SARUT Virus File — How to Decrypt & Remove Ransomware

The Sarut virus, also known as a ransomware infection, belongs to the STOP family. This malware family is known for its malicious file encryption capabilities. Once the Sarut virus gets into a system, it scans the system for files like photos, videos, documents, and more. It changes the file structure and appends the “.sarut” extension to each file, making them inaccessible and unusable without the decryptor.

Sarut Virus Overview

Sarut

🤔 Sarut virus belongs to ransomware that belongs to the DJVU/STOP ransomware family. Its main target is to encrypt all of your files it can reach. After that ransomware virus asks for a ransom payment – ($499 – $999) in Bitcoin.

The Sarut virus is a malicious program that ciphers your files and forces you to pay for their decryption. This malware ciphers different file types. Encrypted files become identifiable by a distinct “.sarut” extension. The affected files become impossible to access and use.

Then, the ransomware asks for a file decryption payment in Bitcoin from its victims, ranging from $499 to $999. Typically, a ransom text file is named as “_readme.txt“.

Sarut Ransomware operates by Salsa20 encryption algorithms to scramble the contents of the targeted files. Since Sarut virus utilizes such a robust ciphering method, it becomes incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to pick the decryption key without cooperating with the attackers.

Once Sarut malware finishes the encryption, it shows a ransom note to the victim, demanding a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. The ransom note contains instructions on the ways of making the payment and often contains threats of data loss or ransom amounts surge if the demands are not met within a specified timeframe.

I have made a comprehensive list of the solutions, tips, and practices to disable the Sarut virus and recover access to your files. There are situations when it may be feasible to restore your files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.

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📌 Important Reminder!

It is essential to say that paying off the bill does not guarantee the successful recovery of your files. The scoundrels who stand behind the Sarut virus are not trustworthy. There have been instances where victims have paid the ransom, only to be denied by the cybercriminals with the decryption key provision.

Sarut employs a unique key for every victim, with one exception:

If Sarut fails to connect the command and control server (C2) before starting the encryption process, it uses offline keys. This key is the same for all users, which allows for the decryption of files encrypted by the ransomware.

The Sarut virus bears resemblance to other DJVU ransomware variants like Watz, Waqa, Veza, and Paaa. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.sarut” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.sarut” and “2.png” to “2.png.sarut“.

After successful encryption, malware 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 its appearance even without opening folders.

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

Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware

Name	Sarut Virus
Ransomware family¹	DJVU/STOP² ransomware
Extension	.sarut
Ransomware note	_readme.txt
Ransom	From $499 to $999 (in Bitcoins)
Contact	[email protected], [email protected]
Detection	Trojan:Win32/Tnega!MSR Removal, Win32:Adware-DNA [Adw] Virus Removal, Win32:Secat [Trj] Virus Removal
Symptoms	Encrypted most of your files (photos, videos, documents) and adds a particular “.sarut” extension; Can delete Volume Shadow copies to make victim’s attempts to restore data impossible; Adds a list of domains to HOSTS file to block access to certain security-related sites; Installs password-stealing Trojan on the system, like Vidar Stealer or RedLine Stealer; Manages to install a SmokeLoader backdoor;
Fix Tool	To remove possible malware infections, scan your PC: 6-day free trial available.

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

_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The frightening notification requesting users to pay off the ransom to decrypt the encrypted data contains these annoying admonitions.

Sarut ransomware arrives as a set of procedures that are used to perform certain tasks on a victim’s computer. One of the initial ones being launched is winupdate.exe, a deceptive process that shows a fake Windows update pop-up during the attack. Such a trick helps to convince the victim that a sudden PC slowdown is caused by a Windows update.

At the same time, the ransomware runs another process (which name commonly consists of 4 random characters) which commences scanning the system for target files and ciphering them. Then the ransomware removes Volume Shadow Copies from the system disk through the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once deleted, it becomes virtually impossible to restore the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The concern is, ransomware operators are eliminating any built-in Windows methods that could aid the victim to regain files for free. In addition, the crooks modify the Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains to it and linking them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will encounter a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when trying to access one of the listed websites.

We noticed that ransomware attempts to block websites that promote various how-to guides for computer users. It is evident that by restricting specific domains, the malefactors are attempting to hinder the victim from connecting to relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. The virus also keeps two text files on the victim’s computer that offer information related to the attack – the public key of this victim and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

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

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

The cryptography algorithm in STOP/Djvu ransomware is AES-256. So, once your data is encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances to get your files back are quite low. Thing is, this key is unique for each victim, and finding a suitable one will take too much time.

Getting the online decryption key in another way is also close to impossible. It is stored on a remote server owned by the criminals who promote the Sarut malware. For receiving decryption key the payment should be $999. To see the payment details, the victims should contact the fraudsters 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 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.
Do not ask assistants from youtube and recovery data sites for help in recovering your data.
They can use your free decryption quota and scam you.
Our contact is emails in this text document only.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-hPAqznkJKD
Price of private key and decrypt software is $999.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $499.
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 To Remove STOP/Djvu Ransomware?

