How to remove Mamba ransomware virus

Mamba ransomware is a file locking virus that not only locks up files but also rewrites Master Boot Record, preventing victims from entering the computer

Mamba ransomware is a file locking virus that deviated from Phobos ransomware, which incorporates a lot of similarities with Dharma/CrySiS virus. The malware mostly uses weak RDP connections to propagate, although other methods, like spam emails, exploit kits, fake updates, etc., might be used as well.

Once inside, Mamba ransomware encrypts files on the local as well networked drives with the help of AES-2048 cipher. Initial variant of the virus used .phobos appendix, although other extensions were used later – .fendi, .phoenix, and others. The latest version^[1] incorporates .id[XXXXXX-1130].[fileb@protonmail.com].mamba file extension, and drops info.txt/info.hta ransom note. After encrypting data, Mamba virus reboots the machine and prevents users from accessing the machine, as Master Boot Record is rewritten.

To decrypt data or even be able to enter the device, hackers behind Mamba ransomware ask victims to contact them via a variety of different emails, depending on the virus variant – the latest one asks users to write to fileb@protonmail.com or back7@protonmail.ch. Unfortunately, there is currently no decryptor for this version available, but users can use alternative methods for data restore. Before that, however, the infected victims should remove Mamba ransomware from their device.

Mamba virus attacked San Francisco’s Municipal Transportation Agency in November 2016 and asked to pay $73,000^[2] ransom. In August 2017, ransomware came back and attacked several corporations in Brazil and Saudi Arabia.^[3] Exhibiting modus operandi traits similar to Petya, Mamba ransomware targets data taking advantage of the DiskCryptor software. It is also known as HDD Cryptor, while the latest version known is dubbed as HDDCrypt. Detected at the end of March 2018, the virus does not deviate from its ancestors.

Reportedly, the virus drops 152.exe or 141.exe files on the computer, which are responsible for carrying out the encryption process. After encrypting victim’s files, the virus reboots the computer and displays the following message on the boot screen:

“You are Hacked ! H.D.D. Encrypted , Contact Us For Decryption Key (w889901665@yandex.com)
YOURID: [Victim’s ID]”

The victim can enter the decryption password on the boot screen; however, he or she needs to get one first. Victims have to get in touch with malware authors and get information on how to decrypt data and get access to the computer again. This virus asks to pay a ransom of 1BTC per 1 host. The money should be transferred to a provided Bitcoin wallet.

However, we always recommend users NOT to pay the ransom since it gives no guarantee that files will be decrypted^[4]. Mamba removal is at utmost importance, and it should be completed using anti-malware tools, for example, FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner.

2019: latest Mamba ransomware variants exploit weak RDPs for propagation

Mamba ransomware is based on Dharma, so its primary distribution method remains manual – breaking into the computers via RDP^[5] and installing the malware is something that hackers practice every time they detect a potential victim.

Once again, after several months of a break, Mamba ransomware returned at the end of 2018 and is being actively distributed since. Hackers use a variety of contact addresses and ask for a different amount of ransom inside ransom notes.

The latest variant of Mamba ransomware uses .id[XXXXXX-1130].[fileb@protonmail.com].mamba file extension and demands an unknown amount of payment in Bitcoin, which is declared once the victim contacts crooks via fileb@protonmail.com or back7@protonmail.ch email addresses. Additionally, hackers also offer a free decryption service for 5 files that cannot contain important information.

Nevertheless, the ransom should not be paid, as users should instead remove Mamba ransomware and use alternative file recovery methods.

Experts warn about expected Mamba ransomware comeback in 2018

Mamba is not typical ransomware. Its developers organize an outbreak against organizations and demand for huge ransom. Once collected, goes idle for a while. Silent since 2017 August, Mamba is expected to come back in the form of HDDCrypt ransomware.^[6]  

At the beginning of April 2018, ransomware researchers found out an unusual ransomware sample, which has been recognized as HDDCrypt by BitDefender, Emsisoft, Symantec, ESET-NOD32, and other reputable AV engines.^[7] The current version rewrites PC's Master Boot Record sectors and locks the user out of his or her PC. As we have already mentioned, the modus operandi of Mamba ransomware reminds the infamous Petya, as well as Satana. It uses AES-256-06 cipher to lock victims PCs and activates a pirated copy of the open source software DiskCryptor. 

