CDCC Virus (.cdcc Files Decrypt) + Ransomware Removal

The Cdcc virus, also known as ransomware, is part of the STOP/DJVU family. This malware is notorious for its malicious file encryption capabilities. When the Cdcc virus gets into a computer, it targets various types of files, such as photos, videos, documents, and more. It modifies the file structure and adds the “.cdcc” extension to each file, making them inaccessible and unusable without the decryption.

Cdcc Virus Overview

The Cdcc virus is a malicious program that encrypts your files and coerces you into paying for their recovery. This ransomware ciphers a wide selection of file types. Encrypted files are identifiable by a distinct “.cdcc” extension. The affected files become inaccessible and unusable.

Subsequently, the ransomware demands a file decryption payment in Bitcoin from its victims, which ranges from $999 to $1999, depending on the time passed after the attack. Typically, a text file with ransom payment guidances is named “_readme.txt“.

Cdcc Ransomware operates by Salsa20 encryption algorithms to scramble the contents of the targeted files. Since the Cdcc virus uses such a strong encryption method, it becomes particularly difficult, if not impossible, to find the decryption key without the assistance of the attackers.

Once Cdcc malware finishes the encryption, it shows a ransom note to the user, demanding a ransom payment for the decryption key. The ransom note contains instructions on the ways of making the payment and also often contains threats of permanent data loss or increased ransom amounts if the ransom is not paid within a specified timeframe.

I have made a comprehensive list of potential solutions, advice, and approaches to remove the Cdcc ransomware and decrypt your files. In some cases, it may be possible to restore your files, but sometimes, it may be impossible.

Cdcc employs a unique key for each victim, with one exception:

• If Cdcc fails to establish a connection with its command and control server (C&C Server) before starting the encryption process, it uses offline keys as a fallback option. This key is the same for all users, allowing for the decryption of files encrypted by the ransomware.

The Cdcc virus is similar to other DJVU ransomware samples such as Cdxx, Lkhy, Cdpo, and Cdwe. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.cdcc” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.cdcc” and “2.png” to “2.png.cdcc“.

After successful encryption, the virus creates a special text file named “_readme.txt” and places it in every folder containing the encrypted files. It also adds this file to the desktop, so the user will not miss the attack even without opening folders.

The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “cdcc” extension:

Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware

This message asking for payment is for restoring files via decryption key:

_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The alarming notification requesting users to pay the ransom to decrypt the encoded data contains these frustrating cautions.

Cdcc ransomware arrives as a set of operations that are meant to execute certain functions on a victim’s computer. One of the primary processes being launched is winupdate.exe, a deceptive process that displays a fraudulent Windows update alert during the attack. Such a trick helps to convince the victim that their PC has become slow because of a Windows update.

Meanwhile, the ransomware runs another process (named 4 random chars) which initiates scanning the computer for target files and ciphering them. Next, the ransomware deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the system through the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once deleted, it becomes virtually impossible to recover the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The issue is, that ransomware operators are getting rid of any built-in Windows methods that could assist the victim to regain files for free. In addition, the rascals modify the Windows HOSTS file by appending a list of domains to it and linking them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will face a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when accessing one of the blocked websites.

It has come to our attention that ransomware endeavors to restrict websites that publish various how-to guides for computer users. It is obvious that by hindering specific domains, the malefactors are attempting to prevent the victim from accessing relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. The virus also saves two .txt files on the victim’s computer that provide attack-related particulars – the victim’s public key and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

After all these alterations, the malware doesn’t cease. Variants of STOP/DJVU are inclined to release Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat carries an extensive list of capabilities, including:

• Manipulating and viewing files on the victim’s computer without their knowledge.
• Extracting sensitive information such as browser cookies, saved passwords, and browsing history.
• Obtaining unauthorized access to login credentials of Steam, Telegram, and Skype.
• Granting the hackers remote control over the victim’s computer for various malicious activities.
• Stealing cryptocurrency wallets from the victim’s system.
• Gathering sensitive data by running malicious software on the victim’s computer.

The encryption algorithm used by the DJVU/STOP virus is AES-256. So, once your data is encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances of getting your files back without paying the ransom are quite low. The thing is, this key is unique for each victim, and picking it will take too much time.

