AGVV Virus File Decrypt & Removal

I have discovered the presence of AGVV ransomware, which belongs to the STOP/Djvu ransomware family. An analysis of samples submitted to VirusTotal¹.

Once a computer gets infected with AGVV virus, it takes immediate action by encrypting files and appending the “.agvv” extension to their original filenames. For instance, a file named “a.jpg” would be renamed as “a.jpg.agvv“, and “b.doc” would be transformed into “b.doc.agvv“.

The Agvv key is unique for every victim, with an other exception:

• If Agvv cannot establish a connection with the command and control server (C&C Server) prior to beginning the encryption process, it will use the offline key. This key is the same to all the victims which makes it feasible to decrypt encrypted files during a ransomware attack.

I’ve put together a complete listing of all the possible solutions, tricks and practices in neutralizing the Agvv virus, and encryption of files. In some cases it’s easy to recover your files. In other cases, it’s impossible.

Understanding the Agvv Virus

The Agvv virus is a type of ransomware that operates by encrypting files on a victim’s computer and demanding a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. It often infiltrates systems through torrents and other illicit software downloads, catching users off guard and leaving them with encrypted files that are inaccessible.

Fortunately, there are methods available to decrypt files without having to pay the ransom. This article aims to provide valuable insights into the Agvv ransomware, along with several techniques for decrypting the encrypted files. Whether you have been affected by the Agvv virus or are interested in strengthening your knowledge of preventing ransomware attacks, continue reading to gain a comprehensive understanding.

The image below provides a visual representation of files encrypted by the Agvv virus, as they appear with the “.agvv” extension:

Agvv File (STOP/DJVU Ransomware)

This message asking payment is for get files back 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

Examining the Ransom Note

The ransom note explicitly instructs victims to initiate contact with the threat actors within a 72-hour window, highlighting the importance of swift communication. Failing to comply with this time frame will result in an increased payment amount of $980, covering the costs associated with the decryption software and key. Initially, the ransom demand stands at $490.

The ransom note emphasizes that the essential tools for file decryption are exclusively in the possession of the threat actors. Without access to these tools, the decryption process becomes unattainable. Furthermore, the “_readme.txt” file provides an option for victims to submit a single encrypted file for decryption, free of charge. To establish communication with the attackers, victims are presented with two email addresses: [email protected] and [email protected].

More About Agvv Ransomware

Restoring files affected by ransomware poses significant challenges without the involvement of the cybercriminals responsible for the attack. Victims have limited options available to restore their files without resorting to paying a ransom. These options include relying on data backups or searching for third-party decryption tools online.

Agvv ransomware operates through a series of processes designed to perform various tasks on the victim’s computer. One of the initial processes launched is winupdate.exe, which presents a deceptive Windows update prompt during the attack. This deceptive prompt aims to convince the victim that a sudden system slowdown is caused by a legitimate Windows update. Simultaneously, the ransomware initiates another process, usually named with four random characters, to scan the system for target files and encrypt them. Additionally, the ransomware utilizes the following CMD command to delete Volume Shadow Copies from the system:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once the Volume Shadow Copies are deleted, the ability to restore the computer to its previous state using System Restore Points becomes impossible. Ransomware operators actively eliminate Windows OS-based methods that could potentially assist victims in restoring files without cost. Moreover, the criminals modify the Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains and mapping them to the localhost IP. Consequently, when attempting to access one of the blocked websites, the victim encounters a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

Notably, the ransomware deliberately blocks websites that provide various how-to guides for computer users. This intentional restriction of specific domains aims to prevent victims from accessing relevant and helpful information regarding ransomware attacks online. The virus also saves two text files on the victim’s computer, containing attack-related details: the victim’s public encryption key and personal ID. These files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

Even after these modifications, the malware remains active. Variants of the STOP/DJVU ransomware often deploy the Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat possesses an extensive range of capabilities, including:

• Stealing login credentials for Steam, Telegram, Skype;
• Stealing cryptocurrency wallets;
• Downloading and executing malware on the victim’s computer;
• Collecting browser cookies, saved passwords, and browsing history;
• Viewing and manipulating files on the victim’s computer;
• Enabling remote control and facilitating additional tasks on the victim’s computer.

The DJVU/STOP ransomware family employs the AES-256 encryption algorithm. If your data has been encrypted with a unique online decryption key, it is impossible to decrypt the files without that specific key.

In the event that Agvv operates in online mode, gaining access to the AES-256 key is unattainable. The key is stored on a remote server controlled by the criminals behind the Agvv virus.

To receive the decryption key, the ransom demand stands at $980. The victims are encouraged by the message to contact the fraudsters via 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

How I was infected?

Ransomware has a various methods to built into your system. But it doesn’t really matter what method had place in your case.

Agvv virus attack following a successful phishing attempt.

However, AGVV ransomware can infiltrate your PC through common methods:

• The installation of other apps, especially utilities offered as freeware or shareware, may hide the ransomware.
• Suspicious links in spam emails can lead you to the virus installer.
• Online free hosting resources can also be a source of infection.
• Downloading pirated software from illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) resources can expose you to AGVV ransomware.

Sometimes, the Agvv virus disguises itself as a legitimate tool, often appearing in messages that demand unwanted software or browser updates. Online fraudsters commonly use this tactic to trick you into manually installing the Agvv ransomware, making you an unwitting participant.

These bogus update alerts won’t explicitly mention the virus installation. Instead, they will appear as prompts to update Adobe Flash Player or other questionable programs.

Using cracked apps is also risky, as it is illegal and can lead to the injection of serious malware, including the Agvv ransomware.

To summarize, what can you do to prevent the injection of Agvv ransomware on your device? Although there is no foolproof method, here are some tips to help you minimize the risk:

1. Exercise caution when installing free software and carefully review the additional offers presented during installation.

2. Avoid opening suspicious email attachments or files from unknown senders.

3. Keep your security program up to date at all times.

The malware operates discreetly and does not appear among your available programs. Instead, it runs as a hidden malicious process in the background from the moment you start your PC.

How To Remove Agvv Virus?

In addition to encode a victim’s files, the Agvv virus has also started to install the Vidar Stealer on PC 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”.