PLATFORM:

Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, Server 2003

 OVERALL RISK RATING:
 REPORTED INFECTION:
 SYSTEM IMPACT RATING:
 INFORMATION EXPOSURE:

  • Threat Type:

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

This spyware may be downloaded from remote sites by other malware.

It steals sensitive information such as user names and passwords, particularly for certain games. Stolen information may be used for profit by cybercriminals who may gain access to the information.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: Varies
Memory Resident: Yes

Arrival Details

This spyware may be downloaded from the following remote site(s):

  • http://{BLOCKED}nts.us/ma.exe

It may be downloaded from remote site(s) by the following malware:

  • TROJ_DLOAD.VAC

Installation

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

  • %System%\xiaosos.exe

(Note: %System% is the Windows system folder, which is usually C:\Windows\System32.)

Autostart Technique

This spyware adds the following registry entries to enable its automatic execution at every system startup:

HKCU\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
loopsos = "%System%\xiaosos.exe"

Dropping Routine

This spyware drops the following files:

  • %System%\xiaodll0.dll - detected as TSPY_GAMETHI.QJB

(Note: %System% is the Windows system folder, which is usually C:\Windows\System32.)

Information Theft

This spyware steals sensitive information such as user names and passwords, particularly for certain games.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 8.900

Step 1

Restart in Safe Mode

[ Learn More ]

Step 2

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 HKCU\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • loopsos=%System%\xiaosos.exe

Step 3

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.
  • %System%\xiaosos.exe 
  • %System%\xiaodll0.dll 

    • Note: To do a search for the following files, right-click Start then click Search... or Find..., depending on the version of Windows you are running. For each file to be deleted, type its file name in the Named input box. In the Look In drop-down list, select My Computer, then press Enter.
  • Once located, select the file then press SHIFT+DELETE to permanently delete the file.
  • Repeat the said steps for all files listed.

    • Step 4

    Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as TSPY_GAMETHI.QJB. 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.


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