QBAA Ransomware (.qbaa Files)
- YASH KUMAR SONI
- Mar 10, 2022
- 3 min read
QBAA Ransomware uses the AES-256 encryption algorithm. This STOP/Djvu family is one of the most popular infection!
Technical details:
Name | QBAA Virus |
Family | STOP/Djvu Ransomware |
Note | |
File Extenstion | .qbaa |
Algorithm | |
Ransom | From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins) |
If QBAA cannot establish a connection to crooks server before starting the encryption process, it uses the offline key. This key is the same for all victims(!), making it possible to decrypt .qbaa files in the future.
Damage
⮞ 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 Azorult Spyware;
Distribution- Third-party downloaders, installers, peer-to-peer networks, RDP exploits, etc.
Other variants
Fopa Ransomware (.fopa encrypted files)
Vtym Ransomware (.vtym encrypted files)
Ftym Ransomware (.ftym encrypted files)
QBAA ransomware is a “classic” example of ransomware infection. This virus penetrates your PC, encrypts the files, and then asks you to pay money for its decryption. The average amount of ransom is $980. In addition, fraudsters threaten you that your files will be deleted or that your files will not be decrypted. The only thing that matters is the fact that it changes a lot of your system settings.
Malware alters your system’s configurations to make it weaker and prevent the early detection of virus injection. In addition, the virus blocks the Microsoft Defender (it just becomes inactive) and restricts the launch of antivirus software installation files. These changes must be reverted as soon as possible because you will also struggle to install other programs.
QBAA ransomware encrypts your files with a robust ciphering algorithm - AES-256. This algorithm is typical for all other members of the STOP/Djvu ransomware family. It is likely impossible to hack that cipher in common ways - this encryption algorithm means 1.158x10^77 (78-digit number) of possible decryption keys. Brute forcing it will take more than two unvigintillion years.
Encryption process
The QBAA ransomware uses the AES-256 encryption algorithm. That is not the strongest method, but it still provides an overwhelming amount of possible decryption keys. To brute force the 78-digit number of keys, you need 3.5 unvigintillion years (1*10^65), even if you use the most powerful regular PC. Quantum computers can show a bit better results, but it is still too slow to get your files back while you are alive.
The exact algorithm of encryption is next: malware scans each folder for the files it is able to encrypt. Then, when it finds the target, it makes a copy of your file, removes the original one, encrypts the copy and leaves it instead of the removed original. Such a procedure is done to prevent the situation when you have already opened the file, so ransomware is not able to read it because of the Windows restrictions. To each encrypted copy, the virus adds the specific extension - ".qbaa". Then, ransomware creates a _readme.txt file in the folder where the encrypted file is located, and goes to the next folder.
Such an encryption method can be exploited for file recovery. Since the original file is deleted, you may try to recover it using the file recovery tools. The less time is passed - the bigger the chance to get your files back, so hurry up!
Another specific moment that can help you to use the files even after the encryption is the fact that QBAA ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of each file. Hence, you can try to run a big file, such as video or music, without the encryption. Similar feature also works with other ransomware families - Dharma, Conti and Makop encrypt the same 150KB.
Ransom note: _readme.txt
Ransom note is the same for the whole ransomware family. In fact, it is one of the main signs of to which family the certain ransomware belongs. Here is the typical note for STOP/Djvu family:
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:
hxxps://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:
helpteam@mail.ch
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
helpmanager@airmail.cc
Your personal ID:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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