How to remove Xcvf ransomware, Decrypt .xcvf files.

What is Xcvf virus?

Xcvf virus is a new ransomware that belongs to the family of ransomware called STOP (Djvu). Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts the victim’s files and demands a ransom for decrypting them. The Xcvf virus encrypts files, renames them by appending the .xcvf extension, and creates files named “_readme.txt” containing the ransom demand message. For example, a file named “image.jpg” will be renamed to “image.jpg.xcvf”, a “document.docx” file to “document.docx.xcvf”, “invoice.pdf” to “invoice.pdf.xcvf”, and so on.

QUICK LINKS

• What is Xcvf virus?
• Remove Xcvf virus (ransomware)
• Decrypt .xcvf files
• Restore .xcvf files
• Video Guide

Xcvf ransomware is new malware that is the 472th variant of STOP (DJVU) ransomware. Like other variants of this ransomware, it is distributed through key generators, cracked software, adware and torrents web-sites. Upon execution, Xcvf creates a folder in the Windows system directory and copies itself there. Then the virus changes some Windows OS settings so that it starts automatically every time the PC is turned on or restarted.

Xcvf ransomware collects information about the victim’s computer, after which it tries to establish a connection with its command-and-control server (C&C). If the connection has been established, the virus receives a key (so called ‘online key’) that will be used to encrypt files. In addition, Xcvf virus may receive additional commands and files that will be executed on the victim’s computer. If Xcvf ransomware could not connect to the command server, then it uses a fixed key, which the security researchers called ‘offline key’.

There is a significant difference between ‘online key’ and ‘offline key’. The online key is unique for each victim, that is, the key from one victim will not help decrypt the files of the other victim. The offline key is the same for all victims. Thus, it can be used to decrypt files regardless of where they were encrypted.

Having a key to encrypt files, Xcvf virus proceeds directly to the process of encrypting files. It encrypts file-by-file, so that all files of the victim will be encrypted. It doesn’t matter where the files are located, on the internal drive, flash drive, external media, cloud storage, all of them can be encrypted. There is a small exception, the virus does not encrypt files located in the Windows system directories, files with the extension from the list ‘.lnk, .bat, ini, .sys, .dll’ and files with the name ‘_readme.txt’. Thus, almost all of the victim’s data will be encrypted, including documents, pictures, databases, archives and other types of files, such as:

.t13, .blob, .desc, .py, .xxx, .odb, .rim, .forge, .tax, .xlk, .db0, .odm, .esm, .wp4, .0, .wmv, .doc, .3fr, .wp7, .bkp, .iwi, .wma, .pdd, .bc7, .p7c, .lvl, .qic, .odc, .bc6, .re4, .rtf, .ppt, .pem, .wbc, .kdb, .menu, .wmd, .xmind, .qdf, .jpeg, .sr2, .wn, .itl, .flv, .tor, .webdoc, .wmo, wallet, .wpa, .odp, .wot, .odt, .ibank, .pst, .xf, .wsh, .xar, .sie, .rofl, .wpw, .zip, .xlsx, .upk, .xx, .orf, .srf, .mdb, .vdf, .mddata, .wgz, .erf, .xls, .itdb, .7z, .accdb, .wps, .pptx, .wma, .sis, .cfr, .ztmp, .rb, .mcmeta, .wsc, .arch00, .mdf, .dng, .sid, .der, .zip, .wbmp, .wpb, .xbdoc, .wsd, .layout, .dmp, .lrf, .vfs0, .rar, .wp, .slm, .wb2, .vpp_pc, .bik, .xlsb, .xyw, .xwp, .js, .wdp, .xdb, .mov, .1st, .asset, .wp5, .wpl, .map, .xml, .xlsx, .wps, .m2, .raw, .mlx, .xmmap, .xdl, .bkf, .ws, .pkpass, .jpe, .bay, .hkdb, .csv, .x3d, .xlsm, .xbplate, .fpk, .pdf, .vpk, .sql, .ods, .x3f, .m3u, .jpg, .w3x, .xll, .pptm, .xyp, .syncdb, .apk, .dba, .ncf, .png, .srw, .cas, .wdb, .yml, .wpe, .vtf, .wbm, .big, .wbk, .2bp, .wmv, .xld, .zw, .xy3, .zif, .wpg, .crt, .itm, .bsa, .sb, .hplg, .sidn, .nrw, .ntl, .raf, .vcf, .txt, .rwl, .sum, .wm, .sav, .ybk, .t12, .wpd, .zi, .wbd, .pak, .d3dbsp, .mdbackup, .gho, .kf, .z3d, .cdr, .epk, .yal, .ltx, .rw2, .arw, .psk, .docx, .wri, .mef, .xls, .fos, .wav, .mrwref, .r3d, .lbf, .wire, .dazip, .iwd, .y, .ff, .rgss3a, .litemod, .cr2, .1, .p7b, .pef, .3dm, .zdc, .x, .wmf, .wpd, .dxg, .psd, .dbf, .xlsm, .css, .hvpl, .wpt, .eps

