Arrival Details
This backdoor may be unknowingly downloaded by a user while visiting malicious websites.
Installation
This backdoor drops the following copies of itself depending on the platform/operating system of the affected computer:
- %All Users Profile%\Application Data\{random file name}.dat
- %ProgramData%\{random file name}.dat - Windows Vista and 7 only
(Note: %All Users Profile% is the All Users folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\All Users on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\ProgramData on Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012.. %ProgramData% is the Program Data folder, where it usually is C:\Program Files in Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\ProgramData in Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012.)
It is injected into all running processes to remain memory resident.
Autostart Technique
This backdoor adds the following registry entries to enable its automatic execution at every system startup:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
{random filename} = regsvr32.exe /s "%ProgramData%\{random filename}.dat"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
{random filename} = regsvr32.exe /s "%All Users Profile%\Application Data\{random filename}.dat"
Other System Modifications
This backdoor adds the following registry keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow
{random key 1} =
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow
{random key 2} =
It adds the following registry entries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
NoProtectedModeBanner = 1
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
TabProcGrowth = 0
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\
Zones\3
2500 = 3
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow
{random key 2} = {random data}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\
Microsoft\Windows\Safer\
CodeIdentifiers
DefaultLevel = 262144
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\
Microsoft\Windows\Safer\
CodeIdentifiers
TransparentEnabled = 1
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\
Microsoft\Windows\Safer\
CodeIdentifiers
PolicyScope = 0
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\
Microsoft\Windows\Safer\
CodeIdentifiers
ExecutableTypes = ADE ADP BAS BAT CHM CMD COM CPL CRT EXE HLP HTA INF INS ISP LNK MDB MDE MSC MSI MSP MST OCX PCD PIF REG SCR SHS URL VB WSC
It deletes the following registry keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Safer\CodeIdentifiers\0\Paths\ =
Backdoor Routine
This backdoor connects to the following websites to send and receive information:
- http://{BLOCKED}5.{BLOCKED}1.56.247
- http://{BLOCKED}5.{BLOCKED}7.188.50/post.aspx?forumID={random value}
- http://{BLOCKED}5.{BLOCKED}7.188.50/{BLOCKED}mdisplay.php?fid={random value}
- http://{BLOCKED}son.com.tw
- http://{BLOCKED}g.com.tw
- http://{BLOCKED}5.{BLOCKED}7.188.50/post.aspx?messageID={random value}
Information Theft
This backdoor attempts to steal stored account information used in the following installed File Transfer Protocol (FTP) clients or file manager software:
- 3D-FTP
- AceFTP
- BitKinex
- BlazeFtp
- BulletProof FTP
- ClassicFTP
- CoffeeCup Software
- Cyberduck
- DeluxeFTP
- Directory Opus
- EasyFTP
- ExpanDrive
- FarManager
- FastStone Browser
- FFFTP
- FileZilla
- FlashFXP
- Fling FTP
- FreshFTP
- FTP Commander
- FTP Explorer
- FTP Navigator
- FTPGetter
- FTPNow
- FTPRush
- FTPShell
- FTPVoyager
- FTPWare
- FTP++
- FTPInfo
- GlobalSCAPE CuteFTP 6 Home
- GlobalSCAPE CuteFTP 7 Home
- GlobalSCAPE CuteFTP 8 Home
- GlobalSCAPE CuteFTP
- GlobalSCAPE CuteFTP 8 Professional
- GlobalSCAPE CuteFTP 6 Professional
- GlobalSCAPE CuteFTP 7 Professional
- GlobalSCAPE CuteFTP Lite
- GlobalSCAPE CuteFTP Pro
- Global Downloader
- GoFTP
- LeapFTP
- LeechFTP
- LinasFTP
- My FTP
- NetDrive
- NetSarang
- NexusFile
- NovaFTP
- PuTTY
- RhinoSoft
- Robo-FTP
- SecureFX
- SmartFTP
- SoftX FTP
- Staff-FTP
- Total Commander
- TurboFTP
- UltraFXP
- Website Publisher
- WebDrive FTP
- WinFTP
- WinSCP
- Windows Commander
- WiseFTP
- WS_FTP
- nppftp
It attempts to steal stored email credentials from the following:
- IncrediMail
- Microsoft Outlook
- PocoMail
- BatMail
- Thunderbird
- Windows Live Mail
- Windows Mail
It attempts to get stored information such as user names, passwords, and hostnames from the following browsers:
- Epic
- Flock
- K-Meleon
- Mozilla Firefox
- SeaMonkey
Other Details
This backdoor deletes the initially executed copy of itself
NOTES:
This backdoor setups a VNC (virtual network computing) server to take control of the compromised computer.
