Forgive Ransomware (.forgive) Analysis and Removal Guide

Forgive ransomware represents a significant cybersecurity threat that encrypts victim files and appends them with the “.forgive” extension. First identified through submissions to VirusTotal, this crypto-malware targets Windows systems, locking personal files and demanding a $500 ransom in Ethereum cryptocurrency. This analysis examines Forgive ransomware’s technical characteristics, distribution vectors, encryption methodology, and provides comprehensive protection strategies to prevent infection and mitigate damage from this evolving threat.

Introduction to Forgive Ransomware

Forgive ransomware represents a growing threat in the evolving ransomware landscape. Security researchers discovered this malicious program through submissions to the VirusTotal platform, where it was identified as a file-encrypting malware that demands ransom for decryption capabilities. Like other modern ransomware variants, Forgive follows the established pattern of encrypting victim files and demanding cryptocurrency payment, but with some distinctive features that set it apart.

Named after its file extension (“.forgive”), this ransomware encrypts files across the victim’s system, rendering them inaccessible without decryption. For example, a file originally named “1.jpg” would appear as “1.jpg.forgive” after encryption. Upon completing the encryption process, the ransomware displays a popup window containing ransom instructions rather than creating a separate text file, which differentiates it from many other ransomware families.

What makes Forgive particularly concerning is its distribution through traditional yet effective channels like macro-enabled documents attached to emails, torrents, and malicious advertisements. These vectors have extensive reach and can target both individual users and organizations. The ransomware demands payment in Ethereum cryptocurrency, requiring victims to send $500 to a specific wallet address to supposedly receive decryption capabilities.

Based on detection signatures from major antivirus vendors, Forgive appears to be potentially related to the Hiddentear or Ryzerlo ransomware families. This connection suggests it may be either a variant developed by the same threat actors or a new iteration based on similar source code, possibly from leaked or publicly available ransomware builders.

Technical Features of Forgive Ransomware

Forgive ransomware employs several technical features designed to effectively compromise systems and extort victims. Understanding these capabilities is crucial for developing effective detection and prevention strategies.

• File encryption: Encrypts various file types across the system using cryptographic algorithms that make decryption without the attacker’s key virtually impossible.
• Consistent extension: Appends the “.forgive” extension to all encrypted files, making them easily identifiable.
• Visual notification: Displays a popup window containing the ransom note rather than changing the desktop wallpaper, which is common among other ransomware variants.
• Cryptocurrency payment: Requires payment in Ethereum (ETH) cryptocurrency, utilizing a specific wallet address for transactions.
• Potential relationship to known malware families: Based on detection signatures (Generic.Ransom.Hiddentear.A and Ransom:MSIL/Ryzerlo.A), it appears to share code or behavior with established ransomware families.
• No data exfiltration: Unlike double-extortion ransomware, Forgive appears to focus solely on encrypting files without stealing data, though this assessment may change with further analysis.

Analysis suggests Forgive is likely developed using the .NET framework (indicated by the MSIL detection prefix), which provides attackers with cross-platform capabilities and relatively easy development. This approach is common among ransomware developers who prioritize quick deployment and broad compatibility over sophisticated evasion techniques.

When executed, Forgive performs the following actions:

1. Scans the victim’s system for valuable files
2. Encrypts identified files using cryptographic algorithms
3. Appends the “.forgive” extension to encrypted files
4. Displays a popup window containing ransom instructions
5. Potentially attempts to disable security software or delete shadow copies to prevent easy recovery

Distribution Methods

Forgive ransomware utilizes several common but effective distribution vectors to infiltrate victim systems. Understanding these infection methods is crucial for implementing effective preventive measures.

1. Email attachments with malicious macros: The primary distribution method involves sending malicious documents (typically Microsoft Office files) with embedded macros that, when enabled, download and execute the ransomware. These emails often masquerade as invoices, shipping notifications, or other business documents.
2. Torrent websites: The ransomware is disguised as popular software, games, or media files on torrent sites, tricking users into downloading and executing the malicious payload.
3. Malicious advertisements: Drive-by downloads through compromised or malicious advertising networks that exploit browser or plugin vulnerabilities to deliver the ransomware without user interaction.
4. Trojan downloaders: Secondary payload delivery through initial infections by other malware like trojans or loaders that subsequently download Forgive ransomware.
5. Software cracks and keygens: Fake software activation tools that claim to provide paid software for free but actually install ransomware.

Similar to other ransomware threats like DarkMystic (BlackBit) and Jeffery, Forgive appears to target a broad range of victims rather than focusing on specific industries or organizations. This opportunistic approach maximizes potential infections and ransom payments through volume rather than pursuing high-value targets.

A typical infection through email might involve a message claiming to be an invoice, shipping notification, or other business document that requires the recipient to enable macros to “properly view” the content. Once enabled, these macros execute scripts that download and run the Forgive payload, beginning the encryption process.