Luckily, Mamba ransomware HDDCrypt variant did not go wild. Most probably the ransomware is currently in the development phase, though people should be cautious. Do not download standalone file installers from suspicious sources, as well as freeware without checking the installation setup carefully. Finally, don't forget to install the latest updates for your OS and update the anti-virus program regularly. 

Mamba ransomware launched new attacks in August 2017

Mamba virus uses PSEXEC utility to install and run ransomware on the network. The same behavior we have seen in NotPetya operation. When it compromises the network, it creates a C: \xampp\http folder where it installs DiskCryptor components. This utility is used for executing ransomware on the local computer.

This tool also generates unique passwords for each computer that are connected to the same network by executing this command:

C: \TEMP\721.exe longPassword /accepteula

One of the sneakiest features of the malware is that it installs itself as a Windows Service and hides itself under the DefragmentationService name. It also gets LocalSystem privileges, so Mamba gets full control over the computer.

When preparatory work is over, and all malicious components are installed on the system, malware reboots the affected device. Then it configures bootloader to Master Boot Record (MBR) and starts data encryption with DiskCryptor.

Mamba encrypts disk partitions and shows an unusual ransom note. Cyber criminals demand to contact them by one of the provided emails in order to get decryption key:

• mcrytp2017@yandex.com
• citrix2234@protonmail.com

The ransom note also includes ransom unique victim’s ID number. However, we highly recommend not wasting your time with communicating with criminals and following their demands. You should remove Mamba automatically and restore your files from backups or use alternative recovery methods.

Mamba hit public transit system of San Francisco in November 2016

At the end of November of 2016, Mamba ransomware managed to find its way to San Fransisco Municipal railway system servers and corrupt essential records with unbreakable encryption. According to reports, the virus did hit 2,112 computers out of 8,656, blocking the email system, payment system and also railway scheduling system.

The virus displayed the same message on all railway system computers: You hacked, all data encrypted, contact for a key (cryptom27@yandex.ru)^[8]. Ransomware managed to take down ticket dispensers, too.

What is more, the author of the Mamba malware has responded to some journalists from San Fransisco newspaper, saying that he didn't intend to infect the railway system, but since it has already happened, the organization has to pay 100 Bitcoin ($73,000) to get the decryption software.

The author calls himself Any Saolis, but obviously, that is not the real perpetrator's name. What is more, the attacker disclosed that he has gained access to private company's documents and that he is going to publish them online if the railway company refuses to pay the ransom^[9].

However, the company has already restored the system and confirmed that attackers didn't manage to access any sensitive data at all^[10]. The ransom wasn't paid.

Distribution methods of the ransomware virus

The virus spreads like a Trojan horse, so the user can install it while thinking that it is a harmless file. You might download it from email after opening an infectious email attachment or launching a malicious software update.

Consequently, it is highly recommended to stay away from sites that provide questionable downloads or show pop-up alerts stating that you need to update your software urgently. Such bogus updates typically contain malware.

Besides, ransomware threats frequently spread with the help of exploit kits. To prevent ransomware attacks, users should:

• protect their computers in advance by installing anti-malware programs,
• creating data backups,
• bypassing questionable sites on the Internet.

Elimination instructions for the Mamba ransomware

To remove Mamba virus, just as we have said, it is strongly advisable to use anti-malware utility, such as FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. We recommend using it because it is programmed by IT experts who analyze each virus individually and create algorithms capable of detecting all files belonging to viruses and removing them.

Unless you are an advanced IT expert, you should not try to carry out Mamba removal manually, because you risk to delete wrong files, leave virus’ components and other unwanted components on the computer system.

Currently, the free Mamba decryption tool has not been found; therefore, the only way to restore files is to copy and paste them on the computer from a backup.