Trojan.Bankem

Risk Level 1: Very Low

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Discovered: November 3, 2005
Updated: February 13, 2007 12:46:14 PM
Type: Trojan Horse
Systems Affected: Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows XP


When Trojan.Bankem is executed, it performs the following actions:
  1. Drops the following file:

    %System%\appwiz.dll

    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. Adds the value:

    "(Default)" = "%System%\appwiz.dll"

    to the following registry subkey:

    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{78364D99-A640-4ddf-B91A-67EFF8373045}\InprocServer32

    so that it is loaded as a browser helper object with Internet Explorer.

  3. Adds the value:

    "Enable Browser Extensions" = "yes"

    to the following registry subkey:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main

    so that it is loaded as a browser helper object with Internet Explorer.

  4. Creates the following registry subkeys:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\{78364D99-A640-4ddf-B91A-67EFF8373045}
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\AppID\{78364D99-A640-4ddf-B91A-67EFF8373045}

    so that it is loaded as a browser helper object with Internet Explorer.

  5. Attempts to delete the following security-related files:

    • C:\program files\Microsoft AntiSpyware\*.gcd
    • gcasServ.exe
    • gcasDtServ.exe
    • GIANTAntiSpywareMain.exe

  6. Adds the values:

    "installer_time" = "[RANDOM NUMBER 1]"
    "phid" = "[RANDOM NUMBER 2]"


    to the following registry subkey:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Windows

    in order to save status information.

    Note: The variable [RANDOM NUMBER 1] may be displayed with the 0x prefix, whereas the variable [RANDOM NUMBER 2] does not use this prefix and is typically many digits longer than [RANDOM NUMBER 1].

  7. Contacts the following Web site and downloads configuration data:

    [http://]ukstories.net/[REMOVED]/r1.php?[status data]

  8. Monitors Internet Explorer windows, and checks for the presence of some of the following strings:

    • banking.de
    • bankingonline.de
    • bankofamerica.com
    • citibank.de
    • commerzbanking.de
    • haspa.de
    • internetbanking.de
    • mastercard
    • meine.deutsche-bank.de
    • portal-banking.de
    • postbank.de
    • visa
    • vr-ebanking.de
    • vr-networld-ebanking.de
    • www.e-gold.com

      Note: The strings the Trojan checks for will depend on the configuration data downloaded in Step 6 above.

  9. Prompts the user with a spoofed verification question in English or German, in an attempt to steal logon credentials, if one of the strings listed in Step 7 above is present in an Internet Explorer window. The verification question will be one of the following:

    English:

    Confirm That You're the Cardholder
    For your protection, please enter the three-digit security code from the back
    of your card and then select Continue.

    Gerrman:

    Bitte geben Sie eine noch nicht benutzte (TAN) Ihrer TAN-Liste ein

  10. Attempts to intercept data entered into Web forms. The Trojan may also download and execute remote files.


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: Candid Wueest
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