WAQQ Virus File Decrypt & Removal

While analyzing malware samples submitted to VirusTotal, I discovered the Waqq ransomware, a member of the STOP/Djvu ransomware family, encrypting files and appending the “.waqq” extension to their original filenames. For example, a file originally named “a.jpg” would be renamed as “a.jpg.waqq“, while “b.doc” would transform into “b.doc.waqq“.

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

• If Djvu ransomware 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.

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

What is Waqq virus?

☝️ It can be correctly identify as a STOP/DJVU ransomware-type infection.

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

Waqq 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 data contains these frustrating warnings

The Waqq ransomware arrives as a set of processes that 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 data got encrypted with an online decryption key, which is totally unique. The sad reality is that it is impossible to decrypt the files without the unique key.

In case if Waqq 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 criminals who distibute the Waqq ransomware.

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 ransom

It is essential to note that the _readme.txt file instructs computer owners to contact the Waqq representatives within 72 hours from the moment the files were encrypted. If users reach out within this timeframe, they will receive a 50% rebate, reducing the ransom amount to $490. However, it is strongly advised to avoid paying the ransom!

I strongly urge you not to engage with these criminals and refrain from making any payments. One of the most effective solutions for recovering lost data is to utilize existing backups or employ the Decrypter tool from Emsisoft.

All such viruses operate in a similar manner, employing a specific set of actions to generate a unique decryption key for data recovery.

Therefore, unless the ransomware is still in the development stage or has inherent, hard-to-track flaws, manual recovery of encrypted data is impossible. The only viable solution to safeguard your valuable data is to regularly create backups of your critical files.

It is important to note that even if you diligently maintain regular backups, they should be stored in a designated location separate from your main workstation.

For example, you can store the backups on a USB flash drive or an alternative external hard drive. Alternatively, you may opt for online (cloud) storage services.

It goes without saying that keeping your backup data on your primary device exposes it to potential encryption, just like any other data.

For this reason, storing the backup on your main device is undoubtedly unwise.

How I was infected?

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

The Waqq ransomware can be injected into your PC through several common leaks. These include:

• Hidden installation alongside other apps, particularly utilities that function as freeware or shareware.
• Dubious links in spam emails that lead to the virus installer.
• Online free hosting resources.
• Utilizing illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) resources for downloading pirated software.

Online fraudsters have even disguised the Waqq virus as legitimate tools, such as messages demanding unwanted software or browser updates. This clever tactic aims to trick users into manually installing the ransomware, actively involving them in the process.

These bogus update alerts won’t explicitly mention that you’re injecting a virus. Instead, they camouflage the installation under a notification that supposedly requires you to update Adobe Flash Player or some other dubious program.

Using cracked apps is also risky, as it is both illegal and can result in the injection of severe malware, including the Waqq ransomware.

In conclusion, there are measures you can take to avoid the injection of the Waqq ransomware into your device. While there is no foolproof guarantee, I would like to share some helpful tips for preventing its penetration. When installing free software, exercise caution and carefully read what the installers offer in addition to the main program. Avoid opening dubious email attachments and refrain from opening files from unknown senders. Additionally, always keep your security program up to date.

The malware is designed to remain discreet, concealing itself from your list of available programs. Instead, it operates as a malicious process running continuously in the background from the moment you start your computer.

How To Remove Waqq Virus?

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