W32.Kergez.A@mm

W32.Kergez.A@mm is a mass-mailing worm that sends itself to all the email addresses that it finds in the following files:

• Files with the *.asp, *.ht* extensions.
• Files located in any of the directories specified in the registry key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders.

The email messages will have the following characteristics:

Subject: (One of the following)

• Are you vulnerable to identity theft!
• Protects against viruses, worms, Trojans & hackers.
• Position Virus Percentage by Occurrence...
• Microsoft Software Update Services
• Saves money with 12 months of fast free antivirus updates
• Cleans and removes infected files
• Now its even easier to reduce spam
• The easy, automatic way to keep your PC virus free
• Protects against Trojans hackers
• Kisacasi AntiVirusleri update etmeyi unutmayin ;)
• Protects against viruses
• InternetExplorer security patch
• Online hackers
  

Attachment: (One of the following)

• WinXP_Virus_Patch.exe
• Virusun_Ensesine_Tokat.exe
• Sophos_Patch.exe
• Flood_Protect.exe
• TrendMicro_Patch.exe
• InternetWorm_Clean.exe
• Fprot_Patch.exe
• Security.exe
• PantaAntivirus_Patch.exe
• DoS_Protect.exe
• DDoS_Kill.exe
• Virus_Research.exe
• Kaspersky_Patch.exe
• BullGuard_Patch.exe
• Norton_Patch.exe
• Virus_Cleaner.exe
• Virus_Guard.exe
• Protect.exe
• Virus_Hunter_II.exe
• Internet_Speed.exe
• Virus_Block.exe
• Antivir.exe
  

The worm attempts to terminate the processes of various programs, including antivirus software.

W32.Kergez.A@mm is written in Microsoft Visual C++ and is UPX-packed.

Protection

• Initial Rapid Release version August 6, 2003
• Latest Rapid Release version March 31, 2009 revision 036
• Initial Daily Certified version August 6, 2003
• Latest Daily Certified version April 15, 2009 revision 048
• Initial Weekly Certified release date August 6, 2003

Click here for a more detailed description of Rapid Release and Daily Certified virus definitions.

Threat Assessment

Wild

• Wild Level: Low
• Number of Infections: 0 - 49
• Number of Sites: 0 - 2
• Geographical Distribution: Low
• Threat Containment: Easy
• Removal: Moderate

Damage

• Damage Level: Medium

Distribution

• Distribution Level: High