WastedLocker ransomware – a customized malware developed and distributed by BitPaymer gang
WastedLocker ransomware is a threat that is known for its ability to attack businesses, organizations, websites, lock all the files located on the local and networked drives, and then demand ransom between $500,000 and $10 million. The malware was developed and is distributed by a cybercriminal group known as the Evil Corp/Indrik Spider[1] – hackers who are responsible for such prominent threats as Dridex banking trojan and BitPaymer ransomware, although, the virus has no associations with previous gang's creation and operates quite a bit different. WastedLocker virus recently encrypted files of a tech giant Garmin, which interrupted the services the company ran for several days.
WastedLocker uses a combination of AES and RSA encryption algorithms in order to encrypt files on networks and servers. However, the way the virus applies an extension is quite a bit different – it uses an abbreviation of the company's name and the word “wasted.
For example, the variant “d2l” would append the “.d2lwasted” extension to all vulnerable files (document, database, audio, video, and others). Another interesting trait of this ransomware is that it also creates a ransom note for each of the encrypted files, e.g., “picture.d2lwasted_info.”
| Name | WastedLocker |
| Type | Ransomware, file locker |
| Developers | Evil Corp (Indrik Spider) – an established cybercriminal gang that is believed to be Russian |
| Release date | May 2020 |
| Targets | Malware targets mainly US organizations, with a few exceptions (some attacks were also seen in Europe) |
| Ransom size | $500,000 – $10 million, sometimes even more |
| Distribution | Fake update prompts and other sophisticated methods |
| File extension | “wasted” which is accommodated by the version name at the front, e.g., .d2lwasted |
| Removal | Perform a full system scan with powerful anti-malware software. In case malware interferes with security software operation, access Safe Mode with Networking as explained below |
| System fix | Ransomware might sometimes damage various system components, which might result in PC crashes and similar issues after malware elimination. To fix these issues, we recommend using FortectIntego |
WastedLocker ransomware can be spread via several different ways, although researchers spotted the booby-trapped websites that attempt to begin the attack. In most cases, the fake notifications show up in a way that they look legitimate as they mimic original software looks.
An example of such fake notification as follows:[2]
Attention!
Free up some memory urgently, your computer is overloaded!
Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.1; Win64; x64) AppleWebKit/537.36
(KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome 83.0.4103.61 Safari/537.36Click “Free memory” button and follow the instructions
Once the company member clicks on a fake update prompt, the attackers manage to gain access to the company's networks thanks to the exploit kit that is used. Once malicious actors behind WastedLocker ransomware gain access to the network, they deploy the ransomware payload.
As soon as malware is injected into the network, it begins system modifications (some of these changes can be difficult to revert, so we recommend using FortectIntego after the WastedLocker ransomware removal), e.g.:
- Attempts to disable Windows Defender, Symantec, and other implemented protection suites;
- Deletes Shadow Volume Copies and other automated Windows backups;
- Acquires elevated permissions that grants access to manage directories;
- Modifies Windows registry files;
- Creates several processes and runs its own service, etc.
WastedLocker takes a different approach than most ransomware when it comes to the selection of which data is to be encrypted. Most malware of such type use a predetermined list of file extension for the purpose, and this malware strain rather uses a list of directories where the data is to be encrypted. Nonetheless, the virus has a list of file extensions that are not to be encrypted as well.
The extension applied to files once encryption is complete uses a combination of the company's name + the word “wasted.” There have been many attacks on various companies (including the most notorious one against Garmin), so file extensions varied as follows: .bbawasted, .d2lwasted, .eswasted, .rlhwasted, .garminwasted, and others.
The ransom note explains the following:
BBA Aviation
YOUR NETWORK IS ENCRYPTED NOW
USE – | – TO GET THE PRICE FOR YOUR DATA
DO NOT GIVE THIS EMAIL TO 3RD PARTIES
DO NOT RENAME OR MOVE THE FILE
THE FILE IS ENCRYPTED WITH THE FOLLOWING KEY:KEEP IT
Luckily for those who had backups available, there is no need to pay the ransom, as malicious actors do not leak sensitive data in order to post it publicly as many other ransomware gangs, such as Maze, DoppelPaymer, Clop, Nefilim, and others.[3] Thus, the infected users should disconnect each of the machines from the network and then remove WastedLocker ransomware. If a need arises, Safe Mode with Networking can be used for the purpose.
WastedLocker file recovery options
Ransomware has been on the for several years now, as the business is very lucrative, and even North Korean state-backed hackers are keen on cashing on it.[4] Therefore, new strains are being released regularly, and companies should keep in mind that they are in great danger.
To prevent maximum damage caused by WastedLocker, backups are needed. However, backups need to be stored on a separate medium that should not be connected to the main server/network. This way, negating the infection can become much easier, as paying the ransom becomes obsolete.
However, if WastedLocker ransomware encrypted your backups, recovery can be very difficult, if not impossible, without paying the ransom. There are several methods that could work, in some cases:
- Third-party recovery tools that sometimes could retrieve at least some files;
- Built-in Windows defenses could sometimes be preserved if malware failed to perform its core functions;
- Data decryption software that could be designed by security researchers in the future.
As evident, WastedLocker developers ask for very high ransom payments, and there is no guarantee that the crooks will provide service that they promised.
WastedLocker removal instructions
To remove WastedLocker ransomware, a powerful anti-malware solution should be used. However, in case of backups are not available for you, you should first copy all the encrypted files to a separate hard drive or another medium, as they might be useful in the future.
Before WastedLocker ransomware removal can be executed, each of the machines should be disconnected from the network so that the infection would not reoccur. Then, you should perform a full system scan with powerful anti-malware software that would be able to eliminate all the malicious files and restore Windows to its pre-infection stage.
Finally, if you do not have backups available after the WastedLocker virus attack, you should attempt to retrieve them by following the instructions we provide below.
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