The Xcvf virus renames encrypted files. It will append the ‘.xcvf’ extension to the name of each encrypted file. To encrypt as many files as possible in the minimum time, the virus does not encrypt the entire file, but only its initial part in the amount of 154 kb. Xcvf virus encrypts files sequentially, when all files in the directory are encrypted, it places a new file in it. This file is called ‘_readme.txt’ and its contents are shown below.

This file is a ransom note that is a message from Xcvf creators. In this message, the criminals say that the victim’s files are encrypted and there is only one way to decrypt them – purchase the key and the decryptor from them. Attackers set the price for the key and decryptor at $980. If the victim pays the ransom within 72 hours, then Xcvf authors agree to make a discount of half the ransom, that is, reduce the size of the ransom to $490. Criminals offer to decrypt one file for free. To do this, the victim needs to send this file to one of the email addresses listed in the ransom demand message. But successful decryption of one file does not guarantee the possibility of decryption of files even after payment of the ransom.

The presented in the Xcvf ransomnote:

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-6Ti2DxXR3I
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
manager@time2mail.ch

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
supportsys@airmail.cc

Your personal ID:
0472xxxxxxxx

Threat Summary

Name	Xcvf ransomware (Xcvf File Virus)
Type	Crypto virus, Crypto malware, Filecoder, Ransomware, File locker
File extension	.xcvf
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Contact	manager@time2mail.ch, supportsys@airmail.cc
Ransom amount	$490 or $980 in Bitcoins
Detection Names	Win32:CrypterX-gen [Trj], Win.Malware.Filerepmalware-9941437-0, Win/malicious_confidence_100% (W), Malicious.e68f03, Malicious (high Confidence), Win32.Trojan-Ransom.STOP.16WV76, Trojan.Win32.Crypt, UDS:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.gen, Trojan.MalPack.GS, Trojan.Malware.300983.susgen, Artemis!8D2009141CA8
Symptoms	When you try to open your file, Windows notifies that you do not have permission to open this file. Your files have different extension appended at the end of the file name. Files called like ”, ‘READ-ME’, ‘_open me’, _DECRYPT YOUR FILES’ or ‘_Your files have been encrypted” in every folder with an encrypted file. Ransom demanding message on your desktop.
Distribution methods	Email attachments. Malicious downloads that happen without a user’s knowledge when they visit a compromised web-site. Social media posts (they can be used to entice users to download malware with a built-in ransomware downloader or click a suspicious link). Malvertising campaigns.
Removal	Xcvf ransomware removal guide
Decryption	Xcvf File Decrypt Tool

 

In the ransom note, the Xcvf authors say that it is impossible to decrypt files without a key and a decryptor. In general, this is true; to decrypt .xcvf files, you must use the key and the decryptor. This is confirmed by the security researchers. Fortunately, there is a free Xcvf File Decrypt Tool, which in some cases can decrypt .xcvf files. In the case when it could not decrypt encrypted files, there are several more methods, each of which can help you restore the files encrypted by Xcvf virus. These methods do not require the use of a key and decryptor, and therefore are suitable in all cases.

How to remove Xcvf virus (ransomware)

Before you start decrypting or recovering .xcvf files, you need to remove the Xcvf autostart entries. This must be done since otherwise the ransomware may re-encrypt the restored files. You can stop the ransomware from working, as it is not difficult to do. Another option is to perform a full system scan using free malware removal tools capable of detecting and removing ransomware infection. Read the entire manual carefully. To make it easier for you to follow the instructions, we recommend that you print it or open it on your smartphone.