Encryption Process and File Targeting

The encryption process employed by Forgive ransomware follows a methodical approach designed to maximize damage to victims while ensuring the attackers maintain control over the decryption capability. Understanding this process helps in developing effective detection and recovery strategies.

1. File discovery: The ransomware recursively scans the victim’s computer for valuable file types, focusing primarily on documents, images, databases, and other user-created content.
2. Encryption: Files are encrypted using cryptographic algorithms, likely a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption based on its detection as a variant of Hiddentear/Ryzerlo, which typically uses such hybrid approaches.
3. Extension modification: Each encrypted file receives the “.forgive” extension, providing immediate visual indication of which files have been affected.
4. Ransom notification: A popup window containing ransom instructions is displayed, informing the victim about the encryption and payment requirements.
5. Recovery obstruction: Like many ransomware variants, Forgive likely attempts to delete volume shadow copies and disable system restore points to prevent easy recovery.

The ransomware appears to target common file types that are most valuable to users, including:

• Documents (.doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt, etc.)
• Images (.jpg, .jpeg, .png, .bmp, etc.)
• Databases (.mdb, .accdb, .sql, etc.)
• Archives (.zip, .rar, etc.)
• Spreadsheets (.xls, .xlsx, etc.)
• Presentations (.ppt, .pptx, etc.)
• Source code and development files
• Video and audio files

Like most ransomware, Forgive likely avoids encrypting certain system files and directories to ensure that the computer remains operational enough for the victim to be able to contact the attackers and potentially pay the ransom. Critical Windows system files and directories are typically excluded to maintain basic functionality.

Ransom Demands and Extortion Techniques

After successfully encrypting files, Forgive ransomware utilizes a direct approach to communicate its demands to victims. Unlike many ransomware variants that create text files or change desktop wallpapers, Forgive displays a popup window containing ransom instructions.

The ransom note informs victims that their files have been encrypted and that removing the malware will not solve the problem – in fact, it warns that removal could render the files permanently undecryptable. The attackers demand $500 in Ethereum (ETH) cryptocurrency to be sent to a specific wallet address (0x3f4231a5d007884734329f9e67463765beea0405).

This approach provides several advantages to the attackers:

• Immediate attention: A popup window is difficult to ignore and creates immediate awareness of the infection.
• Psychological pressure: The direct message creates urgency and anxiety, potentially increasing the likelihood of payment.
• Clear instructions: The popup provides specific payment details without requiring the victim to search for or open a separate ransom note file.
• Fixed price model: Unlike some ransomware operations that negotiate different prices based on the victim, Forgive appears to use a fixed ransom amount, suggesting a less sophisticated or more automated operation.

As with all ransomware incidents, security experts strongly advise against paying the ransom. There is no guarantee that paying will result in file recovery, and successful payments encourage further criminal activity. The attackers may also fail to provide decryption tools even after payment or may provide tools that only partially restore the encrypted data.

Technical Indicators of Compromise

Organizations and individuals should monitor for the following indicators that may suggest a Forgive ransomware infection or attack in progress. These technical artifacts can help in early detection and response to potential infections.

File System Artifacts

# Ransomware executable (various names possible)
%TEMP%\*.exe
C:\Users\[username]\Downloads\*.exe
C:\Users\[username]\Desktop\*.exe

# Encrypted files
*.forgive
For example: document.docx.forgive, image.jpg.forgive

# Potential temporary files created during encryption
%TEMP%\*.tmp

Registry Modifications

# Potential persistence mechanism
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

# Application startup entries
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StartupApproved\Run

Network Indicators

# Potential C2 communication
Unexpected outbound connections from normally non-internet-facing processes
Communications with uncommon domains or IP addresses

# Cryptocurrency-related traffic
Potential communication with cryptocurrency-related domains

Antivirus Detection Names

Different security vendors detect Forgive ransomware under various names:

• Avast: Win32:MalwareX-gen [Misc]
• ESET-NOD32: A Variant Of MSIL/Filecoder.AK
• Kaspersky: HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic
• Microsoft: Ransom:MSIL/Ryzerlo.A

The detection as variants of Hiddentear and Ryzerlo by multiple vendors suggests that Forgive is related to or derived from these ransomware families, which are known for their relatively simple implementation and wide distribution.

Mitigation and Protection Strategies

Protecting against Forgive ransomware and similar threats requires a multi-layered security approach. Organizations and individuals should implement the following protective measures to reduce the risk of infection and mitigate potential damage.

Email and Web Protection

• Email filtering: Implement advanced email security solutions that can detect and block malicious attachments and links.
• User education: Train users to identify suspicious emails, particularly those containing unexpected attachments or urgent requests to enable macros.
• Attachment scanning: Deploy solutions that sandbox and analyze attachments before allowing them to reach end users.
• Web filtering: Implement web protection to prevent access to known malicious websites or torrent sites that may host the ransomware.
• Ad blockers: Use ad-blocking extensions to reduce the risk of malvertising-based infections.

