W32.Xabot.Worm

1. Copies itself as %System%\wininit32.exe.
   
   

   ---

   Note: %System% is a variable. The worm 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).

   ---

   
   
2. Copies itself to the following folders:
   
   • The first shared folder in KaZaA
   • The My Shared Folder in Morpheus
   • The DownloadsLocation folder in iMesh
   • \Program Files\eDonkey2000\incoming
   • \Program Files\LimWire\Shared
   • the My Music folder
     
     as the following files:
     
   • Doom 3 NO CD Crack.exe
   • Half-Life 2 Keygen.exe
   • Half-Life 2 NO CD Crack.exe
   • Jedi Academy NO CD Crack.exe
   • Max Payne 2 NO CD Crack.exe
   • Medal Of Honor - Pacific Assault NO CD Crack.exe
     
     
3. Adds the values:
   
   • "AllOrNone"="1"
   • "IncludeKernelFaults"="1"
   • "IncludeMicrosoftApps"="1"
   • "IncludeWIndowsApps"="1"
   • "ShowUI"="0"
   • "DoReport"="0"
     
     to the registry key:
     
     HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PCHealth\ErrorReporing
     
     
4. Adds the value:
   
   "SysInit"="wininit32.exe"
   
   to the registry keys:
   
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
     RunOnce
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
     RunServices
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
     RunOnce
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
     
     
5. Adds the value:
   
   "StubPath"="wininit32.exe"
   
   to the registry key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Active Setup\Installed Components\SysInit
   
   
6. Adds the value:
   
   "LastMonth"="%MonthOfTheYear%"
   
   to the registry key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Connect
   
   

   ---

   Note: %MonthOfTheYear% is a variable. It represents the current month, taken from the system date.

   ---

   
   
7. Adds the value:
   
   "DisableRegistryTools"="1"
   
   to the registry key:
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
   Policies\System
   
   
8. Adds the value:
   
   "DisallowRun"="1"
   
   to the registry key:
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
   Policies\Explorer
   
   
9. Adds the values:
   
   • "1"="lockdown.exe"
   • "2"="vsmain.exe"
   • "3"="msconfig.exe"
   • "4"="zonealarm.exe"
   • "5"="zapro.exe"
   • "6"="blackd.exe"
   • "7"="blackice.exe"
   • "8"="processmonitor.exe"
   • "9"="pmon.exe"
   • "10"="smc.exe"
   • "11"="generics.exe"
   • "12"="netstat.exe"
   • "13"="ethereal.exe"
   • "14"="sniffem.exe"
   • "15"="monitor.exe"
   • "16"="lockdown2000.exe"
   • "17"="webtrap.exe"
   • "18"="programauditor.exe"
   • "19"="sniffem.exe"
   • "20"="jammer.exe"
   • "21"="ldnetmon.exe"
   • "22"="safeweb.exe"
   • "23"="realmon.exe"
   • "24"="guw32.exe"
   • "25"="regmon.exe"
   • "26"="netmon.exe"
   • "27"="portmon.exe"
   • "28"="filemon.exe"
   • "29"="scan32.exe"
     
     to the registry key:
     
     HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
     Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun
     
     
10. Adds the registry keys:
    
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run-
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
      RunServices-
    • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run-
      
