W32.Ackantta.B@mm

Discovered:

February 25, 2009

Updated:

March 4, 2009 7:46:58 PM

Also Known As:

W32/Xirtem@MM!8b1f20b9 [McAfee]

Type:

Worm

Infection Length:

266, 240 bytes

Systems Affected:

Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows XP

The worm may arrive on the computer as the following file with a snowman icon:
postcard.pdf.exe





Once executed, it may display an image of cartoon animals with the following characteristic:
Title:
postcard






It then creates a copy of itself as the following file:
%System%\javale.exe

The worm also drops the following files:
%System%\javame1.1.exe
%System%\[RANDOM FILE NAME].dll
%System%\javawx.exe

The worm creates one of the following registry entries, so that it runs every time Windows starts:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"SunJava Updater v7" = "%System%\javale.exe"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"Sun Java
Updater v7.4" = "%System%\javawx.exe"

It may then create the following registry entries to alter Explorer settings:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\"javastatio
n2.3" = "[RANDOM MONTH]"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\"ultrasparc
2.3" = "[RANDOM DAY]"

It may also create the following registry entries to register itself as a COM object:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{6D794CB4-C7CD-4c6f-BFDC-9B77AFBDC02C}\InprocServer32
\"(Default)" = "%System%\[RANDOM FILE NAME].dll
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{6D794CB4-C7CD-4c6f-BFDC-9B77AFBDC02C}\InprocServer32
\"ThreadingModel" = "Both"

It then creates the following registry keys;
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Installer
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\instkey
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\cavok
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Control
Panel\Settings\"Time"

The worm also modifies the following registry entries:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile\AuthorizedApplications\List\%System%\"javale.exe" = "%System%\javale.exe:*:Enabled:Explorer"
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001
  \Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile\AuthorizedAppli
  cations\List\"%System%\javawx.exe" = "%System%\javawx.exe:*:Enabled:Explorer"
  
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\"javastation1.1" = "02"
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\"ultrasparc1.1" = "25"
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Download\"CheckExeSignatures" = "0x1"
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Download\"RunInvalidSignatures" = "no"
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Associations\"LowRiskFileTypes" = ".zip;.rar;.cab;.txt;.exe;.reg;.msi;.htm;.html;.bat;.cmd;.pif;.scr;.mov;.mp3;.wav"
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\3\"1A10" = "1"

The worm then injects itself into Explorer.exe.

The worm connects to the following URL to get the IP address of the compromised computer:
http://whatismyip.com/automation/n09230945.asp

It may then attempt to contact the following URL and download other threats which may include Trojan.Vundo and Trojan.Awax:
[http://]childhe.com/pas/apstpldr[REMOVED]

It then gathers email addresses from the Windows Address Book and sends a copy of itself to the addresses found.

The email has the following characteristics:
Subject:

• Job offer from Coca Cola!
• Thank you for your application
• You have got a new E-Card from your friend!
• You have received A Hallmark E-Card!

Message:
The worm uses the content and images from the following Web sites as the message of the body.

• http://hallmark.com
• http://www.americangreetings.com
• http://www.us.huxleyengineering.com/en/SubmitCV/Home
• http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/careers

Attachment:

• copy of your CV.zip
• e-card.zip
• job-application-form.zip
• postcard.zip

The worm does not send the email to email addreses that contains any of the following strings:

• .gov
• .mil
• abuse
• accoun
• acd-group
• acdnet.com
• acdsystems.com
• acketst
• admin
• ahnlab
• alcatel-lucent.com
• anyone
• apache
• arin.
• avira
• berkeley
• bitdefender
• bluewin.ch
• borlan
• bpsoft.com
• bsd
• bugs
• buyrar.com
• certific
• cisco
• clamav
• contact
• debian
• drweb
• eset.com
• example
• f-secure
• feste
• fido
• firefox
• fsf.
• ghisler.com
• gimp
• gnu
• gold-certs
• gov.
• help
• honeynet
• honeypot
• iana
• ibm.com
• icrosof
• icrosoft
• idenfense
• ietf
• ikarus
• info
• inpris
• isc.o
• isi.e
• jgsoft
• kaspersky
• kernel
• lavasoft
• linux
• listserv
• math
• mcafee
• messagelabs
• mit.e
• mozilla
• msn.
• mydomai
• nobody
• nodomai
• noone
• not
• nothing
• ntvi
• page
• panda
• pgp
• postmaster
• prevx
• privacy
• qualys
• quebecor.com
• rating
• redhat
• rfc-ed
• root
• ruslis
• samples
• security
• sendmail
• service
• site
• slashdot
• soft
• somebody
• someone
• sopho
• sourceforge
• spam
• spm
• submit
• sun.com
• support
• suse
• syman
• tanford.e
• the.bat
• unix
• usenet
• utgers.ed
• virusbuster
• webmaster
• wireshark
• www.ca.com
• www.secur
• you
• your

