In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
- In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
- In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
- In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
- In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
- In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
- In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.
If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.
Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can only open XCVF files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official XCVF decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).
We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.
Beware of fake XCVF decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.
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.
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