TSPY_SPYEYE.CE

 Analysis by: Karl Dominguez

 PLATFORM:

Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003

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

  • Threat Type: Spyware

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted: Yes

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW


This spyware has increased potential for damage, propagation, or both, that it possesses. Specifically, attempts to steal user information, such as user names, passwords, and banking credentials.

To get a one-glance comprehensive view of the behavior of this Spyware, refer to the Threat Diagram shown below.

This malware injects a remote thread to running processes. It sends stolen information to a remote malicious user, and hides itself and its information theft routines by hooking APIs. It is also capable of modifying browser settings.

This spyware may be downloaded by other malware/grayware/spyware from remote sites. It may be unknowingly downloaded by a user while visiting malicious websites.

It connects to a website to send and receive information.

It also has rootkit capabilities, which enables it to hide its processes and files from the user.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size:

131,072 bytes

File Type:

PE

File Compression:

UPX

Memory Resident:

Yes

Initial Samples Received Date:

08 Feb 2011

Payload:

Hides files and processes, Compromises system security

Arrival Details

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

It may be unknowingly downloaded by a user while visiting malicious websites.

Installation

This spyware drops the following component file(s):

  • %System Root%\usbdriverx.exe\config.bin

(Note: %System Root% is the root folder, which is usually C:\. It is also where the operating system is located.)

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

  • %System Root%\usbdriverx.exe\usbdriverx.exe

(Note: %System Root% is the root folder, which is usually C:\. It is also where the operating system is located.)

It creates the following folders:

  • %System Root%\usbdriverx.exe

(Note: %System Root% is the root folder, which is usually C:\. It is also where the operating system is located.)

Autostart Technique

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

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
usbdriverx.exe = %System Root%\usbdriverx.exe\usbdriverx.exe

Backdoor Routine

This spyware connects to the following websites to send and receive information:

  • http://{BLOCKED}rcounter.net.in/images/gate.php

Rootkit Capabilities

This spyware also has rootkit capabilities, which enables it to hide its processes and files from the user.

Other Details

This spyware connects to the following URL(s) to check for an Internet connection:

  • http://www.microsoft.com

NOTES:

It executes the following:

Injects a remote thread to all running processes except the following:

  • System
  • smss.exe
  • csrss.exe
  • services.exe
  • Recycle.Bin.exe

Sends the following information to the remote malicious user:

  • OS Information
  • Status (online/offline)
  • Internet Explorer (IE) version
  • Account type
  • Volume information
  • Language ID
  • Tick time
  • Timezone
  • Local time
  • Bot version
  • Bot GUID
  • Bot hash
  • Plug-in
  • Function data
  • Process name
  • Hooked function

Hooks the following APIs to hide itself and steal information from users:

  • CryptEncrypt
  • PFXImportCertStore
  • FlushInstructionCache
  • NetpwPathCanonicalize
  • NtEnumerateValueKey
  • NtQueryDirectoryFile
  • NtResumeThread
  • NtVdmControl
  • TranslateMessage
  • HttpAddRequestHeadersA
  • HttpOpenRequestA
  • HttpQueryInfoA
  • HttpSendRequestA
  • HttpSendRequestW
  • InternetCloseHandle
  • InternetQueryDataAvailable
  • InternetQueryOptionA
  • InternetReadFile
  • InternetReadFileExA
  • InternetWriteFile
  • send

Performs the following routines:

  • Update configuration file
  • Update itself
  • Modify Internet Setting Zones
  • Modify Mozilla Firefox preference file
  • Log keystrokes
  • Fill form data

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine:

8.900

FIRST VSAPI PATTERN FILE:

7.882.04

FIRST VSAPI PATTERN DATE:

08 Feb 2011

VSAPI OPR PATTERN File:

7.823.00

VSAPI OPR PATTERN Date:

08 Feb 2011

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 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\Run
    • usbdriverx.exe = %System Root%\usbdriverx.exe\usbdriverx.exe

Step 4

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.
  • %System Root%\usbdriverx.exe

Step 5

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