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W32.Ackantta.C@mm

Risk Level 2: Low

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Discovered:
June 12, 2009
Updated:
June 15, 2009 1:32:46 PM
Also Known As:
W32.Jessinv [Symantec], W32/Autorun-AKG [Sophos]
Type:
Worm
Infection Length:
557,096 bytes
Systems Affected:
Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, Windows XP
When the worm executes, it copies itself to the following location:
%System%\sndmic32.exe

It then creates the following file as an infection-marker:
%UserProfile%\Local Settings\Temp\test.htm

Next, the worm creates the following files:
  • %System%\javapatch[TWO RANDOM NUMBERS].exe
  • %Windir%\snd.exe
  • %System%\SKYNET[EIGHT RANDOM CHARACTERS].dll
  • %System%\SKYNET[EIGHT RANDOM CHARACTERS].dll
  • %System%\SKYNET[EIGHT RANDOM CHARACTERS].dat
  • %System%\drivers\SKYNET[EIGHT RANDOM CHARACTERS].sys


It may also create several files of the following format:
%UserProfile%\Local Settings\Temp\[RANDOM CHARACTERS].tmp

Next, the worm creates the following registry entries so that it executes whenever Windows starts:
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"Windows Audio Service" = "%System%\sndmic32.exe"
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"Windows Audio" = "%Windir%\snd.exe"
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\Run\"Windows Audio" = "%Windir%\snd.exe"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\{XXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX}\"StubPath" = "\"%Windir%\snd.exe\""


It then creates the following registry entry to add itself to the list of authorized applications for the Windows Firewall:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile\AuthorizedApplications\List\"%System%\sndmic32.exe" = "%System%\sndmic32.exe:*:Enabled:Explorer"

The worm then creates a service with the following characteristics:
ServiceName: SKYNET[EIGHT RANDOM CHARACTERS]
ImagePath: %System%\drivers\SKYNET[EIGHT RANDOM CHARACTERS].sys

It creates the following registry subkey for the above service:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SKYNET[EIGHT RANDOM CHARACTERS]

It also creates the following registry subkeys:
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\FXS
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\solashit2
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\sunshit2


Next, it may modify the following registry entry to disable System Restore:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SystemRestore\"DisableSR" = "1"

It deletes the following registry subkeys:
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wscsvc
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ERSvc
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_WSCSVC
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_ERSVC


It may also delete the following registry entries:
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"SBAMTray"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"sbamui"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"cctray"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"CAVRID"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"BDAgent"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"egui"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"avast!"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"AVG8_TRAY"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"ISTray"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"K7SystemTray"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"K7TSStart"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"SpIDerMail"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"DrWebScheduler"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"AVP"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"OfficeScanNT Monitor"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"SpamBlocker"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"Spam Blocker for Outlook Express"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"F-PROT Antivirus Tray application"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"RavTask"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"APVXDWIN"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"SCANINICIO"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"McENUI"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"MskAgentexe"
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\"Windows Defender"


The worm may delete the following file:
%CurrentFolder%\mcshield.exe

The worm attempts to spread by copying itself to the following folders on the compromised computer:
  • %ProgramFiles%\ICQ\Shared Folder
  • %ProgramFiles%\Grokster\My Grokster
  • %ProgramFiles%\EMule\Incoming
  • %ProgramFiles%\Morpheus\My Shared Folder
  • %ProgramFiles%\LimeWire\Shared
  • %ProgramFiles%\Tesla\Files
  • %ProgramFiles%\WinMX\Shared
  • %SystemDrive%\Downloads


It copies itself to the above locations as the following files:
  • Absolute Video Converter 6.2.exe
  • Ad-aware 2009.exe
  • Alcohol 120 v1.9.7.exe
  • AnyDVD HD v.6.3.1.8 Beta incl crack.exe
  • Avast 4.8 Professional.exe
  • AVS video converter6.exe
  • BitDefender AntiVirus 2009 Keygen.exe
  • CheckPoint ZoneAlarm And AntiSpy.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
  • DVD Tools Nero 9 2 6 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
  • Internet Download Manager V5.exe
  • Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 keygen.exe
  • K-Lite codec pack 3.10 full.exe
  • K-Lite codec pack 4.0 gold.exe
  • LimeWire Pro v4.18.3.exe
  • Magic Video Converter 8 0 2 18.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 9.62 International.exe
  • PDF password remover (works with all acrobat reader).exe
  • Perfect keylogger family edition with crack.exe
  • Power ISO v4.2 + keygen axxo.exe
  • Smart Draw 2008 keygen.exe
  • Sony Vegas Pro 8 0b Build 219.exe
  • Sophos antivirus updater bypass.exe
  • Super Utilities Pro 2009 11.0.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
  • Winamp.Pro.v6.53.PowerPack.Portable+installer.exe
  • Windows 2008 Enterprise Server VMWare Virtual Machine.exe
  • Windows XP PRO Corp SP3 valid-key generator.exe
  • Windows2008 keygen and activator.exe
  • WinRAR v3.x keygen RaZoR.exe
  • Youtube Music Downloader 1.0.exe

