Security researchers have delved deep into the Globe3 ransomware family and have revealed the configuration variables that are used by its many strains. To learn more about Globe3, how it spawns out strains, as well as how to remove any infections on your computer continue reading our removal guide.
| Name | Globe3 |
| File Extensions | Strain-specific |
| Ransom | Strain-specific |
| Solution #1 | You can skip all steps and remove Globe3 with the help of an anti-malware tool. |
| Solution #2 | Globe3 ransomware can be removed manually, though it can be very hard for most home users. See the detailed tutorial below. |
| Distribution | Spam Email Campaigns, malicious ads & etc. |
Globe3 Ransomware Description
The Globe3 ransomware family is a very serious threat to computer users worldwide as it has spawned numerous strains and related viruses which have proven popular among computer hackers.
Like its two previous versions – Globe and Globe2, this malware threat uses a builder application as well. Computer criminals use it to base their own customized versions of the Globe3 ransomware by configuring various variables.
All Globe3 ransomware samples feature their configuration file built-in to the binaries which allows for an easy extraction.
- MELT – This causes the ransomware to delete the payload dropper which is used for the initial infection.
- TASKNAME – Defines the process name of the ransomware strain.
- AUTOEXEC – Establishes persistene of the ransomware strain.
- DRIVES – Makes the ransomware encrypt all connected drives and partitions.
- SHARES – Makes the ransomware search and encrypt all available network shares.
- NAMES – The ransomware will encrypt the file names.
- EXTENSION – The personalized strain extension which is appended to the affected files.
- TARGETS – This variable lists the affected file types by the encryption engine.
- MESSAGE – Contains the ransom note. HTML code is supported.
- N and E values – These are the RSA key parameters that are used to encrypt the private AES key.
In addition to the above-mentioned configuration options, the Globe3 ransomware builder allows the criminals to set their own wallpapers and ransom note file name.
Two of the two most most popular extensions used by this malware family include .decrypt2017 and .hnumkhotep.
Some of the notable changes in comparison to previous Globe ransomware family iterations include the use of AES-256 versus RC4, XOR and Blowfish.
A free decryptor for this threat is available here.
Sample Globe3 Ransomware Variant
The security experts were able to capture several malware samples. From the extracted configuration file we can give you an example infection which has been used in live attack campaigns.