The worm also spreads by copying itself to all removable drives as the following files:

• %DriveLetter%\RECYCLER\S-1-6-21-2434476521-1645641927-702000330-1542\redmond.exe
• %DriveLetter%\RECYCLER\S-1-6-21-2434476521-1645641927-702000330-1542\Desktop.ini

The worm also creates the following file on all removable drives so that it executes whenever the drive is accessed:
%DriveLetter%\autorun.inf

The worm copies itself to following shared folders:

• C:\program files\icq\shared\folder\[FILE NAME].exe
• C:\program files\grokster\my grokster\[FILE NAME].exe
• C:\program files\emule\incoming\[FILE NAME].exe
• C:\program files\morpheus\my shared folder\[FILE NAME].exe
• C:\program files\limwire\shared\[FILE NAME].exe
• C:\program files\tesla\files\[FILE NAME].exe
• C:\program files\winmx\shared\[FILE NAME].exe
• C:\Downloads\[FILE NAME].exe
  
  

[FILE NAME].exe represents any of the following file names:

• AVS video converter6.exe
• Absolute Video Converter 6.2.exe
• Ad-aware 2008.exe
• Adobe Acrobat Reader keygen.exe
• Adobe Photoshop CS4 crack.exe
• Alcohol 120 v1.9.7.exe
• Avast 4.8 Professional.exe
• BitDefender AntiVirus 2009 Keygen.exe
• CleanMyPC Registry Cleaner v6.02.exe
• Daemon Tools Pro 4.11.exe
• Divx Pro 6.8.0.19 + keymaker.exe
• Download Accelerator Plus v8.7.5.exe
• Download Boost 2.0.exe
• G-Force Platinum v3.7.5.exe
• Google Earth Pro 4.2. with Maps and crack.exe
• Grand Theft Auto IV (Offline Activation).exe
• Half life 3 preview 10 minutes gameplay video.exe
• Internet Download Manager V5.exe
• K-Lite codec pack 4.0 gold.exe
• Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 keygen.exe
• LimeWire Pro v4.18.3.exe
• Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student keygen.exe
• Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 KeyGen.exe
• Microsoft.Windows 7 Beta1 Build 7000 x86.exe
• Motorola, nokia, ericsson mobil phone tools.exe
• Myspace theme collection.exe
• Nero 9 9.2.6.0 keygen.exe
• Norton Anti-Virus 2009 Enterprise Crack.exe
• Opera 10 cracked.exe
• PDF password remover (works with all acrobat reader).exe
• Password Cracker.exe
• Perfect keylogger family edition with crack.exe
• Power ISO v4.2 + keygen axxo.exe
• Red Alert 3 keygen and trainer.exe
• Smart Draw 2008 keygen.exe
• Sophos antivirus updater bypass.exe
• Super Utilities Pro 2009 11.0.exe
• TCN ISO SigmaX2 firmware.bin.exe
• TCN ISO cable modem hacking tools.exe
• Total Commander7 license+keygen.exe
• Tuneup Ultilities 2008.exe
• Ultimate ring tones package1 (Beethoven,Bach, Baris Manco,Lambada,Chopin, Greensleves).exe
• Ultimate ring tones package2 (Lil Wayne - Way Of Life,Khia - My Neck My Back Like My Pussy And My Crack,Mario - Let Me Love You,R. Kelly - The Worlds Greatest).exe
• Ultimate ring tones package3 (Crazy In Love, U Got It Bad, 50 Cent - P.I.M.P, Jennifer Lopez Feat. Ll Cool J - All I Have, 50 Cent - 21 Question).exe
• Ultimate xxx password generator 2009.exe
• VmWare keygen.exe
• WinRAR v3.x keygen RaZoR.exe
• Winamp.Pro.v6.53.PowerPack.Portable [XmaS edition].exe
• Windows 2008 Enterprise Server VMWare Virtual Machine.exe
• Windows XP PRO Corp SP3 valid-key generator.exe
• Windows2008 keygen and activator.exe
• Youtube Music Downloader 1.0.exe

