Xatz Virus (.xatz File): How Does Ransomware Works & What To Do?

About Xatz Ransomware:

Name	Xatz Virus
Version	0708
File Extension	.xatz
Contact	[email protected], [email protected]
Family	STOP/Djvu Ransomware
Note	_readme.txt
Offline ID	uK3VnHYy6oibGbO8t2PDOMcT40gQoh5oUUCe2Lt1
Last seen	May 19, 2023
Algorithm	Salsa20 encryption. If Xatz 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 .xatz files in the future.
Ransom	From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins)
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 virus, like Redline Stealer, Vidar Stealer, Smokeloader, Azorult and others;
Distribution	Third-party downloaders, installers, peer-to-peer networks, RDP exploits, etc.,
RSA Public Key	-----BEGIN PUBLIC KEY----- MIIBIjANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQEFAAOCAQ8AMIIBCgKCAQEA1A3JriDO7u1CLkwKeW2f xNsg1do1GzyuiF/NFBKvIJDFUj8EIurRbvMwBCavTVSLZGCsNKOrVG4w+c+5jqVo 0WCwPTf8YoQYZGWLH5wJGPeoQnQyXlK2hAPX8Z9G4xq8qPGbJnHWURuib9bLOf4j 7kr7TDJNcK6ZXOCX7L1FOgOQLtqRyRxC1tucQ1+SPftPimU8JQgtNp4czak+KQ84 nmHvwAdHA23pyzPlCOD529K8PKiFOYRGRaLY1iy+syBP09UT/cBK89zJQz34A9zy 6NoTkLOlOAxQCfiriS1UbIz1I/AUMIQOHvxWPVnZNOC450EDHzFOze8Ll5O2YvTn BwIDAQAB -----END PUBLIC KEY-----
Other variants	Xash Ransomware (.xash encrypted files) Gatz Ransomware (.gatz encrypted files) Gash Ransomware (.gash encrypted files)

What is Xatz ransomware?

Discovering files with the .xatz extension on your computer is a clear indicator that you've been targeted by the Xatz ransomware. This malware aims directly at your finances—it encrypts your files and demands a ransom for their decryption. Before encrypting your files, it performs various modifications to your system settings to deactivate security defenses and block the execution of antivirus programs.

The Xatz ransomware utilizes the Salsa20 encryption algorithm. Although this cipher is not the most robust form of encryption, decrypting it through conventional means remains impractical.

The security modifications made by the Xatz virus are extensive. It deactivates Microsoft Defender and tweaks system configurations to prevent the installation of most antivirus software. Furthermore, it modifies the HOSTS file, obstructing access to websites that offer ransomware removal and file decryption advice.

Encryption process

The Xatz ransomware uses the Salsa20 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 - ".xatz". Then, ransomware creates a _readme.txt file in the folder where the encrypted file is located, and goes to the next folder.

.XATZ Files

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 Xatz 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 pictures, 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-otP8Wlz4eh
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:
****************

External Links:

🔗 HowToFix.Guide: How To Decrypt .xatz Files?

Indicators of Compromise(IOC)

File Name	MD5	File Size
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	23a987cc7d0567a014c82668d4e79154	270848
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	1299feb524ccf5a781f9a0562b164b87	270336
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	c9b279917d106a173c3d44433110fb88	271872
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	46fb89521fa36e70261a8e69a31c5113	173980
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	e4eb334bfb4e9a5f6807f8732d1c7954	303104
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	30534cd317f6cd385f3c330cb5979099	270848
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	f8d947b83f40d8e8f8c23f5d2403b827	265728
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	63ef4a2b4786dce4b391424ecd5c66df	239616
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	48a7f8d73959fcf8e530113cc1873c2c	240128
📜 SAMPLE.EXE	35a087f3b291e12be485b71df2c47645	240128