Discovered: May 1, 2003
Updated: February 13, 2007 12:00:44 PM
Also Known As: Worm.Win32.Deborm.q [KAV]
Type: Worm
Systems Affected: Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows XP
The following instructions pertain to all current and recent Symantec antivirus products, including the Symantec AntiVirus and Norton AntiVirus product lines.
- Restart the computer in Safe mode.
- Reverse the changes that the Trojan made to the registry.
- Update the virus definitions.
- Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as W32.HLLW.Deborms.C, Backdoor.Sdbot, or Backdoor.Litmus.
For specific details on each of these steps, read the following instructions.
1. Restarting the computer in Safe mode
Restart the computer in Safe mode. All the Windows 32-bit operating systems, except for Windows NT, can be restarted in Safe mode. For instructions on how to do this, read the document, "
How to start the computer in Safe Mode."
2. Reversing the changes made to the registry
CAUTION: Symantec strongly recommends that you back up the registry before making any changes to it. Incorrect changes to the registry can result in permanent data loss or corrupted files. Modify the specified keys only. Read the document, "
How to make a backup of the Windows registry," for instructions.
- Click Start, and then click Run. (The Run dialog box appears.)
- Type regedit
Then click OK. (The Registry Editor opens.)
- Navigate to the key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- In the right pane, delete the values:
"NAV Live Update"=<path to the worm>
"Windows Explorer"="%system%\Explorer.exe"
NOTE: %System% is a variable. Backdoor.Sdbot locates the System folder and copies itself to that location. By default, this is C:\Windows\System (Windows 95/98/Me), C:\Winnt\System32 (Windows NT/2000), or C:\Windows\System32 (Windows XP).
- Navigate to the key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\R
unServices
- In the right pane, delete the value:
"Windows Explorer"="%system%\Explorer.exe"
- Navigate to the key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- In the right pane, delete the value:
"LTM2"="%windir%\litmus\SVCHOST32.exe"
NOTE: %Windir% is a variable. Backdoor.Litmus locates the Windows installation folder (by default, this is C:\Windows or C:\Winnt).
- Exit the Registry Editor.
3. Updating the virus definitions
Symantec Security Response fully tests all the virus definitions for quality assurance before they are posted to our servers. There are two ways to obtain the most recent virus definitions:
- Running LiveUpdate, which is the easiest way to obtain virus definitions: These virus definitions are posted to the LiveUpdate servers once each week (usually on Wednesdays), unless there is a major virus outbreak. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by LiveUpdate, refer to the Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate).
- Downloading the definitions using the Intelligent Updater: The Intelligent Updater virus definitions are posted on U.S. business days (Monday through Friday). You should download the definitions from the Symantec Security Response Web site and manually install them. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by the Intelligent Updater, refer to the Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater).
The Intelligent Updater virus definitions are available: Read "How to update virus definition files using the Intelligent Updater" for detailed instructions.
4. Scanning for and deleting the infected files
- Start your Symantec antivirus program and make sure that it is configured to scan all the files.
- Run a full system scan.
- If any files are detected as infected with W32.HLLW.Deborms.C, Backdoor.Sdbot, or Backdoor.Litmus, click Delete.
Writeup By: Robert X Wang