It is very important to scan the computer for malware, as security researchers found that spyware could be installed on the infected computer along with the Xcvf ransomware. Spyware is a very dangerous security threat as it is designed to steal the user’s personal information such as passwords, logins, contact details, etc. If you have any difficulty removing the Xcvf virus, then let us know in the comments, we will try to help you.

To remove Xcvf virus, follow the steps below:

1. Kill Xcvf virus
2. Disable Xcvf Start-Up
3. Delete Xcvf Task
4. Remove Xcvf virus

Kill Xcvf virus

Press CTRL, ALT, DEL keys together.

Click Task Manager. Select the “Processes” tab, look for something suspicious that is the Xcvf ransomware then right-click it and select “End Task” or “End Process” option. If your Task Manager does not open or the Windows reports “Task manager has been disabled by your administrator”, then follow the guide: How to Fix Task manager has been disabled by your administrator.

It is not difficult to detect a process related to the Xcvf ransomware. When looking for a malicious process, pay attention to the process icon and its name. Most often, this ransomware has a process name in the following format: 4-characters.tmp.exe or 4-characters.exe. For example: 7533.tmp.exe, A4b1.exe, CD15.tmp.exe, 19b2.exe. The process name can also contain “(32 bit)”. If you do not find a process with a similar name in the list of processes, then most likely the Xcvf ransomware has finished working. But keep in mind, if you do not remove the ransomware autostart entries, as demonstrated below, and do not delete its file, then after a while it may start again, and if it finds unencrypted files, immediately encrypt them.

Disable Xcvf Start-Up

Select the “Start-Up” tab, look for something similar to the one shown in the example below, right click to it and select Disable.

Close Task Manager.

Delete Xcvf Task

Type “Task Scheduler” in the search bar. Click Task Scheduler app in the search results. Click “Task Scheduler Library” in the left panel. On the right panel, right-click to “Time Trigger Task” and select Delete.

Close Task Scheduler.

Remove Xcvf virus

Run Task Manager and select the “Start-Up” tab. Right click to the Xcvf ransomware Start-Up entry and select Open File Location as shown below.

A directory containing one file will open in front of you, this file is the Xcvf virus. It needs to be removed. If you try to delete it immediately, then you will not succeed, since this file is protected from deletion.

To delete this file, you need to do the following. Right-click on the file, select Properties. In the window that opens, select Security tab. Next, click the Advanced button below. A window will open as shown in the following example.

Click Disable inheritance. In the Block inheritance dialog box that opens, select the first item (Convert inherited permissions…) as shown below.

In the Permission entries list, select “Deny Everyone”, click Remove button and then OK. Close the file properties window. You should now be able to remove the Xcvf virus. Right-click on the file and select Delete.

Scan computer for malware

Zemana is a malware removal tool that can be used to remove spyware, trojans, worms, adware, malware, ransomware and other security threats. This program is one of the most efficient anti-malware tools. It helps in ransomware removal and and defends all other types of malware. One of the biggest advantages of using Zemana Anti Malware is that is easy to use and is free. Also, it constantly keeps updating its virus/malware signatures DB. Let’s see how to install and check your computer with Zemana Anti Malware in order to remove Xcvf ransomware from your computer.
 

 

1. Visit the following page to download Zemana. Save it on your Microsoft Windows desktop or in any other place.
   
   

   Zemana AntiMalware
   164029 downloads
   Author: Zemana Ltd
   Category: Security tools
   Update: July 16, 2019
   
2. After downloading is done, close all programs and windows on your PC system. Open a file location. Double-click on the icon that’s named Zemana.AntiMalware.Setup.
3. Further, click Next button and follow the prompts.
4. Once installation is done, click the “Scan” button to perform a system scan for the Xcvf virus, other malware, worms and trojans. A scan may take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the count of files on your PC and the speed of your personal computer. When a threat is found, the count of the security threats will change accordingly. Wait until the the scanning is done.
5. Once the scan is complete, Zemana will display a list of all items detected by the scan. Review the report and then press “Next”. When that process is finished, you may be prompted to reboot your PC.

