The LCRYX ransomware, a malicious VBScript-based threat, has re-emerged in February 2025 after its initial appearance in November 2024.
Known for encrypting files with the .lcryx extension and demanding $500 in Bitcoin for decryption, this ransomware has evolved with advanced techniques to lock down Windows systems and evade detection.
Disabling System Tools and Elevating Privileges
The ransomware begins by ensuring it runs with administrative privileges, relaunching itself if necessary.
Once operational, it disables critical system tools such as Task Manager, Command Prompt, and Registry Editor by modifying Windows registry settings.
Additionally, it blocks access to the Control Panel and turns off User Account Control (UAC) prompts, allowing the malware to execute commands without interruption.
To further disrupt user control, LCRYX prevents the execution of diagnostic tools like msconfig.exe, gpedit.msc, and procexp.exe, effectively hindering attempts to analyze or terminate its processes.
The script also disables inactivity timeouts to keep the system active for its operations.
Persistence Mechanisms and File Encryption
LCRYX ensures persistence by setting itself as the default shell and debugger for key system processes such as cmd.exe.
It also modifies registry settings to act as the handler for HTTP and HTTPS links, ensuring execution whenever web links are clicked.
The malware remaps keyboard keys and swaps mouse buttons to further disrupt user interactions.
For encryption, LCRYX employs a combination of Caesar cipher and XOR encryption techniques.
It replaces original files with encrypted versions while deleting backups and shadow copies using vssadmin and wbadmin commands.
According to K7 Security Labs Report, this ensures that recovery through conventional means is nearly impossible.
The ransomware uses Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) to terminate essential processes like Task Manager and Registry Editor at regular intervals.
It also executes PowerShell commands to overwrite the Master Boot Record (MBR) of disk drives with malicious content, rendering the system unbootable without specialized recovery tools.
To avoid detection, LCRYX disables real-time monitoring features of popular antivirus solutions such as Windows Defender, Bitdefender, and Kaspersky.
It also hides its files by setting their attributes to “Hidden,” “System,” and “Read-only.”
After encrypting files, LCRYX generates a ransom note on the desktop instructing victims to visit a specific website and pay the ransom in Bitcoin for decryption keys.
In some variants, the malware adds psychological pressure by displaying pop-ups that reveal the victim’s IP address or opening unrelated applications like Calculator.
The resurgence of LCRYX ransomware highlights the growing sophistication of VBScript-based threats.
Its ability to disable security measures, encrypt files effectively, and disrupt system functionality underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity defenses.
Users are advised to deploy comprehensive security solutions like K7 Total Security and maintain regular backups to mitigate risks from such attacks.
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