TrojanSpy.Win32.FORMBOOK.DE


 ALIASES:

Backdoor.Win32.Blakken.vnr (KASPERSKY)

 PLATFORM:

Windows

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

  • Threat Type: Trojan Spy

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted: Yes

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

Infection Channel:

Downloaded from the Internet, Dropped by other malware

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

It does not have any propagation routine.

It executes commands from a remote malicious user, effectively compromising the affected system. It connects to a website to send and receive information.

It logs a user's keystrokes to steal information.

It terminates itself if it detects it is being run in a virtual environment.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size:

1,941,883 bytes

File Type:

COM, EXE

Memory Resident:

Yes

Initial Samples Received Date:

22 Apr 2021

Payload:

Connects to URLs/IPs, Compromises system security

Arrival Details

This Trojan Spy 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 Trojan Spy adds the following folders:

  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI
  • %Application Data%\{Random characters} → contains logs with gathered data

(Note: %AppDataLocal% is the Local Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Application Data on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).. %Application Data% is the current user's Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).)

It drops the following copies of itself into the affected system:

  • %Program Files%\{Random characters}\{Random characters}.exe

(Note: %Program Files% is the default Program Files folder, usually C:\Program Files in Windows 2000(32-bit), Server 2003(32-bit), XP, Vista(64-bit), 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit) , or C:\Program Files (x86) in Windows XP(64-bit), Vista(64-bit), 7(64-bit), 8(64-bit), 8.1(64-bit), 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).)

It drops the following files:

  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\VirtualDirectoryPlayer.exe
    • detected as TrojanSpy.Win32.FORMBOOK.DE
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\libexiv3.dll → decrypts VirtualDirectoryPlayer.exe
    • detected as TrojanSpy.Win32.FORMBOOK.DE
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\configuration.xml → loaded into libexiv3.dll

(Note: %AppDataLocal% is the Local Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Application Data on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).)

It drops the following non-malicious files:

  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\libnspr4.dll
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\libsasl2-3.dll
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\libwebp-fb2k.dll
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\license.txt
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\shared.dll
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\zlib1.dll
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\16\auth.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\16\error.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\16\info.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\16\mail.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\16\question.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\64\auth.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\64\cool.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\64\dialog.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\64\error.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\64\info.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\64\mail.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\64\question.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\64\warning.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\scalable\auth.svg
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\scalable\cool.svg
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\scalable\dialog.svg
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\scalable\error.svg
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\scalable\info.svg
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\scalable\question.svg
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\scalable\warning.svg

(Note: %AppDataLocal% is the Local Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Application Data on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).)

It adds the following processes:

  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\VirtualDirectoryPlayer.exe
  • %System%\cmd.exe /c del {Dropped malicious executable}

(Note: %AppDataLocal% is the Local Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Application Data on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).. %System% is the Windows system folder, where it usually is C:\Windows\System32 on all Windows operating system versions.)

It injects codes into the following process(es):

  • explorer.exe → communicates with C2 Server
  • Any of the following legitimate Windows Application (spawned by hijacked explorer.exe):
    • audiodg.exe
    • autochk.exe
    • autoconv.exe
    • autofmt.exe
    • chkdsk.exe
    • cmd.exe.
    • cmmon32.exe
    • cmstp.exe
    • colorcpl.exe
    • control.exe
    • cscript.exe
    • dwm.exe
    • explorer.exe
    • help.exe
    • ipconfig.exe
    • lsass.exe
    • lsm.exe
    • msdt.exe
    • msg.exe
    • msiexec.exe
    • mstsc.exe
    • NAPSTAT.EXE
    • nbtstat.exe
    • netsh.exe
    • NETSTAT.EXE
    • raserver.exe
    • rdpclip.exe
    • rundll32.exe
    • services.exe
    • spoolsv.exe
    • svchost.exe
    • systray.exe
    • taskhost.exe
    • wininit.exe
    • wlanext.exe
    • wscript.exe
    • wuapp.exe
    • wuauclt.exe
    • WWAHost.exe
  • Targeted Applications

It terminates itself if it finds the following processes in the affected system's memory:

  • vmwareuser.exe
  • vmwareservice.exe
  • vboxservice.exe
  • vboxtray.exe
  • sandboxiedcomlaunch.exe
  • sandboxierpcss.exe
  • procmon.exe
  • filemon.exe
  • wireshark.exe
  • netmon.exe
  • prl_tools_service.exe
  • prl_tools.exe
  • prl_cc.exe
  • SharedIntApp.exe
  • vmtoolsd.exe
  • vmsrvc.exe
  • vmusrvc.exe
  • python.exe
  • perl.exe
  • regmon.exe

Other System Modifications

This Trojan Spy adds the following registry entries as part of its installation routine:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
{Random Characters} = %Program Files%\{Random}\{Random}.exe

Propagation

This Trojan Spy does not have any propagation routine.

