Analysis by: Andrei Castillo

ALIASES:

Trojan horse PSW.Agent.BDPV(AVG), W32/Dofoil.QTZ!tr(Fortinet), Win32/Spy.Shiz.NCM trojan(NOD32), Trojan.Win32.Dofoil.sd (v)(Sunbelt), TR/Spy.Shiz.NCM(Antivir)

 PLATFORM:

Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP (32-bit, 64-bit), Windows Vista (32-bit, 64-bit), Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit)

 OVERALL RISK RATING:
 DAMAGE POTENTIAL:
 DISTRIBUTION POTENTIAL:
 REPORTED INFECTION:
 INFORMATION EXPOSURE:

  • Threat Type: Backdoor

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted: Yes

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

Infection Channel: Downloaded from the Internet, Dropped by other malware

This backdoor arrives on a system as a file dropped by other malware or as a file downloaded unknowingly by users when visiting malicious sites.

It uses Windows Task Scheduler to create a scheduled task that executes the dropped copy.

It scans the computer for registry keys related to antivirus and security applications. This action allows the malware to possibly avoid detection in the computer.

It runs certain commands that it receives remotely from a malicious user. Doing this puts the affected computer and information found on the computer at greater risk.

It performs denial of service (DoS) attacks on affected systems using specific flooding method(s).

It logs a user's keystrokes to steal information.

It deletes the initially executed copy of itself.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

Ports: TCP Port 80 (HTTP)
File Size: 317,480 bytes
File Type: EXE
File Compression: UPX
Memory Resident: Yes
Initial Samples Received Date: 02 Nov 2013
Payload: Connects to URLs/IPs

Arrival Details

This backdoor arrives on a system as a file dropped by other malware or as a file downloaded unknowingly by users when visiting malicious sites.

Installation

This backdoor drops the following copies of itself into the affected system:

  • %User Temp%\{random number}.tmp
  • %All Users Profile%\Application Data\{random malware name}{32|64}.exe

(Note: %User Temp% is the current user's Temp folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temp on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista and 7.. %All Users Profile% is the All Users or Common profile folder, which is C:\Documents and Settings\All Users in Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, and C:\ProgramData in Windows Vista and 7.)

It uses Windows Task Scheduler to create a scheduled task that executes the dropped copy.

It adds the following mutexes to ensure that only one of its copies runs at any one time:

  • MicrosoftSS5511Gate

It injects codes into the following process(es):

  • explorer.exe

Autostart Technique

This backdoor modifies the following registry entries to ensure it automatic execution at every system startup:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Userinit = "%System%\userinit.exe,%All Users Profile%\Application Data\{random malware name}{32|64}.exe,”

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is %System%\userinit.exe,.)

The scheduled task executes the malware every:

  • User logon

Other System Modifications

This backdoor adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
GlobalUserOffline = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Cryptography
B0B2D6E3 = "{random binary value}"

It scans the system for the following registry keys, which are related to antivirus and security applications:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\VBA32

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Softed\
ViGUARD

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Doctor Web

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Zone Labs\
ZoneAlarm

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Eset\
Nod

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Data Fellows\
F-Secure

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Network Associates\
TVD

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\ComodoGroup

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Symantec

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\TrendMicro

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\rising

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Coranti

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Sophos

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Panda Software

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Bitdefender

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\KasperskyLab\
protected

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\AVAST Software\
Avast

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Avira

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\G Data

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Avg

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Microsoft Antimalware

Backdoor Routine

This backdoor executes the following command(s) from a remote malicious user:

  • !new_config
  • !inject
  • !load
  • !load_ex
  • !block_post
  • !block_reset
  • !activebc
  • !deactivebc
  • !kill_os

It posts the following information to its command and control (C&C) server:

  • [type=post]
  • [bot id=%s]
  • [url=%s]
  • [ua=%s]
  • [proc=%s]
  • [ref=%s]
  • [keys=%s]
  • [data=%s]

Denial of Service (DoS) Attack

This backdoor performs denial of service (DoS) attacks on affected systems using the following flooding method(s):

  • DNS Query flooding

Dropping Routine

This backdoor drops the following file(s), which it uses for its keylogging routine:

  • %Application Data%\ipusy{random 3 letters}

(Note: %Application Data% is the current user's Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming on Windows Vista and 7.)