System and Network Protection

• Keep systems updated: Ensure all operating systems and applications are regularly patched to address known vulnerabilities, as discussed in our top vulnerabilities guide.
• Disable macros: Configure Microsoft Office to disable macros by default, especially those from external sources.
• Endpoint protection: Deploy modern endpoint security solutions with behavioral detection capabilities that can identify ransomware-like activities.
• Application control: Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized executables from running.
• Network segmentation: Segment networks to limit lateral movement in case of infection.
• USB and removable media control: Implement policies to scan all removable media before use.

Backup and Recovery

• Regular backups: Implement the 3-2-1 backup strategy: maintain at least three copies of data on two different media types with one copy stored offsite.
• Offline backups: Ensure some backups are kept disconnected from the network to prevent them from being encrypted.
• Test restoration: Regularly test backup restoration processes to ensure they work when needed.
• Secure cloud backup: Consider using secure cloud backup solutions with versioning capabilities.
• System restore configuration: Enable and configure Windows System Restore, but be aware of its limitations as explained in our system restore effectiveness guide.

For comprehensive protection against ransomware threats, we recommend using specialized anti-malware solutions like Trojan Killer that are designed to detect and block ransomware behavior before it can encrypt your files. Combined with dedicated anti-ransomware protection, these tools provide essential defense layers against evolving threats.

Comparison with Other Ransomware Families

Forgive ransomware shares similarities with several other ransomware families while also exhibiting unique characteristics. Understanding these relationships helps in contextualizing the threat and developing appropriate defenses.

Similarities to Other Ransomware

Hiddentear/Ryzerlo Connection: Based on detection signatures (Generic.Ransom.Hiddentear.A and Ransom:MSIL/Ryzerlo.A), Forgive appears to be related to or derived from these ransomware families. Hiddentear is notably significant as it was originally developed as an open-source ransomware for educational purposes but has since been widely abused by malicious actors to create numerous variants.

Distribution Methods: Similar to Hellcat Ransomware and other prevalent threats, Forgive relies heavily on phishing emails with malicious attachments as its primary distribution vector, though it also employs torrent sites and malvertising.

Fixed Extension Pattern: Like Xiaoba 2.0 Ransomware and many other variants, Forgive adds a consistent extension (.forgive) to all encrypted files, making them easily identifiable.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Popup Note Delivery: Unlike many ransomware variants that create text files or change desktop wallpapers, Forgive displays a popup window containing ransom instructions, which is less common among current threats.

Fixed Ransom Amount: Forgive demands a specific amount ($500) rather than adjusting based on the victim, which differs from enterprise-targeting ransomware like LockBit 4.0 that often tailors ransom demands to the perceived ability to pay.

Ethereum Payment: While many ransomware operations now prefer Monero due to its enhanced privacy features, Forgive specifically requests Ethereum, which offers less anonymity but is more widely accessible.

Evolution Implications

Forgive represents part of the continuing evolution of ransomware threats, particularly the trend toward ransomware-as-a-service models and the repurposing of open-source or leaked ransomware code. The apparent connection to Hiddentear/Ryzerlo suggests that Forgive may be either:

1. A variant of Hiddentear/Ryzerlo customized by a specific threat actor
2. A new version released by the original developers
3. A copycat operation based on publicly available code or builder tools

This proliferation of ransomware variants based on existing code is a concerning trend that lowers the barrier to entry for cybercriminals and increases the overall volume of ransomware attacks. Even relatively unsophisticated variants like Forgive can cause significant damage to unprepared individuals and organizations.

Conclusion

Forgive ransomware represents a significant threat in the current cybersecurity landscape, particularly for individuals and small to medium-sized organizations that may lack robust security controls. While it appears to be less sophisticated than some enterprise-targeting ransomware operations, its effective distribution methods and encryption capabilities make it a dangerous threat.

Key characteristics that define Forgive include:

• Distribution primarily through email attachments with malicious macros, torrent sites, and malvertising
• The distinctive “.forgive” extension added to encrypted files
• Popup window delivery of ransom demands
• Fixed $500 ransom demand in Ethereum cryptocurrency
• Apparent relation to the Hiddentear/Ryzerlo ransomware families

Organizations and individuals can protect themselves by implementing comprehensive security measures with particular emphasis on email security, macro controls, regular system updates, and robust backup strategies. As with all ransomware threats, prevention is far more effective than attempting to recover after an infection has occurred.

The emergence of variants like Forgive highlights the importance of continuous security awareness and the need for organizations of all sizes to develop and regularly test incident response plans specifically addressing ransomware scenarios. For more comprehensive protection against evolving ransomware threats, explore additional resources such as our guides on malware removal, router security, and secure Windows installation.

Remember that while technical measures are essential, user education remains one of the most effective defenses against ransomware. Understanding the warning signs of phishing attempts and practicing safe online behavior can prevent many infections before they occur.