Backdoor Routine

This Trojan Spy executes the following commands from a remote malicious user:

  • Download and execute a file
  • Update Self
  • Uninstall Self
  • Execute Arbitrary Commands
  • Clear cookies
  • Reboot System
  • Shutdown System
  • Send gathered data to C2 Server

It connects to the following websites to send and receive information:

  • http://www.{BLOCKED}ding.net/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}dhousedesigns.design/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}eatsgamingclan.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}erbsindia.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}clnicadelvnculo-gvbi.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}thalmica.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}cia.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}i.site/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}lpardis.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}portal.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}sbroider.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}rchids.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}art.net/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}ayresidency.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}eint.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}edmagic.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}pressworld.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}sresolve.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}rsotocheckup-5fcc.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}rrapate.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}en.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}icamackay.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}assetmanagement.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}ntsbd.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}furnituremadera.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}etesproduce.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}lkservice.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}isc.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}ndigarh.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}do.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}rofessionalpodcast.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}ioamadori.net/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}ing.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}edshop2020.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}tpetproducts.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}scollectionn.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}latinumva.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}ds.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}ssentialmiss.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}ht.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}om/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}ckl.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}.com/vns/
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}id.com/vns/

Rootkit Capabilities

This Trojan Spy does not have rootkit capabilities.

Information Theft

This Trojan Spy gathers the following data:

  • SID
  • Username
  • Operating system information
  • Clipboard and Keylogged data from the following Targeted Applications:
    • Browsers:
      • 360 Browser
      • Avant
      • Baidu
      • BlackHawk
      • Browzar
      • Canary
      • Chrome
      • Chromium
      • Citrio
      • Comodo Dragon
      • Comodo IceDragon
      • CoolNovo
      • Coowon
      • CyberFox
      • Deepnet
      • Dooble
      • Epic
      • Firefox
      • Internet Explorer
      • Iridium
      • KMeleon
      • Lunascape
      • Maxthon
      • Microsoft Edge
      • Midori
      • Mustang
      • Opera
      • Orbitum
      • PaleMoon
      • QTWeb
      • QupZilla
      • Rambler
      • Safari
      • SafeZone
      • ScriptFTP
      • SeaMonkey
      • Sleipnir
      • Superbird
      • Titan
      • Tor Browser
      • Torch
      • UC Browser
      • Vivaldi
      • Waterfox
      • Yandex
    • Mail Clients:
      • Barca
      • Foxmail
      • GMail
      • Incredimail
      • Microsoft Outlook
      • Mozilla Thunderbird
      • Opera Mail
    • FTP Clients:
      • 3DFTP
      • AbsoluteTelnet
      • ALFTP
      • BitKinex
      • CoreFTP
      • Far File Manager
      • FileZilla
      • FlashFXP
      • Fling FTP
      • LeechFTP
      • NCFTP
      • SmartFTP
      • Total Commander
      • WebDrive
      • WinSCP
    • Instant Messaging (IM) Applications:
      • ICQ Messenger
      • Pidgin
      • Skype
      • Trillian
      • WhatsApp
      • Yahoo Messenger
  • Screen Captures

It logs a user's keystrokes to steal information.

Other Details

This Trojan Spy terminates itself if it detects it is being run in a virtual environment.

It does the following:

  • terminates itself if a loaded module in the running process contains the following strings:
    • \cuckoo\
    • \sandcastle\
    • \aswsnx\
    • \sandbox\
    • \smpdir\
    • \samroot\
    • \avctestsuite\

It terminates itself if any of the following user name(s) are found in the affected system:

  • cuckoo
  • sandbox-
  • nmsdbox-
  • xxxx-ox-
  • cwsx-
  • wilbert-sc
  • xpamast-sc

It does not proceed to its malicious routine if it detects that it is being debugged.

It does not exploit any vulnerability.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine:

9.800

FIRST VSAPI PATTERN FILE:

16.686.05

FIRST VSAPI PATTERN DATE:

29 Apr 2021

VSAPI OPR PATTERN File:

16.687.00

VSAPI OPR PATTERN Date:

30 Apr 2021

Step 1

Before doing any scans, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 users must disable System Restore to allow full scanning of their computers.

Step 2

Note that not all files, folders, and registry keys and entries are installed on your computer during this malware's/spyware's/grayware's execution. This may be due to incomplete installation or other operating system conditions. If you do not find the same files/folders/registry information, please proceed to the next step.

Step 3

Restart in Safe Mode

[ Learn More ]

Step 4

Search and delete this file

[ Learn More ]
There may be some 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.  
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\VirtualDirectoryPlayer.exe
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\libexiv3.dll
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\configuration.xml
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\libnspr4.dll
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\libsasl2-3.dll
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\libwebp-fb2k.dll
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\license.txt
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\shared.dll
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\zlib1.dll
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\16\auth.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\16\error.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\16\info.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\16\mail.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\16\question.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\64\auth.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\64\cool.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\64\dialog.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\64\error.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\64\info.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\64\mail.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\64\question.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\64\warning.png
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\scalable\auth.svg
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\scalable\cool.svg
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\scalable\dialog.svg
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\scalable\error.svg
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\scalable\info.svg
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\scalable\question.svg
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI\dialogs\scalable\warning.svg
  • %Program Files%\{Random characters}\{Random characters}.exe

Step 5

Search and delete this folder

[ 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.
  • %AppDataLocal%\VirtualDirectoryPlayerGUI
  • %Application Data%\{Random characters}

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.

  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • {Random Characters} = %Program Files%\{Random}\{Random}.exe

Step 7

Restart in normal mode and scan your computer with your Trend Micro product for files detected as TrojanSpy.Win32.FORMBOOK.DE. 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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