ALIASES:

Backdoor:Win32/Ruledor.B (Microsoft); Clearsearch.dldr. (McAfee); Backdoor.Win32.Ruledor.c (Kaspersky); Trojan.Win32.Generic!BT (Sunbelt); Backdoor.Generic.184797 (FSecure)

 PLATFORM:

Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003

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

  • Threat Type: Spyware

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

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

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: 93,184 bytes
File Type: EXE
Memory Resident: Yes
Initial Samples Received Date: 22 Aug 2012

Arrival Details

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

  • %Program Files%\ClearSearch\Loader.exe

(Note: %Program Files% is the default Program Files folder, usually C:\Program Files.)

It creates the following folders:

  • ClrSch
  • %Program Files%\ClearSearch

(Note: %Program Files% is the default Program Files folder, usually C:\Program Files.)

Autostart Technique

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
ClrSchLoader = "%Program Files%\ClearSearch\Loader.exe"

Other System Modifications

This spyware deletes the following files:

  • .
  • ..

It adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Browser Helper Objects

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch
guid = "{307696C6-8FF5-483d-A4E7-58806FD58C67}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch
promo = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
version = "3"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fb7c36"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd393"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd394"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd395"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd396"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd397"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd398"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd399"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd39a"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd39b"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd39c"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd39d"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd39e"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd39f"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3a"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3a1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3a2"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3a3"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3a4"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3a5"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3a6"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3a7"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3a8"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3a9"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3aa"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3ab"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3ac"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3ad"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3ae"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3af"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3b"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3b1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3b2"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3b3"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3b4"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3b5"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3b6"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3b7"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3b8"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3b9"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3ba"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3bb"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3bc"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\
Loader
nextupdate = "4fcd3bd"

Dropping Routine

This spyware drops the following files:

  • \t78.

Other Details

This spyware connects to the following possibly malicious URL:

  • http://sds.{BLOCKED}h.com/ie/control.dat
  • http://status.{BLOCKED}h.com/loader/?{random characters}
  • http://status.{BLOCKED}h.com/loader/ping/?{random characters}

This report is generated via an automated analysis system.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 9.200

Step 1

For Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 users, before doing any scans, please make sure you disable System Restore to allow full scanning of your computer.

Step 2

Restart in Safe Mode

[ Learn More ]

Step 3

Delete this registry key

[ 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
    • ClrSch
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch
    • Loader
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
    • Browser Helper Objects

Step 4

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_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • ClrSchLoader = "%Program Files%\ClearSearch\Loader.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch
    • guid = "{307696C6-8FF5-483d-A4E7-58806FD58C67}"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch
    • promo = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • version = "3"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fb7c36"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd393"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd394"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd395"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd396"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd397"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd398"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd399"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd39a"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd39b"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd39c"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd39d"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd39e"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd39f"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3a"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3a1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3a2"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3a3"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3a4"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3a5"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3a6"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3a7"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3a8"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3a9"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3aa"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3ab"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3ac"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3ad"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3ae"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3af"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3b"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3b1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3b2"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3b3"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3b4"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3b5"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3b6"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3b7"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3b8"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3b9"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3ba"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3bb"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3bc"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ClrSch\Loader
    • nextupdate = "4fcd3bd"

Step 5

Search and delete this file

[ 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.
  • \t78.

Step 6

Search and delete these folders

[ Learn More ]
Please make sure you check the Search Hidden Files and Folders checkbox in the More advanced options option to include all hidden folders in the search result.
  • ClrSch
  • %Program Files%\ClearSearch

Step 7

Restart in normal mode and scan your computer with your Trend Micro product for files detected as TSPY_RULEDOR.C. 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.

Step 8

Restore this file from backup only Microsoft-related files will be restored. If this malware/grayware also deleted files related to programs that are not from Microsoft, please reinstall those programs on you computer again.

  • .
  • ..


Did this description help? Tell us how we did.