It 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


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

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 site:
[https://]213.133.110.21

The worm also searches the compromised computer for email addresses in files with the following extensions:
  • .adb
  • .asp
  • .dbx
  • .htm
  • .php
  • .pl
  • .sht
  • .tbb
  • .txt
  • .wab


It then attempts to send emails containing links to potentially malicious files to the email addresses that have been gathered.

The emails may be in one or more of the following formats:

From:
e-cards@hallmark.com
Subject:
You have received A Hallmark E-Card!
Body:
You have recieved A Hallmark E-Card.

Hello!

You have recieved a Hallmark E-Card from your friend.

To see it, check the attachment.

There's something special about that E-Card feeling. We invite you to make a friend's day and send one.

Hope to see you soon,
Your friends at Hallmark

Hallmark.com | Privacy & Security | Customer Service | Store Locator

Attachment:
Postcard.zip


From:
invitations@twitter.com
Subject:
Your friend invited you to twitter!
Body:
Skip past navigation
On a mobile phone? Check out m.twitter.com!
Skip to navigation
Skip to sign in form

Select Language ...[select box]

Your friend invited you to twitter!

Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co-workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing?

To join or to see who invited you, check the attachment.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Watch a video!

Please sign in

user name or email address: [TEXT BOX]

password: [TEXT BOX]

[CHECK BOX]Remember me

[BUTTON]Sign In

Forgot password? Click here.

Already using Twitter from your phone? Click here.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twitter is the first thing on the web that I've been excited about in ages.

Jason Kottke, Blogger
I really like Twitter.

Jeff Barr, Amazon.com, Senior Manager
Incredibly useful

Wired

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Footer
2009 Twitter
About Us
Contact
Blog
Status
Apps
API
Search
Help
Jobs
Terms
Privacy

close

Galleries
of
by

Attachment:
Invitation Card.zip


From:
invitations@hi5.com
Subject:
Jessica would like to be your friend on hi5!
Body:
Join
Log in
Help
Balance: 0 Coins

mobile alerts
Click to Select Language

hi5 Home

Home
My Profile
Friends
Photos
Messages
Games
Groups
Applications
No application s installed
Add Applications·
165 Search true true true false

advanced

Title
body
[BUTTON]Yes [BUTTON]No

Meet new people and keep up with friends on hi5.

Jessica would li ke to be your friend on hi5!

I set up a hi5 profile and I want to add you as a friend so we can share pictures and start building our network. First see your invitation card I attached! Once you join, you will have a chance to create a profile, share pictures, and find friends.

About Us Blog Advertising Jobs People Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Online Safety 2003-2009 hi5 Networks
2003-2009 hi5 Networks

Attachment:
Invitation Card.zip


From:
order-update@amazon.com
Subject:
Shipping update for your Amazon.com order 254-78546325-658742
Body:
Shipping update for your Amazon.com order 254-78546325-658742

Please check the attachment and confirm your shipping details.

Attachment:
Shipping documents.zip


The worm attempts to connect to SMTP servers by pre-pending the following strings to the domain names found in the gathered email addresses:
  • gate.
  • mail.
  • mail1.
  • mx.
  • mxs.
  • mx1.
  • ns.
  • relay.
  • smtp.


The worm avoids sending email to addresses that contain any of the following strings:

  • abuse
  • secur
  • spam
  • spm
  • www


The worm may redirect Internet access if the requested URL contains any of the following strings:

  • .google.
  • .yahoo.com
  • .bing.com
  • .live.com
  • .ask.com
  • .aol.com
  • .google-analytics.com
  • .yimg.com
  • upload.wikimedia.org
  • img.youtube.com
  • .powerset.com
  • .aolcdn.com
  • .blinkx.com
  • .atdmt.com
  • .othersonline.com
  • .yieldmanager.com
  • .fimserve.com
  • .everesttech.net
  • .doubleclick.net
  • .adrevolver.com
  • .tribalfusion.com
  • .adbureau.net
  • .abmr.net



It may then download files from a remote location and execute them.

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: Hatsuho Honda and Fergal Ladley
Summary| Technical Details| Removal

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