KCW is a crypto-ransomware virus encrypting web files
KCW ransomware is a crypto-virus that is currently being used to encrypt web files. Likewise KimcilWare ransomware, it's PHP-based ransomware,[1] which aims at encrypting websites and web files. Locked data can be easily recognized by .kcwenc file extension. Encrypted websites can hardly be unnoticed as well since it gets locked by a Team Kerala Cyber Warriors screen saying that “Your site is infected by KCW ransomware.”
| Name | KCW |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware (web-based) |
| Also referred to as | Kerala Cyber Warriors |
| Compromised websites | arainwelfare.org and planavent.com |
| Symptoms | The website cannot be access. Ransom note displayed |
| Distribution | Rogue software, infected web browser's extensions |
| To get rid of ransomware and other infected files from your PC, run a scan with FortectIntego. After that, use third-party tool to clean the website and reset the browser. | |
At the moment of writing, the ransomware has already attacked arainwelfare.org and planavent.com websites. However, that's just the initial stage of the virus, so the more widespread distribution is expected.
It's not yet clear if KCW ransomware targets the specific type of websites. However, it does not seem that it uses a filter to attack the websites, such as online stores, authorities, and similar. Any vulnerable website can be hacked.
As soon as the ransomware payload is being executed, the virus enables a hard-coded encryption algorithm, creates an index file, which launches a website displaying KCW ransom note. The page with instructions is not informative enough. It says:
Warning: session_start(): Cannot send session cookies – headers already sent by (output started at /home4/ztauseef/public_html/(the name of the website)/kcwdecrypt.php2) in /home4/ztauseef/public_html/(the name of the website/kcwdecrypt.php on line 3
Warning: session_start(): Cannot send session cache limiter – headers already sent (output started at /home4/ztauseef/ public_html/(the name of the website)/kcwdecrypt.php2) in /home4/ztauseef/public_html/(the name of the website/kcwdecrypt.php on line 3
Team Kerala Cyber Warriors
YOUR SITE IS INFECTED BY KCW RANSOMWARE
The first sign of the KCW ransomware infection dates back to 2016 when the Kerala Cyber Warriors managed to hack the website of People for Animals (PFA),[2] the website dedicated to the protection of animal rights against PFA and support for a ban on the extermination of stray dogs across India.
A second case has been reported at the end of April 2018, when ransomware researchers revealed arainwelfare.org and planavent.com websites encrypted by KCW ransomware. The motive of the attack is currently unknown, though experts claim that these sites might have been using an outdated version of the software.
Although ransomware virus typically spread in the form of spam attachments, drive-by-download, exploit kits, unprotected RDS, and similar means, this particular virus most probably infiltrates to the system via compromised web browser's extensions.
Ransomware distribution model
It's essential to take precautionary measures to prevent ransomware attacks in general. The measures comprise spam email ignorance, usage of powerful anti-virus programs, real-time protection enabling, neglection of suspicious ads, links, etc.
Nevertheless, in this particular case, the situation is somewhat different. This crypto-virus is web-based, meaning that it targets websites and the whole chain of web platforms. Therefore, if you are the owner of a site, make sure that your password for the administrative accounts is strong. Besides, zondervirus.nl[3] team recommend keeping the website updated to the latest version available.
KCW ransomware removal possibilities
The web-based KCW removal is hardly possible without a third-party security tool. To disable malicious extensions that might have been attached to your web browser by force, we would recommend scanning the system with FortectIntego or similar security tool.
After that, check for malicious links with the help of web browser's de-indexing, provided by Google and other favorite websites. Here's how you can check for them:
- Open your source code on a web browser.
- Under the View menu, go to the Page Source.
- Now check for the links and tags for external links.
- Look for links next to the “display=none” attribute.
In case you found any suspicious links and tags, then you should download a tool that is capable of cleaning hacked websites. There are many third-party tools that you can download on the Internet, but make sure to rely on a reliable source.
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