Backdoor.OptixPro.10.c

1. Displays this message:
   
   
   
   
2. Copies itself as C:\%System%\netupd.exe.
   
   NOTE: %System% is a variable. The Trojan locates the System folder and copies itself to that particular location. By default, this is C:\Windows\System (Windows 95/98/Me), C:\Winnt\System32 (Windows NT/2000), or C:\Windows\System32 (Windows XP).
   
3. May add a value that refers to the Netupd.exe file in the registry keys:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
   CurrentVersion\RunServices
   
   so that the Trojan starts each time you start Windows.
   
4. Creates the file %Windir%\Wmmiexe.exe, which the Symantec antivirus products detect as a Trojan Horse.
   
   NOTE: %Windir% is a variable. The Trojan locates the primary Windows installation folder (by default, this is C:\Windows or C:\Winnt) and uses it as a destination folder.
   
5. In the registry key
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\CLASSES\exefile\shell\open\command
   
   the Trojan changes the (Default) value to
   
   wmmiexe.exe "%1" %*
   
   This causes the Trojan to run when you run an .exe file.
   
6. If the operating system is Windows 95/98/Me, the Trojan may modify the System.ini and append itself to the shell=Explorer.exe line in the [boot] section, as the following:
   
   [boot]
   Shell=Explorer.exe C:\%system%\netupd.exe
   
7. If the operating system is Windows 95/98/Me, it may append itself to the Run= line in the [windows] section of the Win.ini file:
   
   [windows]
   Run=C:\%system%\netupd.exe
   
8. Attempts to disable some antivirus and firewall programs by ending their processes.
   
9. Attempts to obtain access to the password cache on the local computer. The cached passwords include modem and dial-up passwords, URL passwords, share passwords, and so on. Backdoor.OptixPro.10.c inventories established RAS connection details to authenticate its access to the remote access server.
   
10. Installs hook procedures into a hook chain to monitor the system for any keyboard and mouse messages. The keyboard and mouse hook procedures process the messages and pass the hook information to the next hook procedure in the current hook chain. This permits Backdoor.OptixPro.10.c to intercept keystrokes.
    
11. Notifies the client side through email. After Backdoor.OptixPro.10.c is installed, it waits for commands from the remote client. The commands allow the hacker to perform any of the following actions:
    • Deliver system and network information to the hacker, including login names and cached network passwords.
    • Steal login details of AOL Instant Messenger.
    • Manage the installation of the Backdoor Trojan.
    • Download/Upload/Execute/Delete files, modify the attributes of files.
    • Remove folders, modify the attributes of folders.
    • Change the Internet Explorer start page to the hacker's choice.
    • Print text, play media files, open/close the CD-ROM drive, disable/enable keyboard or mouse, turn on/off monitor, beep, shut down the machine, and so on.
    • Use a known vulnerability in Windows 95/98/Me to cause the system to crash.

Recommendations

Symantec Security Response encourages all users and administrators to adhere to the following basic security "best practices":

• Use a firewall to block all incoming connections from the Internet to services that should not be publicly available. By default, you should deny all incoming connections and only allow services you explicitly want to offer to the outside world.
• Enforce a password policy. Complex passwords make it difficult to crack password files on compromised computers. This helps to prevent or limit damage when a computer is compromised.
• Ensure that programs and users of the computer use the lowest level of privileges necessary to complete a task. When prompted for a root or UAC password, ensure that the program asking for administration-level access is a legitimate application.
• Disable AutoPlay to prevent the automatic launching of executable files on network and removable drives, and disconnect the drives when not required. If write access is not required, enable read-only mode if the option is available.
• Turn off file sharing if not needed. If file sharing is required, use ACLs and password protection to limit access. Disable anonymous access to shared folders. Grant access only to user accounts with strong passwords to folders that must be shared.
• Turn off and remove unnecessary services. By default, many operating systems install auxiliary services that are not critical. These services are avenues of attack. If they are removed, threats have less avenues of attack.
• If a threat exploits one or more network services, disable, or block access to, those services until a patch is applied.
• Always keep your patch levels up-to-date, especially on computers that host public services and are accessible through the firewall, such as HTTP, FTP, mail, and DNS services.
• Configure your email server to block or remove email that contains file attachments that are commonly used to spread threats, such as .vbs, .bat, .exe, .pif and .scr files.
• Isolate compromised computers quickly to prevent threats from spreading further. Perform a forensic analysis and restore the computers using trusted media.
• Train employees not to open attachments unless they are expecting them. Also, do not execute software that is downloaded from the Internet unless it has been scanned for viruses. Simply visiting a compromised Web site can cause infection if certain browser vulnerabilities are not patched.
• If Bluetooth is not required for mobile devices, it should be turned off. If you require its use, ensure that the device's visibility is set to "Hidden" so that it cannot be scanned by other Bluetooth devices. If device pairing must be used, ensure that all devices are set to "Unauthorized", requiring authorization for each connection request. Do not accept applications that are unsigned or sent from unknown sources.
• For further information on the terms used in this document, please refer to the Security Response glossary.