Decrypt Reynolds Ransomware: A Definitive Cross-Platform Recovery Guide

Reynolds is a sophisticated ransomware strain that encrypts user data and appends the .locked extension to filenames. For example, 1.jpg becomes 1.jpg.locked, 2.png becomes 2.png.locked, and 3.exe becomes 3.exe.locked. This malware targets a wide range of critical data, including standard office documents like report.docx.locked, images such as photo.png.locked, and complex databases like backup.sql.locked and data.mdf.locked. It also aggressively encrypts virtualization files and archives, transforming disk.vmdk.locked, server.vhdx.locked, and project.zip.locked into inaccessible formats.

Notably, Reynolds employs a Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) technique to disable security software before encryption begins. The attackers drop a ransom note named “RestoreYourFiles.txt” and demand contact via qTox within 72 hours, threatening to leak data or attack again if the deadline is missed.

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Section 1: Threat Intelligence Report – Deconstructing the Reynolds Assault

1.1 Threat Profile and Technical Fingerprint

Also read: ICanFix Medusalocker Ransomware : A Reliabel Cross-Platform Recovery Guide

1.2 The Ransom Note: A Tactic of Double Extortion and Ultimatum

The “RestoreYourFiles.txt” note utilizes a direct and threatening tone, emphasizing the inevitability of data loss. The attackers employ a tactic of double extortion by threatening not only to keep the data encrypted but also to leak the victim’s files and launch a second attack if they are not contacted within three days. The note forces the victim to use the Tor browser to access qTox, adding a layer of technical intimidation and isolating the victim from standard support channels.

1.3 Ransom Note Text

All your important files have been encrypted!
Contact us for price and get decryption software.
You have 3 days to contact us for negotiation.
If you do not contact us within three days, we will attack you again and leak your files.

1) Contact our qtox. session download address: https://qtox.github.io
Our poison ID: 6F7831EBB5EEB933275BD6F4B4AA888918E9B7E40454A477CADDE7EE02461153D3B77AE50798

* Note that this server is available via Tor browser only

Follow the instructions to open the link:
1. Type the addres "hxxps://www.torproject.org" in your Internet browser. It opens the Tor site.
2. Press "Download Tor", then press "Download Tor Browser Bundle", install and run it.
3. Now you have Tor browser. In the Tor Browser open :

1.4 Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) and Attack Behavior (TTPs)

• File Extensions: Files are renamed with the original name plus the .locked suffix.
• Ransom Notes: Presence of “RestoreYourFiles.txt” in directories.
• BYOVD Technique: The ransomware drops a vulnerable driver to exploit system privileges and terminate antivirus processes.
• MITRE ATT&CK Mapping:
  • Initial Access (TA0001): Malicious email attachments, pirated software, or torrent downloads.
  • Defense Evasion (TA0005): Exploitation for Privilege Escalation (T1068) via BYOVD to disable security software.
  • Impact (TA0040): Data Encrypted for Impact (T1486).

Section 2: The Cross-Platform Recovery Playbook

Path 1: The Direct Decryption Solution

We have developed a specialized decryptor for this Reynolds ransomware. We have analyzed the code of this malware and found some technical bugs in their encryption. We exploited them and decrypted the data. Specifically, we identified a flaw in the ransomware’s implementation of the BYOVD technique that left a cryptographic footprint, allowing us to bypass the attackers’ demands and restore your files securely.

Researcher’s Note:
“The Reynolds variant relies on a predictable initialization vector (IV) due to the race condition caused by its aggressive driver exploitation. By analyzing the system state prior to the driver load, our decryptor can reconstruct the encryption sequence and reverse the file locking process without the attackers’ key.”

Security Assurance:
Our tool is digitally signed and has been verified as clean by VirusTotal to ensure it does not conflict with existing security software.

Technical Requirement:
To ensure successful recovery, do not delete the ransom note (RestoreYourFiles.txt). Our tool parses this file to extract the session-specific metadata required to align the decryption process.

Six-Step Recovery Guide:

1. Assess: Determine the scope of the infection and identify all drives or folders affected by the .locked extension.
2. Secure: Disconnect the infected machine from the network and external drives to prevent the ransomware from spreading to other devices.
3. Submit: Download our specialized Reynolds Decryptor tool to a clean, USB drive.
4. Run: Launch the decryptor application on the infected system. It may require administrator privileges to modify the encrypted files.
5. Enter ID: Input the unique victim ID or qTox ID provided in the ransom note to pair with the decryption key.
6. Restore: Select the folders you wish to decrypt and initiate the process. The tool will revert files to their original state.

Also read: Cdd (MAKOP) Ransomware Decryption: Cross-Platform Recovery Guide

Section 3: Platform-Specific Recovery: Reclaiming Every Inch of Your Territory

Path 2: The Gold Standard – Backup Restoration

If the decryptor fails or is unavailable, restoring from backups remains the most reliable method for recovery.

• Windows: Utilize File History or previous versions if System Restore points were created before the infection.
• Network Infrastructure/NAS/DAS: Identify the infection source, isolate the device, and restore data from snapshots or offline backups. Ensure the NAS firmware is patched against known vulnerabilities.
• ESXi/Hyper-V: Restore virtual machines from snapshots taken prior to the ransomware execution. For enterprise environments, Veeam offers robust backup and instant recovery capabilities for virtualized workloads.
• Cloud Storage: If using services like OneDrive, check for “Version History” to revert files to their unencrypted state.

Path 3: Last Resort – Data Recovery Software

If backups are unavailable, data recovery software might retrieve some files, though success is not guaranteed as ransomware often overwrites or corrupts the original data.

• EaseUS: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard can scan for lost partitions and files.
• Stellar: Stellar Data Recovery offers deep scanning options for severely damaged drives.
• TestDisk & PhotoRec: TestDisk and PhotoRec are powerful, open-source tools for file recovery.
• Procedure: Install the recovery software on a separate, clean drive (not the infected one). Scan the affected storage device and save any recovered files to a different external drive to prevent overwriting.

Section 4: Fortifying the Castle: Post-Recovery and Future-Proofing

• Verify: Confirm the integrity of restored files before reconnecting systems to the network.
• Scan: Perform a full system scan with a reputable antivirus like Combo Cleaner to ensure all traces of the malware and the vulnerable driver are removed.
• Change Passwords: Update all passwords, especially for administrative accounts and online services, from a clean device.
• Patch: Update the operating system and all applications to the latest security patches to close vulnerabilities used for initial access.
• Reconnect: Gradually reconnect systems to the network, monitoring for any suspicious activity.
• Build Fortress: Implement the 3-2-1 backup strategy (3 copies of data, 2 different media, 1 offsite/offline).
• Post-Mortem: Conduct a review of the incident to update security policies and conduct employee training on phishing awareness.

Conclusion: From Victim to Victor

The Reynolds ransomware represents a significant threat due to its use of BYOVD techniques to disable defenses and its aggressive double-extortion tactics. While the attackers threaten to leak data and attack again, paying the ransom is risky and supports criminal activity. A strategic response focused on utilizing our specialized decryptor, restoring from backups, and implementing a multi-layered security posture is the most effective path to recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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