Obtaining the online decryption key in any other way is also close to impossible. It is stored on a server controlled by the criminals who spread the Cdcc malware. For receiving the decrypting code the payment should be $1999. To get the payment details, the victims should contact the hackers 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 pictures, databases, documents, and other important are encrypted with the strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase a decrypt tool and a unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees do you have?
You can send one of your encrypted files from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. The file must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-FCWSCsjEWS
The price of private key and decrypt software is $1999.
A discount of 50% is available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's the price for you is $999.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get an answer for more than 6 hours.


To get this software you need to write to our e-mail:
[email protected]

Reserve an e-mail address to contact us:
[email protected]

Your personal ID:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

How To Remove STOP/Djvu Ransomware?

Video Guide

How To Decrypt .cdcc Files?

The newest extensions were released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Cdxx, Cdtt, Cdpo etc.

As a consequence of the modifications made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer assisted. It has been replaced with the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu Ransomware developed by Emsisoft.

You can download free decryption tool here: Decryptor for STOP Djvu.

1. Select folders for decryption.

   Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will by default choose the reachable directories to decode the currently reachable drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. You can select other locations with the “Add” button.

   Decryptors usually propose several options considering the specific malware family. The possible options are presented in the Options tab and can be turned on or turned off there. You may find a detailed list of the currently active Options below.

2. Click on the “Decrypt” button.

   As soon as you add all the desired locations for decryption to the list, click on the “Decrypt” button to initiate the decryption procedure.

   Note that the main screen may turn you to a status view, letting you know of the active process and the decryption statistics of your data:

   

   The decryptor will notify you once the decryption procedure is completed. If you need the report for your papers, you can save it by choosing the “Save log” button. Note that it is also possible to copy it directly to your clipboard and paste it into emails or messages here if you need to do so.

The Emsisoft Decryptor might display different messages after a failed attempt to restore your files:

✓ Error: Unable to decrypt a file with ID: [your ID]

There is no corresponding decryption key in the Emsisoft decryptor’s database.

✓ No key for New Variant online ID: [your ID]

Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

Your original files were encrypted with an online key. There is no one to share the decryption key with you. File recovery is only possible through paying the ransom. 🙁

✓ Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]

This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.

An offline key was used, though the file recovery operation failed (the offline decryption key isn’t available yet). Nonetheless, this message is good news for you, since it is possible to restore your files in the future. 🙂

It can take a few weeks or months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. Please follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here.

✓ Remote name could not be resolved

This stands for a DNS issue. Try resetting your HOSTS file to default.

How to Restore .cdcc Files?

In some cases ransomware is not doom for your files…

The Cdcc ransomware encryption mechanism is next: it ciphers every file byte-by-byte, then saves a duplicate, erasing (not overriding!) the original file. Hence, the data of the file location on the disk drive is lost, but the original file is not removed from the physical disk. The cell, or the sector where this file was stored, can still hold this file, but it is not present in the file system and can be replaced by data that has been loaded to this drive after the deletion. Hence, it is possible to retrieve your files using special software.

Recovering your files with PhotoRec

PhotoRec is a free open-source program, which is initially created for file recovery from damaged disks, or data recovery in case they are unintentionally deleted. However, as time has gone by, this program adopted the ability to recover the files of 400 different file types. Hence, it can be used for data recovery after the Cdcc attack.

First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer notifies you that there is no assurance that your files will be retrieved. PhotoRec is distributed together with other programs of the same developer – TestDisk. The program archive will bear the TestDisk name but don’t worry. PhotoRec files are right inside.

To launch PhotoRec, you need to find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No installation is needed – the program has all the files it needs inside of the archive, hence, you can fit it on your USB drive, and try to help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Cdcc ransomware.

After the launch, you will see the screen showing you the entire list of your disk drives. However, these details are likely irrelevant, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this bar, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.

After picking the disk, you need to choose the destination folder for the recovered files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best selection is to export them on a USB drive or any other type of removable disk.

Then, you need to designate the file formats. This setting is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can regain the files in about 400 different formats.

Finally, you can begin file retrieval by pressing the “Search” button. You will view the screen where the outcomes of the scan and recovery are shown.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My files are encrypted by ransomware, what should I do now?
2. About DJVU (STOP) Ransomware.

German Japanese Spanish Portuguese (Brazil) French Turkish Chinese (Traditional) Korean Indonesian Hindi Italian