Trojan.Kalshi

1. Inserts the following files in the C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\SOM913 folder:
   
   • Msdc.exe: The Trojan component is detected as Trojan.Kalshi.
   • Hxdef073.ini: The configuration file for Backdoor.HackDefender. Since this file is specific to this threat, it is detected as Trojan.Kalshi.
   • Hxdef073.exe: The rootkit component, which will be detected as Backdoor.HackDefender.
     
     
2. Executes Backdoor.HackDefender, which attempts to hide the process, registry keys, and files for the Trojan and rootkit.
   
   

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   Note: The Backdoor.HackDefender component will not run under Windows 95/98/ME.

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3. Executes Msdc.exe.
   
   

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   Note: Although the installer will insert all the files under Windows 95/98/ME, the Trojan will only run under Windows NT/2000/XP.

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4. Attempts to connect to hotmail.com. This appears to be a test for a working Internet connection.
   
   
5. Connects to port 5190 on a predetermined list of servers.
   
   
6. Sends two commands to the server. One is a request for a list of email addresses, the other is for a prewritten email message.
   
   
7. Saves the data in two separate files on the system, named Mail.txt and Mails.txt.
   
   
8. Requests the Mail eXchange (MX) record from the infected computer's default DNS server. Sends the prewritten email message to the gathered email addresses through the returned mail server.
   
   
9. Deletes Mail.txt and Mails.txt.
   
   
10. Continues to connect to the predetermined servers. If a new email list and prewritten email message file are available, the Trojan will download them and send the message to the email addresses.
    
    
11. Spoofs the From: line of the outgoing email using the following components, hard-coded into the body of the Trojan:
    
    • A list of names that appears to have been taken from the a pre-existing newsgroup.
    • A list of domains, several of which are used for anti-spam purposes.

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.