The virus uses the .decrypt2017 extension and compromises the target files via phishing attacks. Various social engineering tricks are used to deliver mass email messages that contain the malicious attachment or link to the infected binary. Other ways of getting infected include malicious ads, browser hijackers and exploit kits.
Upon infection the Globe3 ransomware infects via its own system32.exe process and begins encrypting target user files on all connected partitions, hard drives and network shares. The payload dropper is deleted after the execution is started. The target files include the following types:
001,1cd,3d,3d4,3df8,3dm,3ds,3fr,3g2,3ga,3gp,3gp2,3mm,3pr,7z,7zip,8ba,8bc,8be,8bf,8bi8,8bl,8bs,
8bx,8by,8li,a2c,aa,aa3,aac,aaf,ab4,abk,abw,ac2,ac3,accdb,accde,accdr,accdt,ace,ach,acr,act,adb,
ade,adi,adp,adpb,adr,ads,adt,aep,aepx,aes,aet,afp,agd1,agdl,ai,aif,aiff,aim,aip,ais,ait,ak,al,
allet,amf,amr,amu,amx,amxx,ans,aoi,ap,ape,api,apj,apk,apnx,arc,arch00,ari,arj,aro,arr,arw,as,as3,
asa,asc,ascx,ase,asf,ashx,asm,asmx,asp,aspx,asr,asset,asx,automaticdestinations-ms,avi,avs,awg,
azf,azs,azw,azw1,azw3,azw4,b2a,back,backup,backupdb,bad,bak,bank,bar,bay,bc6,bc7,bck,bcp,bdb,bdp,
bdr,bfa,bgt,bi8,bib,bic,big,bik,bin,bkf,bkp,bkup,blend,blob,blp,bmc,bmf,bml,bmp,boc,bp2,bp3,bpk,
bpl,bpw,brd,bsa,bsk,bsp,btoa,bvd,c,cag,cam,camproj,cap,car,cas,cat,cbf,cbr,cbz,cc,ccd,ccf,cch,cd,
cdf,cdi,cdr,cdr3,cdr4,cdr5,cdr6,cdrw,cdx,ce1,ce2,cef,cer,cert,cfg,cfp,cfr,cgf,cgi,cgm,cgp,chk,
chml,cib,class,clr,cls,clx,cmf,cms,cmt,cnf,cng,cod,col,con,conf,config,contact,cp,cpi,cpio,cpp,
cr2,craw,crd,crt,crw,crwl,crypt,crypted,cryptra,cs,csh,csi,csl,cso,csr,css,csv,ctt,cty,cue,cwf,
d3dbsp,dac,dal,dap,das,dash,dat,database,dayzprofile,dazip,db,db_journal,db0,db3,dba,dbb,dbf,
dbfv,db-journal,dbx,dc2,dc4,dch,dco,dcp,dcr,dcs,dcu,ddc,ddcx,ddd,ddoc,ddrw,dds,default,dem,der,
des,desc,design,desklink,dev,dex,dfm,dgc,dic,dif,dii,dim,dime,dip,dir,directory,disc,disk,dit,
divx,diz,djv,djvu,dlc,dmg,dmp,dng,dob,doc,docb,docm,docx,dot,dotm,dotx,dox,dpk,dpl,dpr,drf,drw,
dsk,dsp,dtd,dvd,dvi,dvx,dwg,dxb,dxe,dxf,dxg,e4a,edb,efl,efr,efu,efx,eip,elf,emc,emf,eml,enc,enx,
epk,eps,epub,eql,erbsql,erf,err,esf,esm,euc,evo,ex,exf,exif,f90,faq,fcd,fdb,fdr,fds,ff,ffd,fff,
fh,fhd,fla,flac,flf,flp,flv,flvv,for,forge,fos,fpenc,fpk,fpp,fpx,frm,fsh,fss,fxg,gam,gdb,gfe,gfx,
gho,gif,gpg,gray,grey,grf,groups,gry,gthr,gxk,gz,gzig,gzip,h,h3m,h4r,hbk,hbx,hdd,hex,hkdb,hkx,
hplg,hpp,hqx,htm,html,htpasswd,hvpl,hwp,ibank,ibd,ibz,ico,icxs,idl,idml,idx,ie5,ie6,ie7,ie8,ie9,
iff,iif,iiq,img,incpas,indb,indd,indl,indt,ink,inx,ipa,iso,isu,isz,itdb,itl,itm,iwd,iwi,jac,jar,
jav,java,jbc,jc,jfif,jge,jgz,jif,jiff,jnt,jpc,jpe,jpeg,jpf,jpg,jpw,js,json,jsp,just,k25,kc2,kdb,
kdbx,kdc,kde,key,kf,klq,kmz,kpdx,kwd,kwm,laccdb,lastlogin,lay,lay6,layout,lbf,lbi,lcd,lcf,lcn,
ldb,ldf,lgp,lib,lit,litemod,lngttarch2,localstorage,log,lp2,lpa,lrf,ltm,ltr,ltx,lua,lvivt,lvl,m,
m2,m2ts,m3u,m3u8,m4a,m4p,m4u,m4v,mag,man,map,mapimail,max,mbox,mbx,mcd,mcgame,mcmeta,mcrp,md,md0,
