Home Malware Programs Ransomware Matroska Ransomware

Matroska Ransomware

Posted: July 25, 2017

Threat Metric

Ranking: 7,457
Threat Level: 8/10
Infected PCs: 6,122
First Seen: July 25, 2017
Last Seen: October 4, 2023
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The Matroska Ransomware is a Trojan that uses the Hidden Tear's encryption features to block the files of the PC, after which it asks for ransom payments for its recovery assistance. Hidden Tear decryptors sometimes can help victims decode their media freely, although malware experts recommend keeping backups as the most secure strategy for protecting your files. Whether you need to decrypt your data or not, removing the Matroska Ransomware with anti-malware software will eliminate ongoing security issues and prevent any file loss.

Trojans So Easy to Use that Anyone could Do It

Although one could say that almost every day finds a new con artist interested in exploiting Utku Sen's Hidden Tear, not every day gives malware experts a new Trojan with an easy-to-use interface. In a minor departure from similarly-made threats, such as the Battlefield Ransomware, the new Matroska Ransomware conducts encryption attacks with the help of a built-in administration panel. Besides allowing its admins to deploy and configure the Matroska Ransomware with almost no effort, the feature also provides readers with forewarning on its infection methods.

The Matroska Ransomware uses Hidden Tear's basis of AES encryption to block your files, including such content as documents, spreadsheets and pictures. While most variants of Hidden Tear use internal means of configuration, the Matroska Ransomware provides the user with a fake 'Windows Defender' window that offers options for the target directories and drives to encrypt. The panel also can be hidden temporarily, and especially unusually, includes an exit feature that also will uninstall the program automatically.

Most likely, threat actors are using the above feature to control the Matroska Ransomware's payload after they install it manually. Then, they uninstall the Trojan, leaving the victim with nothing more than locked files and a message containing the Matroska Ransomware's ransoming demands.

Keeping YFile Problems Down to a Soothing Zero

Although the Matroska Ransomware's encryption method isn't unique, it does use a new extension that it adds to any blocked media: the 'HUSTONWEHAVEAPROBLEM@KEEMAIL.ME' string. The misspelling appears to be a result of the original spelling of 'Houston' being taken by another user of the same e-mail service, which is doubling as the threat actor's point of communication for his ransom negotiations. Paying the ransom, if you consider it at all, always should be used as a last resort, after attempting data restoration through such methods as free decryption and any available backups.

Malware researchers are estimating that the Matroska Ransomware's installation is using Remote Desktop-based attacks, which require the threat actor having gained access through other means. Being cautious about using short or otherwise easily-cracked login information can reduce the attacks that would allow a con artist to compromise your PC remotely. Most anti-malware applications include features for blocking other infection vectors, along with uninstalling the Matroska Ransomware, like any version of Hidden Tear.

What makes life simple for a con artist can sometimes turn into a foothold or clue for the people he attacks. The Matroska Ransomware is offering a glimpse into how its author intends to use it, but, unfortunately, not all file-encrypting Trojans are as kind as this one.

Loading...