      
11. Deletes the following values:
    
    • "Configuration Loader"
    • "Update"
    • "WinUpdate"
    • "Task Manager"
    • "Windows API Structure"
    • "Microsoft Diagnostic"
    • "3Dfx Acc"
    • "ABsr"
    • "adp"
    • "Advapi"
    • "AIM reminder"
    • "Alevir"
    • "Alogserv"
    • "Amon"
    • "AnVir"
    • "Apvxd"
    • "Apvxdwin"
    • "ausvc"
    • "Avast32"
    • "AvconsoleEXE"
    • "Avgserv9.exe"
    • "AvMaiSrv"
    • "avpcc"
    • "avx communicator"
    • "avxlni"
    • "awhost32"
    • "Backwork"
    • "bargains"
    • "bitdefenderlive"
    • "BlackIce Utility"
    • "BMail Installation"
    • "Bnexe"
    • "BOCleanautostart"
    • "Configuration Manager"
    • "dlder"
    • "Vet Alert"
    • "ExplorerTask"
    • "Bonzi Buddy"
    • "boot"
    • "Bymer.Scanner"
    • "cAgOu"
    • "CC2KUI"
    • "Choke"
    • "CLICKTHEBUTTON"
    • "CmeSYS"
    • "CmeUPD"
    • "msnb"
    • "Configuration Wizard"
    • "CoreSrv"
    • "CyDoor"
    • "Debug"
    • "distributed.net client"
    • "LangSupportEx"
    • "DownloadWare"
    • "Dvp95"
    • "Eac_Cnry"
    • "eixfi"
    • "Element"
    • "Explorer32"
    • "F-StopW"
    • "Gator"
    • "Vet Start UpHookSys"
    • "I386"
    • "Kernell32"
    • "Kernel32"
    • "LoadBlackD"
    • "LoadDBackUp"
    • "LoadFonts"
    • "LoadOrderVerification"
    • "LTM2"
    • "McAfee Firewall"
    • "McAfeeVirusScanService"
    • "mnsvc"
    • "MPFExe"
    • "MprHTML"
    • "MSAdmin"
    • "WinUpdatermsdos423"
    • "MSKernel32"
    • "msn"
    • "Msrc"
    • "MSREGIT"
    • "Ms Spool32"
    • "Mswincfg"
    • "murphy shield"
    • "Default"
    • "MxHLp32"
    • "Myapp"
    • "NAV Agent"
    • "navapw32"
    • "NAV Configuration Wizard"
    • "NAV DefAlert"
    • "Netapi"
    • "Nod32CC"
    • "Norton Auto-Protect"
    • "ogrc"
    • "PAV.EXE"
    • "PCStart"
    • "PersFw"
    • "PPMemCheck"
    • "procmon"
    • "RapApp"
    • "TaskMan"
    • "rvds"
    • "rdvs"
    • "Registry"
    • "Run_cd"
    • "Rundllsystem32"
    • "RunProg"
    • "ScanInicio"
    • "ScrSvr"
    • "VAGuard"
    • "server"
    • "serverex"
    • "Shellapi32"
    • "sistrai.exe"
    • "sistray"
    • "SyncAgent"
    • "SysProtect"
    • "SysScan"
    • "Explorer"
    • "SystemBoot"
    • "SystemFTP"
    • "SystemMD"
    • "System Monitor"
    • "SystemReg"
    • "System-Service"
    • "Task Bar"
    • "TaskReg"
    • "Taskschd"
    • "Tau monitor"
    • "tcactive"
    • "tcmonitor"
    • "Tiny Personal Firewall"
    • "TrojanScanner"
    • "UMXLDRW"
    • "vscanner"
    • "Vshwin32EXE"
    • "VsStatEXE"
    • "WebScan"
    • "WebScanX"
    • "Webtrap"
    • "Whvlxd"
    • "Win32BaseServiceMOD"
    • "Win32DLL"
    • "Win32 Rundll Loader"
    • "Win386"
    • "Winahlp.exe"
    • "WIN-BUGSFIX"
    • "Windows"
    • "WinDSNX"
    • "WinLoader"
    • "WinProfile"
    • "WinProxy"
    • "Win Server"
    • "winserver"
    • "Win Server Updt"
    • "Winsvc32"
    • "Winsys"
    • "WinSystem"
    • "WQK"
    • "Zonavirus"
    • "ZoneAlarm"
    • "ZoneAlarm Pro"
    • "vsmon"
    • "vsmon.exe"
    • "zzgshp"
    • "WinHelp"
    • "WinGate initialize"
    • "Program In Windows"
    • "Remote Procedure Call Locator"
    • "WinDSNX"
    • "Windows Subsys"
    • "msconfigurator"
    • "ps2"
    • "cmd"
    • "Supernova"
    • "WindowsMGM"
    • "NeroCheck"
    • "LoadWinConf"
    • "messnger"
    • "explore"
    • "FuckCop"
    • "InternetConfigure"
    • "Api"
    • "Svhost Loader"
    • "Gforce4DRv"
    • "Ccapp"
    • "Ccevtmgr"
    • "Ccpxysvc"
    • "Ccregvfy"
    • "Cd_load"
    • "Cmesys"
    • "Cmgrdian"
    • "Comsocks"
    • "Cpdclnt"
    • "Cpd"
    • "Absr"
    • "Adservice"
    • "Aornum"
    • "Arupld32"
    • "Atrack"
    • "wins"
    • "fSys"
    • "rundll"
    • "rundll32"
    • "Network Connections"
    • "NTFix"
    • "System Service"
    • "windows update"
    • "WinConfig"
    • "print sharing"
    • "WindowsUpdate"
    • "Loader"
    • "GForce4DR"
    • "Microsoft System Monitor"
    • "Windows Registry Checker"
    • "WindowsFix32"
    • "winupd32.exe"
    • "CriticalUpdate"
    • "Wininit"
    • "LoadWinConf"
    • "vhostl"
    • "Svhost Loader"
    • "GForce4DRv"
    • "ssdpsrv.exe"
    • "ssdpsvr.exe"
    • "System Service"
    • "WindowsUpdate"
    • "Internat32.exe"
    • "Winsock2 driverSysCmd"
    • "NTsocket"
    • "updatek"
    • "webiss"
    • "explorer"
    • "systemtray"
    • "systemtray32"
    • "SystemTray32"
    • "systray"
    • "SysTray"
    • "SysTray32"
    • "GhostStartTrayApp"
    • "SymTray - Norton SystemWorks"
    • "fuckyou"
    • "WinFix32.exe"
    • "vptray"
    • "SystemUpdate"
    • "Microsoft Configuration"
    • "WinApp32"
    • "SVHOST"
    • "PrinTray"
    • "tskdbg"
    • "CMESys"
    • "CMD"
    • "WINTASK"
    • "TaskMonitor"
    • "winapidr"
    • "Com+Services"
    • "System Configuration"
    • "WIN32 DEBUG"
    • "poeto."
    • "NAV Live Update"
    • "Windows Explorer"
    • "config32.exe"
    • "Pop3trap.exe"
    • "WebTrapNT.exe"
    • "TrackPointSrv"
    • "Microsoft Netview"
    • "Generic Host Process for Win32 Services"...
    • "AdobeA"
    • "win32app"
    • "Explorer de la dc"
    • "ColdLife - icmp"
    • "ColdLife ?icmp"
    • "NT Guard"
    • "Sustem"
    • "updateWin"
    • "Winsock32 driver"
    • "windows auto update"
      
