AGHZ Virus (.AGHZ Files Ransomware) Decrypt + Removal Tool

During my analysis of malware samples submitted to VirusTotal, I made an intriguing discovery. I uncovered the Aghz ransomware, which belongs to the STOP/Djvu ransomware family. This particular ransomware not only encrypts files but also adds an extension called “.aghz” to the original filenames. To illustrate, a file initially known as “a.jpg” would undergo a transformation and become “a.jpg.aghz“, while “b.doc” would be renamed as “b.doc.aghz“.

I have compiled an extensive list of potential solutions, tips, and best practices to neutralize the Aghz virus and recover encrypted files. Depending on the circumstances, file recovery may be either straightforward or impossible.

The Aghz ransomware employs a unique key for each victim, with one exception:

• If Aghz fails to establish a connection with the command and control server (C&C Server) before initiating the encryption process, it resorts to the offline key. This particular key is shared among all victims, offering the possibility of decrypting files affected by a ransomware attack.

What is Aghz virus?

☝️ Aghz can be correctly identify as a STOP/DJVU ransomware virus.

The Aghz ransomware is a kind of malware that encrypted your files and then forces you to pay to restore them. The image below gives a clear vision of how the files with “.aghz” extension look like:

Aghz File (STOP/DJVU Ransomware)

This text asking payment is for restore files via decryption key:

_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The scary alert demanding from users to pay the ransom to decrypt the encoded files contains these frustrating warnings

Aghz ransomware arrives as a set of processes that are meant to perform different tasks on a victim’s computer. One of the first ones being launched is winupdate.exe, a tricky process that displays a fake Windows update prompt during the attack. This is meant to convince the victim that a sudden system slowdown is caused by a Windows update. However, at the same time, the ransomware runs another process (usually named by four random characters) which starts scanning the system for target files and encrypting them. Next, the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system using the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once deleted, it becomes impossible to restore the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The thing is, ransomware operators are getting rid of any Windows OS-based methods that could help the victim to restore files for free. In addition, the crooks modify the Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains to it and mapping them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will run into a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when accessing one of the blocked websites.

We noticed that ransomware attempts to block websites that publish various how-to guides for computer users. It is evident that by restricting specific domains, the crooks are trying to prevent the victim from reaching relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. The virus also saves two text files on the victim’s computer that provide attack-related details – the victim’s public encryption key and personal ID. These two files are called bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

After all these modifications, the malware doesn’t stop. Variants of STOP/DJVU tend to drop Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat has a lengthy list of capabilities, such as:

• Stealing Steam, Telegram, Skype login / password;
• Stealing cryptocurrency wallets;
• Downloading malware to the computer and running it;
• Stealing browser cookies, saved passwords, browsing history, and more;
• Viewing and manipulating files on victim’s computer;
• Allowing the hackers to perform other tasks on the victim’s computer remotely.

The cryptography algorithm used by DJVU/STOP ransomware is AES-256. So, if your files got encrypted with an online decryption key, which is totally distinct. The sad reality is that it is impossible to decrypt the files without the unique key.

In case if Aghz worked in online mode, it is impossible for you to gain access to the AES-256 key. It is stored on a remote server owned by the frauds who distibute the Aghz infection.

For receiving decryption key the payment should be $980. To obtain the payment details, the victims are encouraged by the message to contact the frauds by email ([email protected]).

The message by the ransomware states the following information:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry, you can return all your files!

All your files like photos, 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-WJa63R98Ku

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:

[email protected]

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:

[email protected]

Your personal ID:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Do not pay for Aghz!

Please, try to use the available backups, or Decrypter tool

_readme.txt file also indicates that the computer owners must get in touch with the Aghz representatives during 72 hours starting from the moment of files were encrypted. On the condition of getting in touch within 72 hours, users will be granted a 50% rebate. Thus the ransom amount will be minimized down to $490). However, stay away from paying the ransom!

I certainly advise that you do not contact these crooks and do not pay. The one of the most real working solution to recover the lost data – just using the available backups, or use Decrypter tool from Emsisoft.

The peculiarity of all such viruses apply a similar set of actions for generating the unique decryption key to recover the ciphered data.

Thus, unless the ransomware is still under the stage of development or possesses with some hard-to-track flaws, manually recovering the ciphered data is a thing you can’t perform. The only solution to prevent the loss of your valuable data is to regularly make backups of your crucial files.

Note that even if you do maintain such backups regularly, they ought to be put into a specific location without loitering, not being connected to your main workstation.

For instance, the backup may be kept on the USB flash drive or some alternative external hard drive storage. Optionally, you may refer to the help of online (cloud) information storage.

Needless to mention, when you maintain your backup data on your common device, it may be similarly ciphered as well as other data.

For this reason, locating the backup on your main PC is surely not a wise idea.

How does a virus get into a computer?

Ransomware has a various methods to built into your system.

Aghz ransomware attack following a successful phishing attempt.

The Aghz ransomware can be injected into your PC through common leaks. These are:

• Hidden installation along with other apps, especially utilities that function as freeware or shareware.
• Dubious links in spam emails that lead to the virus installer.
• Online free hosting resources.
• Using illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) resources to download pirated software.

In some cases, the Aghz virus disguises itself as a legitimate tool, such as messages demanding unwanted software or browser updates. This is how online fraudsters trick you into manually installing the Aghz ransomware, making you an active participant in the process.

Obviously, the bogus update alert won’t explicitly mention that it’s injecting the virus. Instead, it will be concealed within an alert suggesting that you should update Adobe Flash Player or some other questionable program.

Using cracked apps also poses a risk, as it is both illegal and can lead to the injection of severe malware, including the Aghz ransomware.

To summarize, what can you do to avoid the injection of the Aghz ransomware into your device? While there is no 100% guarantee to prevent damage to your PC, here are some tips to help prevent Aghz penetration. Be cautious when installing free software.

Always read what the installers offer in addition to the main free program. Avoid opening suspicious email attachments or files from unknown senders. Ensure that your current security program is always up to date.

The malware doesn’t openly reveal itself and won’t appear in the list of available programs. Instead, it will be masked as a malicious process running silently in the background from the moment you start your computer.

How To Remove Aghz Virus?

In addition to encode a victim’s files, the Aghz infection has also started to install the Vidar Stealer on system to steal account credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, desktop files, and more.

1. Run the setup file.

   
   

2. Press “Install” button.

   

3. Once installed, Anti-Malware will automatically run.

   

4. Wait for complete.

   

5. Click on “Clean Now”.