Cerber.AD Ransomware
Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are assessment reports for different malware threats which have been collected and analyzed by our research team. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards evaluate and rank threats using several metrics including real-world and potential risk factors, trends, frequency, prevalence, and persistence. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are updated regularly based on our research data and metrics and are useful for a wide range of computer users, from end users seeking solutions to remove malware from their systems to security experts analyzing threats.
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards display a variety of useful information, including:
Popularity Rank: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
Severity Level: The determined severity level of an object, represented numerically, based on our risk modeling process and research, as explained in our Threat Assessment Criteria.
Infected Computers: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
See also Threat Assessment Criteria.
| Popularity Rank: | 18,249 |
| Threat Level: | 80 % (High) |
| Infected Computers: | 110 |
| First Seen: | December 22, 2020 |
| Last Seen: | July 15, 2026 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The detection of Cerber.AD Ransomware on your system indicates a serious security threat that requires immediate attention. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on a victim's device, demanding a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. In this report, we will provide an overview of the threat, its operation, symptoms of infection, and steps to remove it from your system.
Table of Contents
What Is Cerber.AD Ransomware?
Cerber.AD Ransomware is a type of malware that falls under the broader category of ransomware threats. While the specific details of this threat are not publicly available, it is essential to understand that ransomware attacks are typically designed to extort money from victims by encrypting their files and demanding a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. The name Cerber.AD Ransomware suggests that it may be related to other Cerber ransomware variants, but without further information, it is crucial to focus on general guidance for removal and prevention.
How Cerber.AD Ransomware Operates
Ransomware, including Cerber.AD Ransomware, typically operates by exploiting vulnerabilities in software or using social engineering tactics to gain access to a victim's system. Once inside, the malware encrypts files, making them inaccessible to the user. The attackers then demand a ransom, usually in cryptocurrency, in exchange for the decryption key. The encryption process can be rapid, leaving victims with limited time to respond. It is essential to act quickly to minimize the damage and prevent further encryption.
Symptoms of Infection
Common symptoms of a ransomware infection include files becoming inaccessible, the appearance of ransom demands, and unusual system behavior. You may notice that your files have been encrypted, and you are unable to open them. You may also see a ransom note or demand displayed on your screen, instructing you to pay a certain amount of money in exchange for the decryption key. Additionally, your system may become slow or unresponsive, and you may notice unusual network activity.
How to Remove Cerber.AD Ransomware
- Restart your system in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent the malware from loading and to allow for a clean removal process.
- Perform a full scan of your system using a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to detect and remove any malicious files and components.
- Uninstall any suspicious programs or applications that may be related to the ransomware infection.
- Reset your web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, to their default settings to remove any malicious extensions or add-ons.
- Reboot your system and perform another full scan to ensure that the malware has been completely removed.
It is crucial to note that removing the malware does not guarantee that your files will be decrypted. In some cases, the decryption key may not be available, or the attackers may not provide it even after payment. Therefore, it is essential to focus on prevention and backup strategies to minimize the impact of a ransomware attack.
Conclusion
The detection of Cerber.AD Ransomware is a serious security threat that requires immediate attention. By understanding how ransomware operates and following the steps outlined in this report, you can remove the malware from your system and minimize the damage. However, it is essential to remember that prevention is key, and regular backups, software updates, and security patches can help prevent future ransomware attacks. Stay vigilant, and always prioritize your system's security to protect your valuable data.