Information Theft

This backdoor logs a user's keystrokes to steal information.

Other Details

This backdoor connects to the following possibly malicious URL:

  • http://{BLOCKED}uf.info/ajax.php
  • http://{BLOCKED}c.info/ajax.php
  • http://{BLOCKED}ik.info/ajax.php
  • http://{BLOCKED}p.info/ajax.php

It deletes the initially executed copy of itself

NOTES:

This backdoor creates a new task named nVidiaBootAgent{32|64}.job which executes the malware it dropped, scheduled to run at every user logon. This scheduled task is hidden.

It injects codes to the process it retrieves from the registry entry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Shell = "Explorer.exe"

In this case, this backdoor injects code to Explorer.exe.

It monitors running processes with command line parameter containing the following strings:

  • BANKATCASH\bcmain.exe
  • BANKATLOCAL\ebmain.exe
  • CFT\rclient.ex
  • CTERM\CyberTerm.ex
  • ELBALOCAL\ELBA5STANDBY.exx
  • HPB\hbp.exe
  • MCLOCAL\OEBMCC32.exe
  • MCSIGN\oseTokenServer.exe
  • SAP\saplogon.ex
  • WM\webmoney.ex
  • WU\translink.ex
  • \ARM\ARM.ex
  • \ASBANK_LITE.ex
  • \AdClient.ex
  • \BANK32.ex
  • \BBCLIENT.ex
  • \BBMS.ex
  • \BCLIENT.ex
  • \BC_Loader.ex
  • \BFBC2Game.exe
  • \BUDGET.ex
  • \Bk_kw32.ex
  • \CLB.ex
  • \CLBank.ex
  • \CNCCLIENT.ex
  • \CSHELL.ex
  • \Ceedo.ex
  • \CeedoRT.ex
  • \CliBank.ex
  • \Client2.ex
  • \Client32.ex
  • \ClientBK.ex
  • \ClntW32.ex
  • \ContactNG.ex
  • \DTPayDesk.ex
  • \Dealer.ex
  • \DragonAge2.exe
  • \EELCLNT.ex
  • \ELBA5.exx
  • \ETSRV.ex
  • \Edealer.ex
  • \EffectOffice.Client.ex
  • \EximClient.ex
  • \FalloutNV.exe
  • \FileProtector.ex
  • \Hob.exe
  • \IDProtect Monitor.ex
  • \IMBLink32.ex
  • \Ibwn8.ex
  • \JSCASHMAIN.ex
  • \KBADMIN.ex
  • \KB_PCB.exe
  • \KLBS.ex
  • \LBank.ex
  • \LFCPaymentAIS.ex
  • \LPBOS.ex
  • \MMBANK.ex
  • \MWCLIENT32.ex
  • \NURITSmartLoader.ex
  • \Need for Speed
  • \OEBMCL32.exe
  • \OKMain.ex
  • \Omeg\M7.ex
  • \OnCBCli.ex
  • \Overlord2.exe
  • \PRCLIENT.ex
  • \PaymMaster.ex
  • \Payments.ex
  • \Payroll.ex
  • \PinRayR.ex
  • \Pmodule.ex
  • \PostMove.ex
  • \ProductPrototype.ex
  • \QIWIGUARD.ex
  • \QUICKPAY.ex
  • \Qiwicashier.ex
  • \RETAIL.ex
  • \RETAIL32.ex
  • \RF_installsoft.ru.exe
  • \RTADMIN.ex
  • \RTCERT.ex
  • \SAADM.ex
  • \SACLIENT.ex
  • \SGBClient.ex
  • \SIManager.ex
  • \SXDOC.ex
  • \SecureStoreMgr.exe
  • \Settlers7R.exe
  • \StartCeedo.ex
  • \Stronghold3.exe
  • \Sunflow.ex
  • \TERMW.ex
  • \Telemaco.ex
  • \TelemacoBusinessManager.ex
  • \Trainz Simulator
  • \Transact.ex
  • \UARM.ex
  • \UNISTREAM.ex
  • \URALPROM.ex
  • \UpOfCards.ex
  • \VKSaver.exe
  • \W32MKDE.ex
  • \WClient.ex
  • \WFINIST.ex
  • \WUPostAgent.ex
  • \WebLogin.ex
  • \WinPost.ex
  • \WinVal.ex
  • \WorldOfTanks.exe
  • \avn_cc.ex
  • \bankcl.ex
  • \bb.ex
  • \bb24.exe
  • \bestcrypt.ex
  • \bit4pin.ex
  • \bitcoin-qt.ex
  • \bk.ex
  • \cb193w.ex
  • \cbmain.ex
  • \cbsmain.dll
  • \clcard.ex
  • \client6.ex
  • \contoc.ex
  • \dcrypt.ex
  • \dikeutil.ex
  • \eclnt.ex
  • \el_cli.ex
  • \elbank.ex
  • \eurotrucks2.exe
  • \farcry3.exe
  • \fcClient.ex
  • \freotfe.ex
  • \gtaiv.exe
  • \h12.exe
  • \iWallet.ex
  • \ibcremote31.ex
  • \info.ex
  • \iquote32.ex
  • \iscc.ex
  • \kb_cli.ex
  • \legalSign.ex
  • \litecoin-qt.ex
  • \mafia2.exe
  • \openvpn-gui
  • \payment_processor.ex
  • \pkkb.exe
  • \plat.ex
  • \rmclient.ex
  • \rpay.ex
  • \sapphire.ex
  • \selva_copy.ex
  • \srclbclient.exe
  • \startclient7.ex
  • \terminal.ex
  • \truecrypt.ex
  • \ubs_net.ex
  • \visa.ex
  • \wCLNT.ex
  • \xplat_client.ex

