W32.IRCBot.C

Risk Level 1: Very Low

Printer Friendly Page

Discovered: January 28, 2004
Updated: October 27, 2008 9:43:00 PM
Type: Trojan, Worm
Systems Affected: Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows XP

Once executed, the Trojan copies itself as the following file:
%System%\MMaker.exe

The Trojan creates the following registry entries, so that it runs every time Windows starts:
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"Microsoft Movie Maker" = "Mmaker.exe"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices\"Microsoft Movie Maker" = "Mmaker.exe"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce\"Microsoft Movie Maker" = "Mmaker.exe"
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce\"Microsoft Movie Maker" = "Mmaker.exe"
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"Microsoft Movie Maker" = "Mmaker.exe"


It opens a back door on the compromised computer that connects to a predetermined IRC channel on the IRC server p3nz0r.dynu.com using TCP port 6667 that allows unauthorized access to perform the following actions:
  • May copy itself to shared folders on other computers
  • Download and execute files, some of which may include an updated version of the Trojan
  • May copy itself to other IRC channels
  • Participate in denial of service attacks against a specific target
  • Gathers confidential information
  • Disable processes, some of which may be security-related
  • Delete network shares
  • Visit URLs
  • May copy itself to shared folders on other computers
  • Deletes itself


It then gathers confidential license key information for the following games:
  • Unreal Tournament 2003
  • CounterStrike
  • Battlefield 1942
  • Rainbow Six III
  • Soldier of Fortune II
  • Need For Speed Hot Pursuit 2
  • FIFA 2003
  • Command and Conquer Generals

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.

Writeup By: Paul Mangan
Search by name
Example: W32.Beagle.AG@mm
Windows 7
Windows Vista Security