Analysis Report
General information
| Family Name: | Cerber.AD Ransomware |
|---|---|
| Signature status: | No Signature |
Known Samples
Known Samples
This section lists other file samples believed to be associated with this family.|
MD5:
042851c7f94837102e18a532b367a947
SHA1:
926a8885e74c0953bb7cbd66238dc8adbc806781
SHA256:
7581CDE59F2869B11BE40EBE3A0312931EE57B3BD630019084E7295F96D7BE93
File Size:
873.47 KB, 873472 bytes
|
Windows Portable Executable Attributes
- File doesn't have "Rich" header
- File doesn't have debug information
- File doesn't have exports table
- File doesn't have security information
- File has TLS information
- File is 32-bit executable
- File is either console or GUI application
- File is GUI application (IMAGE_SUBSYSTEM_WINDOWS_GUI)
- File is Native application (NOT .NET application)
- File is not packed
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- IMAGE_FILE_DLL is not set inside PE header (Executable)
- IMAGE_FILE_EXECUTABLE_IMAGE is set inside PE header (Executable Image)
File Icons
File Icons
This section displays icon resources found within family samples. Malware often replicates icons commonly associated with legitimate software to mislead users into believing the malware is safe.
Windows PE Version Information
Windows PE Version Information
This section displays values and attributes that have been set in the Windows file version information data structure for samples within this family. To mislead users, malware actors often add fake version information mimicking legitimate software.| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Synaptics |
| File Description | Synaptics Pointing Device Driver |
| File Version | 1.0.0.4 |
| Product Name | Synaptics Pointing Device Driver |
| Product Version | 1.0.0.0 |
File Traits
- No Version Info
- packed
- x86
Block Information
Block Information
During analysis, EnigmaSoft breaks file samples into logical blocks for classification and comparison with other samples. Blocks can be used to generate malware detection rules and to group file samples into families based on shared source code, functionality and other distinguishing attributes and characteristics. This section lists a summary of this block data, as well as its classification by EnigmaSoft. A visual representation of the block data is also displayed, where available.| Total Blocks: | 3,109 |
|---|---|
| Potentially Malicious Blocks: | 150 |
| Whitelisted Blocks: | 2,958 |
| Unknown Blocks: | 1 |
Visual Map
? - Unknown Block
x - Potentially Malicious Block
Similar Families
Similar Families
This section lists other families that share similarities with this family, based on EnigmaSoft’s analysis. Many malware families are created from the same malware toolkits and use the same packing and encryption techniques but uniquely extend functionality. Similar families may also share source code, attributes, icons, subcomponents, compromised and/or invalid digital signatures, and network characteristics. Researchers leverage these similarities to rapidly and effectively triage file samples and extend malware detection rules.- FakeAlert.X
- Kasperagent.A
- QQPass.AK
- Trojan.Downloader.Gen.HP
- Trojan.Downloader.Gen.MD
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- Woreflint.A
Files Modified
Files Modified
This section lists files that were created, modified, moved and/or deleted by samples in this family. File system activity can provide valuable insight into how malware functions on the operating system.| File | Attributes |
|---|---|
| \device\namedpipe\gmdasllogger | Generic Write,Read Attributes |
| c:\programdata\synaptics | Synchronize,Write Attributes |
| c:\programdata\synaptics\rcx7044.tmp | Generic Read,Write Data,Write Attributes,Write extended,Append data |
| c:\programdata\synaptics\synaptics.exe | Generic Read,Write Data,Write Attributes,Write extended,Append data,Delete,LEFT 262144 |
| c:\programdata\synaptics\synaptics.exe | Synchronize,Write Attributes |
| c:\programdata\synaptics\synaptics.exe | Synchronize,Write Data |
| c:\users\user\appdata\local\temp\ii1hfdn.ini | Generic Read,Write Data,Write Attributes,Write extended,Append data |
| c:\users\user\appdata\roaming\winsl | Synchronize,Write Attributes |
| c:\users\user\appdata\roaming\winsl\l4\23\2026 | Generic Read,Write Data,Write Attributes,Write extended,Append data |