The worm may end the following processes:

• AlMon.exe
• ALSvc.exe
• APvxdwin.exe
• ashdisp.exe
• avcenter.exe
• avciman.exe
• AVENGINE.exe
• avgnt.exe
• avgrsx.exe
• avgtray.exe
• avguard.exe
• avgwdsvc.exe
• avp.exe
• bdagent.exe
• bdss.exe
• CCenter.exe
• drweb32w.exe
• drwebupw.exe
• egui.exe
• ekrn.exe
• emproxy.exe
• FPAVServer.exe
• FprotTray.exe
• FPWin.exe
• guardgui.exe
• HWAPI.exe
• iface.exe
• isafe.exe
• K7EmlPxy.exe
• K7RTScan.exe
• K7SysTry.exe
• K7TSecurity.exe
• K7TSMngr.exe
• livesrv.exe
• mcagent.exe
• mcmscsvc.exe
• McNASvc.exe
• mcods.exe
• mcpromgr.exe
• McProxy.exe
• Mcshield.exe
• mcsysmon.exe
• mcvsshld.exe
• MpfSrv.exe
• mps.exe
• mskagent.exe
• msksrver.exe
• NTRtScan.exe
• Pavbckpt.exe
• PavFnSvr.exe
• PavPrSrv.exe
• PAVSRV51.exe
• pccnt.exe
• PSCtrlS.exe
• PShost.exe
• PsIMSVC.exe
• psksvc.exe
• Rav.exe
• RavMon.exe
• RavmonD.exe
• RavStub.exe
• RavTask.exe
• RedirSvc.exe
• SavAdminService.exe
• SavMain.exe
• SavService.exe
• sbamtray.exe
• sbamui.exe
• spidergui.exe
• SrvLoad.exe
• TmListen.exe
• TPSRV.exe
• vetmsg.exe
• vsserv.exe
• Webproxy.exe
• xcommsvr.exe

The worm may end the following services:

• antivirscheduler
• antivirservice
• APVXDWIN
• aswupdsv
• avast!
• avast! Antivirus
• AVG8_TRAY
• avg8wd
• AVP
• BDAgent
• bdss
• CaCCProvSP
• CAVRID
• ccEvtMgr
• ccproxy
• ccpwdsvc
• ccsetmgr
• cctray
• DrWebScheduler
• egui
• Ehttpsrv
• ekrn
• Emproxy
• FPAVServer
• F-PROT Antivirus Tray application
• GWMSRV
• ISTray
• K7EmlPxy
• K7RTScan
• K7SystemTray
• K7TSMngr
• K7TSStart
• LIVESRV
• liveupdate
• LiveUpdate Notice Service
• McAfee HackerWatch Service
• McENUI
• mcmisupdmgr
• mcmscsvc
• MCNASVC
• mcODS
• mcpromgr
• mcproxy
• mcredirector
• mcshield
• mcsysmon
• MPFSERVICE
• MPS9
• msk80service
• MskAgentexe
• navapsvc
• OfficeScanNT Monitor
• PANDA SOFTWARE CONTROLLER
• PAVFNSVR
• PAVPRSRV
• PAVSVR
• PSHOST
• PSIMSVC
• PSKSVCRETAIL
• RavTask
• RSCCenter
• RSRavMon
• Savadminservice
• SAVScan
• Savservice
• SBAMTray
• SCANINICIO
• Sophos Autoupdate Service
• Spam Blocker for Outlook Express
• SpamBlocker
• SpIDerMail
• Symantec Core LC
• ThreatFire
• TPSRV
• VSSERV
• XCOMM

The worm may prevent access to the following sites:

• aladdin.com
• authentium.com
• avast.com
• avg.com
• avp.com
• bitdefender.com
• ca.com
• customer.symantec.com
• dispatch.mcafee.com
• download.mcafee.com
• eset.com
• ewido.com
• f-secure.com
• free-av.com
• global.ahnlab.com
• grisoft.com
• hispasec.com
• ikarus-software.at
• kaspersky-labs.com
• kaspersky.com
• liveupdate.symantec.com
• liveupdate.symantecliveupdate.com
• mast.mcafee.com
• mcafee.com
• my-etrust.com
• nai.com
• networkassociates.com
• pandasecurity.com
• quickheal.com
• securityresponse.symantec.com
• sophos.com
• symantec.com
• trendmicro.com
• us.mcafee.com
• virus-buster.com
• viruslist.com
• virustotal.com

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.