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 9.700
VSAPI OPR PATTERN File: 10.393.00
VSAPI OPR PATTERN Date: 05 Nov 2013

Step 1

Before doing any scans, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 users must disable System Restore to allow full scanning of their computers.

Step 2

Identify and delete files detected as BKDR_SHIZ.TO using the Recovery Console

[ Learn More ]

Step 3

Restart in Safe Mode

[ Learn More ]

Step 4

Search and delete these files

[ Learn More ]
There may be some component files that are hidden. Please make sure you check the Search Hidden Files and Folders checkbox in the More advanced options option to include all hidden files and folders in the search result.
  • %User Temp%\{random number}.tmp
  • %Application Data%\ipusy{random 3 letters}

Step 5

Restore this modified registry value

[ Learn More ]

Important: Editing the Windows Registry incorrectly can lead to irreversible system malfunction. Please do this step only if you know how or you can ask assistance from your system administrator. Else, check this Microsoft article first before modifying your computer's registry.

  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
    • From: Userinit = "C:\Windows\system32\userinit.exe, %All Users Profile%\Application Data\{malware name}.exe,"
      To: Userinit = "C:\Windows\system32\userinit.exe,"

Step 6

Delete this registry value

[ Learn More ]

Important: Editing the Windows Registry incorrectly can lead to irreversible system malfunction. Please do this step only if you know how or you can ask assistance from your system administrator. Else, check this Microsoft article first before modifying your computer's registry.

  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
    • GlobalUserOffline = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Cryptography
    • B0B2D6E3 = "{random binary value}"

Step 7

Delete the Scheduled Tasks added by this malware/grayware

[ Learn More ]

To delete the added Scheduled Task file:

  1. Open the Windows Scheduled Tasks. To do this:
    • On Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003:
      Click on Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Scheduled Tasks
    • On Windows Vista and 7:
      Click Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Task Scheduler
  2. Double-click on a .JOB file.
  3. Check if the malware path and file name exists in the job file. To do this:
    • On Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003:
      Check the value in the Run field
    • On Windows Vista and 7:
      Find the malware path and file name in the Details column of the Action tab
  4. If the above conditions are true, select the .JOB file then press SHIFT+DELETE to permanently delete the file.
  5. Repeat the steps above for the remaining .JOB files.

Step 8

Restart in normal mode and scan your computer with your Trend Micro product for files detected as BKDR_SHIZ.TO. If the detected files have already been cleaned, deleted, or quarantined by your Trend Micro product, no further step is required. You may opt to simply delete the quarantined files. Please check this Knowledge Base page for more information.

NOTES:

To unhide the scheduled task, do the following:

  1. Go to command prompt: Start>Run. Type: cmd and press Enter.
  2. Change working directory to Scheduled task directory: Type cd C:\WINDOWS\Tasks and press Enter.
  3. Change file attribute to unhide the file: Type attrib -h nVidiaBootAgent32.job and press Enter.


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