Video Guide

How To Decrypt .sarut Files?

How to restore big files?

Try deleting .sarut extension on a few big files and opening them. This malware has issues with large files encryption. Either the virus accessed and did not lock the file, or it bugged and did not add the filemarker. If you have files that are very large (2GB+), such a situation is highly probable. Please, let me know in comments if that will work for you.

The newest extensions released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Watz, Waqa, Veza etc.

As a result of the alterations 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.

Select folders for decryption.

Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will automatically choose the reachable directories in order to decode the currently available drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. Extra (optional) locations can be selected with the assistance of the “Add” button.

Decryptors usually propose several options depending on the specific malware family. The existing possible options are shown in the Options tab and can be turned on or turned off there. You may discover a comprehensive list of the currently active Options below.

Click on the “Decrypt” button.

As soon as you add all the desired locations for decryption into the list, click on the “Decrypt” button in order 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 as soon as the decryption procedure is completed. If you need the report for your personal 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 to 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 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

Malware used an online key to cipher your files. So no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair. File recovery is only possible through paying the ransom. 🙁

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

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

An offline key was used, but files could not be restored (the offline decryption key isn’t available yet). Nonetheless, this message is a good news for you, because 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

It’s an indication of a DNS issue on your PC. Consider resetting your HOSTS file to default.

How to Restore .sarut Files?

In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…

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

I recently had my pc infected by the this virus. It managed to bypass 2 Antivirus software and 2 malware fighters.

Anyway, after realizing it was an online algorithm, it is impossible to retrieve my encrypted files. I also had my backup drive plugged in at the time of the virus, and this was also infected, or so I thought. Every folder within my backup drive had been infected and was encrypted. However, despite losing some important files, I retrieved almost 80% of my 2TB storage.

When I started going through the folders, I noticed the readme.txt ransom note in every folder. I opened some of the folders and found that all files that were not in a subfolder within that folder had been encrypted. However, I found a flaw and glimmer of hope when I went into the subfolders in other folders and found that these files had not been encrypted. Every folder within my c and d drives, including subfolders, had been encrypted, but this was not the case with the backup drive. Having subfolders created within a folder has saved 80% of my data.

As I said, I believe this to be only a small loophole on a backup drive. I’ve since found a further 10 % of my data on another hard drive on a different pc. So my advice is if you use a backup drive, create subfolders. I was lucky, I guess. But I was also unlucky that the virus hit as I was transferring some files from my backup.

Hopefully, this can help some other people in my situation.

Jamie Newland

Some pointers for recovery repair of Sarut files (true for all STOP/DJVU variants):

I have seen Stop/Djvu variants fail to encrypt deeper nested folders, so that you can check that. You may find those are not encrypted.

This ransomware saves encrypted data to a new file, deletes the original. So there’s a slight chance part of that deleted file can be recovered using file recovery software. It’s unlikely the folder structure can be restored, so a free tool like PhotoRec may be as good as any.

This ransomware only partially encrypts (about the first 150 KB), so depending on file size and type of data, the not encrypted part may be recoverable.

Joep

Recovering your files with PhotoRec

PhotoRec is an free program, which is originally created for file retrieval from damaged disks, or for files recovery in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, with time flow, this program got the ability to restore the files of 400 different extensions. Hence, it can be used for data recovery after the Sarut attack.

First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer notifies that there is no warranty that the files will be retrieved. PhotoRec is spread in a pack with another tool of the same developer – TestDisk. The program archive will bear TestDisk name, but don’t worry. PhotoRec files are right inside.

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

Upon the launch, you will see the screen showing you the entire list of your disk spaces. However, this details are presumably irrelevand, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this tab, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.

After opting for the disk, you need to opt for the destination folder for the reclaimed files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best decision is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.

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

Finally, you can start files recovery by pressing the “Search” button. You will see the screen where the findings of the scan and recovery are shown.

Sarut files recovery Video Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 How can I open “.sarut” files?

No way. These files are encrypted by ransomware. The contents of encrypted files are not available until they are decrypted.

🤔 This virus has blocked infected PC: I can’t get the activation code.

In this situation, you need to prepare the memory stick with a pre-installed

🤔 Decryptor did not decrypt all my files, or not all of them were decrypted. What should I do?

Have patience. You are infected with the new version of STOP/DJVU ransomware, and decryption keys have not yet been released. Follow the news on our website. We will keep you posted on when new keys or new decryption programs appear.

🤔 What can I do right now?

The Sarut ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of files. So MP3 files are rather large, some media players (Winamp for example) may be able to play the files, but – the first 3-5 seconds (the encrypted portion) will be missing. You can try to find a copy of an original file that was encrypted: Files you downloaded from the Internet that were encrypted and you can download again to get the original.

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Brendan Smith