md1,md2,md3,md5,mdb,mdbackup,mdc,mddata,mdf,mdl,mdn,mds,mef,menu,meo,mfw,mic,mid,mim,mime,mip,
mjd,mkv,mlb,mlx,mm6,mm7,mm8,mme,mml,mmw,mny,mobi,mod,moneywell,mos,mov,movie,moz,mp1,mp2,mp3,mp4,
mp4v,mpa,mpe,mpeg,mpg,mpq,mpqge,mpv2,mrw,mrwref,mse,msg,msi,msp,mts,mui,mxp,myd,myi,nav,ncd,ncf,
nd,ndd,ndf,nds,nef,nfo,nk2,nop,now,nrg,nri,nrw,ns2,ns3,ns4,nsd,nsf,nsg,nsh,ntl,number,nvram,nwb,
nx1,nx2,nxl,nyf,oab,obj,odb,odc,odf,odg,odi,odm,odp,ods,odt,oft,oga,ogg,oil,opd,opf,orf,ost,otg,
oth,otp,ots,ott,owl,oxt,p12,p7b,p7c,pab,pack,pages,pak,paq,pas,pat,pbf,pbk,pbp,pbs,pcd,pct,pcv,
pdb,pdc,pdd,pdf,pef,pem,pfx,php,pkb,pkey,pkh,pkpass,pl,plb,plc,pli,plus_muhd,pm,pmd,png,po,pot,
potm,potx,ppam,ppd,ppf,ppj,pps,ppsm,ppsx,ppt,pptm,pptx,prc,prel,prf,props,prproj,prt,ps,psa,
psafe3,psd,psk,pspimage,pst,psw6,ptx,pub,puz,pwf,pwi,pwm,pxp,py,qba,qbb,qbm,qbr,qbw,qbx,qby,qcow,
qcow2,qdf,qed,qel,qic,qif,qpx,qt,qtq,qtr,r00,r01,r02,r03,r3d,ra,ra2,raf,ram,rar,rat,raw,rb,rdb,
rdi,re4,res,result,rev,rgn,rgss3a,rim,rll,rm,rng,rofl,rpf,rrt,rsdf,rsrc,rsw,rte,rtf,rts,rtx,rum,
run,rv,rvt,rw2,rwl,rwz,rzk,rzx,s3db,sad,saf,safe,sas7bdat,sav,save,say,sb,sc2save,sch,scm,scn,
scx,sd0,sd1,sda,sdb,sdc,sdf,sdn,sdo,sds,sdt,search-ms,sef,sen,ses,sfs,sfx,sgz,sh,shar,shr,shw,
shy,sid,sidd,sidn,sie,sis,sldm,sldx,slk,slm,slt,sme,snk,snp,snx,so,spd,spr,sql,sqlite,sqlite3,
sqlitedb,sqllite,sqx,sr2,srf,srt,srw,ssa,st4,st5,st6,st7,st8,stc,std,sti,stm,stt,stw,stx,sud,suf,
sum,svg,svi,svr,swd,swf,switch,sxc,sxd,sxg,sxi,sxm,sxw,syncdb,t01,t03,t05,t12,t13,tar,tax,
tax2013,tax2014,tbk,tbz2,tch,tcx,tex,text,tg,tga,tgz,thm,thmx,tif,tiff,tlg,tlz,toast,tor,torrent,
tpu,tpx,trp,ts,tu,tur,txd,txf,txt,uax,udf,uea,umx,unity3d,unr,unx,uop,uot,upk,upoi,url,usa,usx,
ut2,ut3,utc,utx,uu,uud,uue,uvx,uxx,val,vault,vbox,vbs,vc,vcd,vcf,vdf,vdi,vdo,ver,vfs0,vhd,vhdx,
vlc,vlt,vmdk,vmf,vmsd,vmt,vmx,vmxf,vob,vp,vpk,vpp_pc,vsi,vtf,w3g,w3x,wab,wad,wallet,war,wav,wave,
waw,wb2,wbk,wdgt,wks,wm,wma,wmd,wmdb,wmmp,wmo,wmv,wmx,wotreplay,wow,wpd,wpe,wpk,wpl,wps,wsh,wtd,
wtf,wvx,x11,x3f,xf,xis,xl,xla,xlam,xlc,xlk,xll,xlm,xlr,xls,xlsb,xlsm,xlsx,xlt,xltm,xltx,xlv,xlw,
xlwx,xml,xpi,xps,xpt,xqx,xsl,xtbl,xvid,xwd,xxe,xxx,yab,ycbcra,yenc,yml,ync,yps,yuv,z02,z04,zap,
zip,zipx,zoo,zps,ztmp,exe
The crafted ransomware note reads the following message:
GLOBE
Your files are encrypted!Your personal ID{{IDENTIFIER}}Your documents, photos, databases, save games and other important data has been encrypted.Data recovery is required interpreter.To get the interpreter should pay its costs: 3 Bitcoin (3 BTC).Cash must be translated into Bitcoin-purse: 18XXV3h9zzzJ1R4v6DiGmfgcooG1Vk9B1mIf you have no Bitcoin
- Create a wallet Bitcoin: https://blockchain.info/ru/wallet/new
- Get cryptocurrency Bitcoin:
https://localbitcoins.com/ru/buy_bitcoins (Visa/MasterCard, QIWI Visa Wallet \xE8 \xE4\xF0.)
