MSIL/Argus_V1_1!tr.ransom

Analysis

MSIL/Argus_V1_1!tr.ransom is a generic detection for a Ransomware Argus_V1_1 trojan. Since this is a generic detection, this malware may have varying behaviour.
Below are some of its observed characteristics/behaviours:

• This malware may drop any of the following file(s):
  
  • %Desktop%\ARGUS-DECRYPT.html This txt file will serve as ransom notes.
  • %Currentuser%\audiodg.exe : This is the utility sdelete.exe, the malware uses this to ensure that recovery of files are much more difficult.
  • %Temp%wallpaper.bmp: This picture file will also serve as ransom notes.


• Affected files of this Ransomware will use the filenaming format [OriginalFileName].ARGUS .

• unblock@airmail.cc


• This malware may connect to any of the following remote sites(s):
  
  • hxxp://argusqug{Removed}[.]onion
  
  
• Below is an illustration of the Ransomware notes:
  

  Figure 1: Ransom notes.

  
  
  

  Figure 2: wallpaper.bmp .

  
  


• Other version which may have similar characteristics/behaviours:
  • MSIL/FilecoderArgus.DB7A!tr.ransom
  
  
  
  
  

Recommended Action

• Make sure that your FortiGate/FortiClient system is using the latest AV database.
• Quarantine/delete files that are detected and replace infected files with clean backup copies.