LockFile .enc Ransomware Decryptor
A newly discovered ransomware family, identified as LockFile .enc ransomware (Huarong 500.exe), has surfaced in recent weeks. Reports describe incomplete encryption attempts, ransom notes named with randomized characters, and extortion demands of $5,000 payable in Bitcoin. Upon analysis, researchers determined that this malware was crafted in Python, bundled with PyInstaller, and employs AES-256-GCM for encryption.
To counter this, our specialists developed a dedicated decryptor that directly addresses weaknesses in the malware’s cryptographic routines. The tool works seamlessly with Windows environments, delivering accurate file recovery while minimizing risks of additional data corruption.
Functionality of the Custom Decryptor
The recovery system we designed is grounded in reverse engineering and applied cryptographic forensics.
Encrypted samples and ransom notes are processed through a cloud-secured framework, which prevents interference during analysis. Blockchain verification mechanisms are incorporated to ensure integrity during the decryption process.
The ransom notes contain unique identifiers, which our system maps against encryption keys, enabling precise key-to-file matching. For cases lacking ransom notes, a universal version of the decryptor is available, capable of handling updated revisions of this variant. Before execution, the tool runs a read-only validation phase to detect irregularities caused by incomplete payload execution or missing DLL files.
Essential First Steps After an Infection
The first actions following a LockFile .enc attack are decisive for data recovery.
The compromised machine should be immediately disconnected from all networks to block propagation into servers or backup repositories. Evidence—including ransom notes, encrypted samples, and logs—must be preserved for forensic review.
Systems should be powered down carefully, avoiding reboots or restores that may reactivate embedded scripts. Victims should reach out to qualified recovery specialists rather than attempting decryption with unreliable tools available on public forums. Acting swiftly increases the probability of complete restoration.
Available Recovery Strategies
Though the LockFile .enc strain bears similarities in name to the 2021 LockFile campaign, its behavior is distinct. Encrypted data is marked with the .enc extension, while ransom notes (e.g., SRXLUJt9.txt) deliver payment instructions. Recovery paths generally fall into four categories.
Free Research Tools and Community Assistance
Victims can submit encrypted samples to resources like ID Ransomware or NoMoreRansom. However, because the .enc extension is used by numerous ransomware families, results may be unreliable. At present, no freely available decryption utility has been confirmed to work on the Huarong 500.exe variant. Monitoring community portals remains recommended for any future developments.
Recovery Through Backups
If immutable or off-site backups exist, restoration offers the cleanest solution. Prior to reinstating data, IT teams should confirm integrity through checksum verification, as partially encrypted or corrupted files may slip through unnoticed. Proper backup architecture—especially WORM storage and cloud snapshots—remains the strongest defense.
Rolling Back Virtualized Environments
For infrastructures running on VMware ESXi or Proxmox, ransomware impact can often be reversed by restoring hypervisor-level snapshots. Administrators must confirm that ransomware did not delete or alter snapshot chains, as compromised management consoles may undermine recovery.
Paid Approaches, Including Our Professional Decryptor
When backups and free tools are unavailable, organizations face two potential paid solutions: paying the attackers or using a third-party decryptor. Paying criminals is highly discouraged since many victims report incomplete recovery or decryptors seeded with backdoors.
Our decryptor presents a safer alternative. It is built on the reverse-engineering of this ransomware’s algorithm, integrated with blockchain for tamper-proof verification. Clients provide ransom notes and encrypted samples, which are then processed on secure infrastructure before files are safely returned.
Guide to Using Our LockFile .enc Decryptor
Our recovery workflow is structured for both corporate and individual victims, ensuring efficiency and security.
Step 1: Gather Materials
Collect at least one encrypted file (.enc extension) and a ransom note (e.g., SRXLUJt9.txt).
Step 2: Upload Securely
Submit the files through our encrypted upload portal. Confidentiality is guaranteed.
Step 3: Preliminary Verification
Our system validates whether the infection corresponds to the LockFile .enc variant and checks for partial encryption.
Step 4: Encryption Key Analysis
Ransom note identifiers are mapped against internal databases. In cases without ransom notes, our universal algorithm reconstructs potential keys.
Step 5: Safe File Restoration
The tool first runs a read-only scan, ensuring no hidden corruption. Once verified, decryption restores files to their original state.
Step 6: Integrity Validation
Checksums are executed to guarantee restored file accuracy. Files are then returned to the client through secure delivery.
Step 7: Aftercare and Protection
Following recovery, our team provides guidance for future prevention, including patching vulnerabilities, network segmentation, and backup management.
Technical Analysis of the Ransomware
The executable linked to this outbreak is gem5000[1].exe, also called Huarong 500.exe. Once activated, it attempts to encrypt files but may only succeed partially, as seen in cases where only the Recycle Bin was targeted. Analysts suggest this incomplete behavior stems from a missing Windows DLL (api-ms-win-core-path-l1-1-0.dll).
Security software Huorong identified the malware as Ransom/LockFile.fl. It employs AES-256-GCM encryption and produces ransom notes under randomized filenames.
TTPs, Attack Tools, and Observed Techniques
Analysis highlights this as a developing ransomware strain, likely crafted by less experienced actors experimenting with Python-based builds.
Notable characteristics include:
- Deployment via malicious executables (notably Huarong 500.exe).
- Python origins with PyInstaller packaging.
- Random ransom note naming (e.g., SRXLUJt9.txt).
- Victim communications through [email protected].
- Fixed ransom request of $5,000 in Bitcoin (wallet: bc1qkpnwxutntz5s8rd0jnv8xpuyc2jm4qkhvn302y).
- Incomplete execution, likely caused by dependency failures.
Unlike the advanced LockFile campaigns of 2021, this version lacks intermittent encryption and strong anti-detection modules.
Confirmed Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)
- File extension: .enc
- Malicious file: gem5000[1].exe / Huarong 500.exe
- Ransom note: SRXLUJt9.txt (8-character randomized filenames)
- Email contact: [email protected]
- BTC wallet: bc1qkpnwxutntz5s8rd0jnv8xpuyc2jm4qkhvn302y
- Antivirus flag: Ransom/LockFile.fl (Huorong AV)
Statistics and Victim Impact
Early intelligence suggests the ransomware has affected limited but growing targets.
- Geographic spread: First confirmed cases appeared in China and the United States.
- Primary victims: Enterprise workstations, particularly in finance, small businesses, and managed IT service providers.
- Timeline: Initial detection on August 11, 2025, with additional cases expected in subsequent weeks.
Breakdown of the Ransom Note
The ransom demand left by this malware is brief, taunting, and demands direct payment.
Hello, Joe.
The game is complete. All your designated files are now securely encrypted.
Security Level: Military-Grade AES-256-GCM
Encrypted files have .enc extension.
DO NOT DELETE .enc files – they contain your data!
Wasn’t that fun?
Recovery instructions:
1.Send $5000 USD in Bitcoin to: bc1qkpnwxutntz5s8rd0jnv8xpuyc2jm4qkhvn302y
2.Email transaction ID to: [email protected]
3.You’ll receive decryption software.
Conclusion
While the LockFile .enc ransomware is disruptive, its execution flaws provide openings for recovery solutions. Unlike the more mature LockFile operations of 2021, this strain is unstable and likely still in development.
With isolation, forensic analysis, and professional decryption tools, victims stand a strong chance of restoring data without resorting to ransom payments. Proactive defenses—segmented backups, strict patching, and incident readiness—remain the ultimate safeguard.
MedusaLocker Ransomware Versions We Decrypt