https://ru.bitcoin.it/wiki/\xCF\xF0\xE8\xEE\xE1\xF0\xE5\xF2\xE5\xED\xE8\xE5_\xE1\xE8\xF2\xEA\xEE\xE9\xED\xEE\xE2 (instruction for beginners)- Send 3 BTC bitcoin address 18XXV3h9zzzJ1R4v6DiGmfgcooG1Vk9B1m
After the payment, send an e-mail address [email protected]. In a letter to indicate your personal identifier.In a response letter you will receive a program to decrypt.After start-interpreter program, all your files will be restored.Attention!
- Do not attempt to remove the program or run the anti-virus tools
- Attempts to self-decrypting files will result in the loss of your data
- Decoders are not compatible with other users of your data, because each user’s unique encryption key
Globe3 Ransomware Distribution
Globe 3 ransomware can be distributed in various ways to the target victims.
- The most popular way of distributing ransomware samples is by using email spam campaigns. Mass messages are sent to the targets that contain malicious attachments or links to the virus itself. In many cases spoofed extensions are used to disguise the ransomware.
- Exploit Kits are the next popular tool that hackers use. They seek out predefined software vulnerabilities that are used to engage in remote access to the target hosts.
- Browser hijackers and malicious ads can be used to serve the malicious payload.
Globe3 Ransomware Removal
For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete Globe3 completely with a few mouse clicks.
STEP I: Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently.
- 1) Hit WIN Key + R
- 2) A Run window will appear. In it, write “msconfig” and then press Enter
3) A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named “Boot”
4) Mark “Safe Boot” option and then go to “Network” under it to tick it too
5) Apply -> OK
Or check our video guide – “How to start PC in Safe Mode with Networking”
STEP II: Show Hidden Files
- 1) Open My Computer/This PC
2) Windows 7
- – Click on “Organize” button
– Select “Folder and search options”
– Select the “View” tab
– Go under “Hidden files and folders” and mark “Show hidden files and folders” option
3) Windows 8/ 10
- – Open “View” tab
– Mark “Hidden items” option
4) Click “Apply” and then “OK” button
STEP III: Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes
- 1) Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2) Get over to “Processes”
3) When you find suspicious process right click on it and select “Open File Location”
4) Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose “End Process”
5) Next you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it
STEP IV: Remove Completely Globe3 Ransomware Using SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter
STEP V: Repair Windows Registry
- 1) Again type simultaneously the Windows Button + R key combination
2) In the box, write “regedit”(without the inverted commas) and hit Enter
3) Type the CTRL+F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4) In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Further help for Windows Registry repair
STEP VI: Recover Encrypted Files
- 1) Use present backups
2) Restore your personal files using File History
- – Hit WIN Key
– Type “restore your files” in the search box
– Select “Restore your files with File History”
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar
- – Hit the “Restore” button
3) Using System Restore Point
- – Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps
STEP VII: Preventive Security Measures
- 1) Enable and properly configure your Firewall.
2) Install and maintain reliable anti-malware software.
3) Secure your web browser.
4) Check regularly for available software updates and apply them.
5) Disable macros in Office documents.
6) Use strong passwords.
7) Don’t open attachments or click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe.
8) Backup regularly your data.
SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter
