W32.Pinkton.A

1. Drops the following clean file:
   
   %System%/MSWINSCK.OCX
   
   Note: %System% is a variable that refers to the System folder. By default this is C:\Windows\System (Windows 95/98/Me), C:\Winnt\System32 (Windows NT/2000), or C:\Windows\System32 (Windows XP).
   
   
2. Registers the file with the following command:
   
   regsvr32.exe /s %System%\MSWINSCK.OCX
   
   Note:This OCX file is a clean ActiveX library from Microsoft used by the worm in the IM spreading routine and requires the VB runtime libraries to be executed correctly.
   
   
3. Copies itself into the %System% folder as %System%\[4 random letters].exe, using a generated random name of 4 letters.
   
   
4. Adds the value:
   
   "Windows System Security Monitor" = "%System%\[4 random letters].exe"
   
   to the registry subkeys:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
   
   so that the worm runs every time Windows starts.
   
   
5. Adds the value:
   
   "Version" = "Windows_NT"
   
   to the registry subkey:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
   
   as an infection marker.
   
   
6. Adds the value:
   
   "411" = "This computer's infected with Project Pinkerton, but don't let the user find out."
   
   to the registry subkey:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
   Explorer\Tips
   
   as infection markers.
   
   
7. Adds the values:
   
   "FirewallDisableNotify" = "0x1"
   "FirewallOverride" = "0x1"
   
   to the registry subkey:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center
   
   to prevent the execution of some popular firewall programs and also to disable Microsoft Windows Firewall installed by Service Pack 2.
   
   
8. Adds the value:
   
   "[n]" = "[fwname].exe"
   
   to the registry subkey:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
   policies\Explorer\DisallowRun
   
   to prevent the execution of some popular firewall programs and also to disable Microsoft Windows Firewall installed by Service Pack 2. The variable [n] is a number from 0 to 6 and the variable [fwname] is one of the following security related executables:
   
   
   • zonealarm.exe
   • kpf4gui.exe
   • blackd.exe
   • blackice.exe
   • iclient.exe
   • ZLclient.exe
   • kpf4ss.exe
     
     
9. Deletes itself and runs the dropped copy inside the %System% directory using the parameter "Code Pink". This parameter forces the worm to create the following files:
   
   • %Windir%\I803\index.html
   • %Windir%\I803\[7 random letters].com
     
     Note:
   • %Windir% is a variable that refers to the Windows installation folder. By default, this is C:\Windows or C:\Winnt.
   • The HTML file is the page used to spread the worm file: it contains a link with the victim IP address and the random .com filename of 7 letters.
   • The .com file is just a renamed copy of the worm file, configured to run as a web server, listening for incoming connection on Port 80.
     
     
10. Sends one of the following randomly selected messages to the first 20 contacts when AIM is running on the compromised computer:
    
    Body:
    (One of the following):
    
    
    • LOL! you gotta see [this]!
    • wow look [what] i found
    • dude click [here] lol it's cool
    • rofl [this] is so funny
    • hey isn't this [you]
      
      Note: Where the words [this], [what], [here], and [you] are HTTP links that point back to the infected host IP address and are able to send copies of the worm the recipient clicks on the link.
      
      
11. Opens a back door HTTP server listening on Port 80. The worm is also able to run DDoS attacks against a chosen target: the worm periodically checks remote mailboxes on a website waiting for specific commands. One of these commands launches the DDoS routine, forcing the infected host to connect to a chosen target, request a page and disconnect several times for 24 hours.

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.