| c:\users\user\downloads\._cache_926a8885e74c0953bb7cbd66238dc8adbc806781_0000873472 | Generic Read,Write Data,Write Attributes,Write extended,Append data |
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| c:\users\user\downloads\._cache_926a8885e74c0953bb7cbd66238dc8adbc806781_0000873472 | Synchronize,Write Attributes |
Registry Modifications
Registry Modifications
This section lists registry keys and values that were created, modified and/or deleted by samples in this family. Windows Registry activity can provide valuable insight into malware functionality. Additionally, malware often creates registry values to allow itself to automatically start and indefinitely persist after an initial infection has compromised the system.| Key::Value | Data | API Name |
|---|---|---|
| HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer::slowcontextmenuentries | `$�!�:i�� +00�� � Gs]XM��� "�2� � FX D�' :D��exA-� �LG=�A��J� �C� | RegNtPreCreateKey |
| HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer::slowcontextmenuentries | `$�!�:i�� +00�� � Gs]XM��� "�2� � FX D�' :D��exA-� �LG=�A��J� �C� | RegNtPreCreateKey |
| HKLM\software\microsoft\windows nt\currentversion\notifications\data::418a073aa3bc1c75 | �m � �8tXz�jg�B�8 �� �6 �v z �Z xy �� �a�� T��� B� ����� ���%�� �5���� +3bBx �< �� 5 �R �!wz "Wc#�#��$�� %:� %`� %�&� &�-(�(X�(�)E)�`*J*9*�"+�[,��-!R/9� /�� | RegNtPreCreateKey |
| HKLM\software\wow6432node\microsoft\windows\currentversion\run::synaptics pointing device driver | C:\ProgramData\Synaptics\Synaptics.exe | RegNtPreCreateKey |
| HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\internet settings\zonemap::proxybypass | RegNtPreCreateKey | |
| HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\internet settings\zonemap::intranetname | RegNtPreCreateKey | |
| HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\internet settings\zonemap::uncasintranet | RegNtPreCreateKey | |
| HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\internet settings\zonemap::autodetect | RegNtPreCreateKey | |
| HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\internet settings\zonemap::proxybypass | RegNtPreCreateKey | |
| HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\internet settings\zonemap::intranetname | RegNtPreCreateKey |
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| HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\internet settings\zonemap::uncasintranet | RegNtPreCreateKey | |
| HKCU\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\internet settings\zonemap::autodetect | RegNtPreCreateKey | |
| HKLM\software\microsoft\windows nt\currentversion\notifications\data::418a073aa3bc3475 | 鳰 ȁ 砍y ਪˣ 鈯ˣ 遙̃ 豤̃ 偫~ অˣ 炑̃ 龡^ 濖̃ 賬̃ 攘ťO 獖}1 偫~1 엦1 鰚² ˣ 邯̃ 뫯ʃe & ꙥ ֢ᰎ 엦1> ¶f ꙥg ֢h | RegNtPreCreateKey |
| HKLM\software\microsoft\windows nt\currentversion\notifications\data::418a073aa3bc1c75 | �m � �8tXz�jg�B�8 �� �6 �v z �Z xy �� �a�� T��� B� ����� ���%�� �5���� +3bBx �< �� 5 �R �!wz "Wc#�#��$�� %:� %`� %�&� &�-(�(X�(�)E)�`*J*9*�"+�[,��-!R/9� /�� | RegNtPreCreateKey |
Windows API Usage
Windows API Usage
This section lists Windows API calls that are used by the samples in this family. Windows API usage analysis is a valuable tool that can help identify malicious activity, such as keylogging, security privilege escalation, data encryption, data exfiltration, interference with antivirus software, and network request manipulation.| Category | API |
|---|---|
| Service Control |
|
| Process Shell Execute |
|
| Anti Debug |
|
| Process Manipulation Evasion |
|
| Network Winsock2 |
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| User Data Access |
|
| Network Winhttp |
|
| Network Wininet |
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| Network Winsock |
|
Shell Command Execution
Shell Command Execution
This section lists Windows shell commands that are run by the samples in this family. Windows Shell commands are often leveraged by malware for nefarious purposes and can be used to elevate security privileges, download and launch other malware, exploit vulnerabilities, collect and exfiltrate data, and hide malicious activity.
runas c:\users\user\downloads\._cache_926a8885e74c0953bb7cbd66238dc8adbc806781_0000873472
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runas C:\ProgramData\Synaptics\Synaptics.exe InjUpdate
|