      from the registry keys:
      
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
      RunOnce
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
      RunServices
    • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
      RunOnce
    • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
      
      
12. Attempts to delete the following files from %System% folder:
    
    • syscfg32.exe
    • cnfgldr.exe
    • sysmon16.exe
    • tskmgr32.exe
    • winsys.exe
    • tskman.exe
    • taskmrg.exe
    • win.exe
    • syslog.exe
    • msgsrv.exe
    • msnb.exe
    • TCPSVS32.EXE
    • NAV32_LOADER.EXE
    • winservices.exe
    • RAVMOND.exe
    • WinHelp.exe
    • IEXPLORE.EXE
      
      
13. Attempts to delete the following files from %Windir% folder:
    
    • temp\\r.bat
    • Hello-Kitty.exe
    • BigMac.exe
    • WINMGM32.EXE
    • SNTMLS.DAT
    • DWN.DAT
    • SNTMLS.DAT
    • fonts\\explorer.exe
    • fonts\\rundll32.exelitmus\\winup.exe
    • litmus\\MSGSRV320.exe
    • litmus\\MSGORV32.exe
    • litmus\\msgsrv32.exe
    • litmus\\killer.exe
    • DIRECX.DLL
    • mirc.exe
    • mirc32.exe
    • temp.exe
    • temp2.exe
    • explore.exe
    • psexec.exe
    • rconnect.exe
    • whvlxd.exe
    • iiscache.dll
    • vbrun7.dll
    • mirc.ini
    • mirc2.ini
    • mirc3.ini
    • script.ini
    • auth.ini
    • settings.ini
    • pr.ini
    • whvlxd.dat
    • fdrive.dat
    • gates.txt
    • temp.scr
    • Winnt32.nfo
    • remote.ini
      
      

      ---

      Note: %Windir% is a variable. The worm locates the Windows folder and attempts to delete several files from that location. By default, this is C:\Windows (Windows 95/98/Me/XP), C:\Winnt (Windows NT/2000).

      ---

      
      
14. Uses its own Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client to connect to an IRC channel and waits for commands from a hacker.

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.