In order to be 100% sure that the computer no longer has the Xcvf virus, we recommend using Kaspersky virus removal tool (KVRT). It is a free portable tool that scans your personal computer for spyware, ransomware, adware software, PUPs, trojans, worms, malicious software and allows uninstall them easily. Moreover, it will also allow you uninstall any other security threats for free.

Download Kaspersky virus removal tool from the link below. Save it to your Desktop.

Once the downloading process is finished, double-click on the Kaspersky virus removal tool icon. Once initialization process is done, you will see the Kaspersky virus removal tool screen as shown below.

Click Change Parameters and set a check near all your drives. Press OK to close the Parameters window. Next click Start scan button to detect the Xcvf virus other malware and security threats. During the scan KVRT will look for threats present on your computer.

After Kaspersky virus removal tool has completed scanning your computer, you’ll be shown the list of all detected items on your PC like the one below.

Once you’ve selected what you wish to remove from your PC click on Continue to begin a cleaning task.

How to decrypt .xcvf files

To decrypt .xcvf files, you need to use a unique key and decryptor. Security researchers confirm that it is impossible to access the contents of encrypted files without decryption. Renaming files and changing their extension will not help, the files will remain encrypted. Fortunately, there is a free Xcvf File Decrypt Tool called STOP Djvu decryptor. In some cases, it can help decrypt .xcvf files.

To decrypt .xcvf files, use Xcvf File Decrypt Tool

• Download Xcvf File Decrypt Tool from the following link.
  STOP Djvu decryptor
• Scroll down to ‘New Djvu ransomware’ section.
• Click the download link and save the decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe file to your desktop.
• Run decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe, read the license terms and instructions.
• On the ‘Decryptor’ tab, using the ‘Add a folder’ button, add the directory or disk where the encrypted files are located.
• Click the ‘Decrypt’ button.

Xcvf File Decrypt Tool is a free software that can decrypt files only in some cases, when the files were encrypted with an ‘offline key’. If the files were encrypted with an ‘online key’, then they cannot be decrypted. The reason for this is that the decryption key is in the hands of criminals and this key can not be determined. But even in this case, there is a chance to restore the contents of encrypted files, we will talk about this in section “How to restore .xcvf files” of this article.

How to find out which key was used to encrypt files

Since Xcvf Decrypt Tool only decrypts files encrypted with the offline key, each Xcvf’s victim needs to find out which key was used to encrypt the files. Determining the type of key used is not difficult. Below we give two ways. Use any of them.

Find out the type of key using ‘_readme.txt’ file

• Open the ransom demand message (‘_readme.txt’ file).
• Scroll down to the end of the file.
• There you will see a line with the text ‘Your personal ID’.
• Below is a line of characters that starts with ‘0472’ – this is your personal id.

Find out the type of key using ‘PersonalID.txt’ file

• Open disk C.
• Open directory ‘SystemID’.
• Open file named ‘PersonalID.txt’. This file lists ‘Personal ID’s that match the keys that the virus used to encrypt files.

The ‘Personal ID’ is not a key, it is an identifier related to a key that was used to encrypt files. If the ID ends with ‘t1’, then the files are encrypted with an offline key. If the ID does not end with ‘t1’, Xcvf virus used an online key. If you could not figure out how to determine which key was used to encrypt files, then we can help. Just write a request here or in the comments below.

Xcvf File Decrypt Tool : “No key for New Variant online ID”

If, when you try to decrypt .xcvf files, Xcvf File Decrypt Tool reports:

No key for New Variant online ID: *
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

It means that your files are encrypted with an ‘online key’ and their decryption is impossible, since only the Xcvf authors have the key necessary for decryption. In this case, you need to use alternative methods listed below to restore the contents of encrypted files.

Xcvf File Decrypt Tool : “No key for New Variant offline ID”

If, during decryption of .xcvf files, Xcvf File Decrypt Tool reports:

No key for New Variant offline ID: *t1
Notice: this ID appears be an offline ID, decryption MAY be possible in the future.

It means the following: your files are encrypted with an ‘offline key’, but the key itself has not yet been obtained by security researchers, in this case, you need to be patient and wait a while, in addition, you can also use alternative ways for recovering encrypted data.

If for some reason you were unable to decrypt the encrypted files, then We recommend to follow the news on our Facebook or YouTube channels. So you ‘ll know right away that it ‘s possible to decrypt .xcvf files.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to remove Xcvf virus, Decrypt/Recover .xcvf files.

How to restore .xcvf files

If Xcvf File Decrypt Tool did not help you, or your files are encrypted using an online key, then there is no need to panic! There are several other alternative methods that may allow you to restore the contents of encrypted files. Once again, remember to be sure to scan your computer for ransomware and malware using free malware removal tools. You must be sure that Xcvf ransomware is completely removed.

Restore .xcvf files with ShadowExplorer

First of all, try to recover .xcvf files from Shadow Volume Copies, which are automatically created by Windows OS. In order to recover photos, documents and music encrypted by Xcvf ransomware from Shadow Volume Copies you can use a tool called ShadowExplorer. We recommend using this free utility because it is small in size, has a simple interface and does not require installation on a computer. Unfortunately, ransomware often removes all Shadow copies. Therefore, if Shadow Explorer cannot help you, then immediately proceed to the second method, which is given below.

Visit the page linked below to download ShadowExplorer. Save it directly to your Microsoft Windows Desktop.

After the download is complete, extract the saved file to a directory on your PC system. This will create the necessary files as shown in the following example.

Launch the ShadowExplorerPortable application. Now select the date (2) that you wish to recover from and the drive (1) you want to restore files (folders) from as on the image below.

On right panel navigate to the file (folder) you wish to restore. Right-click to the file or folder and click the Export button as on the image below.

And finally, specify a directory (your Desktop) to save the shadow copy of encrypted file and click ‘OK’ button.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to recover encrypted files using Shadow Explorer.

Restore .xcvf files with PhotoRec

Another alternative way to recover .xcvf files is to use data recovery software. This method requires a lot of time, but in most cases it allows you to recover part, and sometimes all, encrypted files. To restore .xcvf files, use a free tool called Photo Rec. It has a simple interface and does not require installation.

Download PhotoRec on your MS Windows Desktop from the link below.

When downloading is done, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to testdisk-7.0.win and choose Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the testdisk-7.0 folder like below.

Double click on qphotorec_win to run PhotoRec for MS Windows. It will open a screen like below.

Select a drive to recover as displayed on the image below.

You will see a list of available partitions. Choose a partition that holds encrypted files as displayed in the following example.

Press File Formats button and select file types to restore. You can to enable or disable the restore of certain file types. When this is finished, click OK button.

Next, click Browse button to choose where recovered documents, photos and music should be written, then press Search. We strongly recommend that you save the recovered files to an external drive.

Count of restored files is updated in real time. All recovered documents, photos and music are written in a folder that you have selected on the previous step. You can to access the files even if the restore process is not finished.

When the restore is done, press on Quit button. Next, open the directory where restored photos, documents and music are stored. You will see a contents as shown in the figure below.

All restored personal files are written in recup_dir.1, recup_dir.2 … sub-directories. If you are searching for a specific file, then you can to sort your recovered files by extension and/or date/time.

This video step-by-step guide will demonstrate How to recover encrypted files using PhotoRec.

How to protect your PC from Xcvf ransomware

Most antivirus software already have built-in protection system against the crypto virus. Therefore, if your PC does not have an antivirus application, make sure you install it. As an extra protection, run the HitmanPro.Alert. All-in-all, HitmanPro.Alert is a fantastic utility to protect your system from any ransomware. If ransomware is detected, then HitmanPro.Alert automatically neutralizes malware and restores the encrypted files. HitmanPro.Alert is compatible with all versions of Microsoft Windows OS from Windows XP to Windows 10.

HitmanPro Alert can be downloaded from the following link. Save it to your Desktop so that you can access the file easily.

When the downloading process is complete, open the file location. You will see an icon like below.

Double click the HitmanPro Alert desktop icon. Once the tool is started, you will be displayed a window where you can select a level of protection, as displayed in the following example.

Now click the Install button to activate the protection.

To sum up

This guide was created to help all victims of Xcvf ransomware virus. We tried to give answers to the following questions: how to remove ransomware; how to decrypt .xcvf files; how to recover encrypted files; what is an online key and what is an offline key. We hope that the information presented in this manual has helped you.

If you have questions, then write to us, leaving a comment below. If you need more help with Xcvf related issues, go to here.