This backdoor executes the following commands from a remote malicious user:
- Log keystrokes
- Capture Screenshots
- Start process (iexplore.exe, firefox.exe, outlook.exe, explorer.exe, cmd.exe, taskmgr.exe)
- Install Updates
- List Process
- Inject to process
- Download and execute files
It can only perform its backdoor routine once it is injected in the following processes:
- chrome.exe
- explorer.exe
- firefox.exe
- iexplore.exe
It checks for the presence of the following security-related directories in
%Program Files% and
%All Users Profile%\Application Data:
- AVAST Software
- Avira GmbH
- Avira
- Kaspersky Lab
- Kaspersky Lab Setup Files
- DrWeb
- Norton AntiVirus
- ESET
- Agnitum
- Panda Security
- McAfee
- McAfee.com
- Trend Micro
- BitDefender
- ArcaBit
- Online Solutions
- AnVir Task Manager
- Alwil Software
- Symantec
- AVG
- Xore
- Common Files\Symantec Shared
- a-squared Anti-Malware
- a-squared HiJackFree
- avg8
- AVG
- Doctor Web
- Common Files\Doctor Web
- f-secure
- %System Root%:\\Documents and Settings\\NetworkService\\Local Settings\\Application Data\\F-SecureF-Secure Internet Security
- G DATA
- Common Files\G DATA
- P Tools
- Common Files\P Tools
- P Tools Internet Security
- K7 omputing
- Vns43
- Sunbelt Software
- FRISK Software
- Security Task Manager
- Zillyya Antivirus
- Spyware Terminator
- Lavasoft
- BlockPost
- DefenseWall HIPS
- DefenseWall
- Microsoft Antimalware
- Microsoft Security Essentials
- Sandboxie
- Positive Technologies
- UAenter
- Malwarebytes
- Malwarebyres' Anti-Malware
- Microsoft Security Client
It will add a registry entry under the key below that forces the application to run with restricted privileges.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Safer\\CodeIdentifiers\\Paths\\{random generated GUID}
ItemData = {blacklisted software path}
SaferFlags = 0
The malware steal passwords from Internet Explorer, Windows Protected Storage and all Autocomplete entries stored by Internet Explorer within the registry key
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\IntelliForms\Storage2
This backdoor accesses the registry to get a list of installed programs and their uninstall paths
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\DisplayName
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\UninstallString
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
Restart in Safe Mode
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To restart in Safe Mode:
• For Windows 2000 users
- Restart your computer.
- Press F8 when you see the Starting Windows bar at the bottom of the screen.
- Choose the Safe Mode option from the Windows Advanced Options menu then press Enter.
• For Windows XP users
- Restart your computer.
- Press F8 after the Power-On Self Test (POST) routine is done. If the Windows Advanced Options menu does not appear, try restarting then pressing F8 several times when the POST screen appears.
- Choose the Safe Mode option from the Windows Advanced Options menu then press Enter.
• For Windows Server 2003 users
- Restart your computer.
- Press F8 after Windows starts up. If the Windows Advanced Options menu does not appear, try restarting again and pressing F8 several times afterward.
- On the Windows Advanced Option menu, use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode then press Enter.
• For Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 users
- Restart your computer.
- Press F8 after the Power-On Self Test (POST) routine is done. If the Advanced Boot Options menu does not appear, try restarting and then pressing F8 several times after the POST screen is displayed.
- On the Advanced Boot Options menu, use the arrow keys to select the Safe Mode option, and then press Enter.
• For Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 users
- Access the Charms bar by moving your mouse pointer to the upper right corner of the screen.
- Move your mouse pointer down and click Settings>Change your PC Settings.
- In the left panel, click General.
- In the right panel, scroll down to the bottom to find the Advanced startup section, then click the Restart now button and wait for the system to restart.
- In the Advanced Startup menu, click Troubleshoot>Advanced Options>Startup Settings>Restart and wait for the system to restart.
- In the Startup Settings menu, press 4 to enable safe mode.
Step 3
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 4
Delete this registry key
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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\AppDataLow
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\AppDataLow
To delete registry keys this malware/grayware created:
- Open Registry Editor. To do this:
» For Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 users, click Start>Run, type regedit in the text box provided, and then press Enter.
» For Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 users, click the Start button, type regedit in the Search input field then press Enter.
» For Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 users, right-click on the lower left corner of the screen, click Run, type regedit in the text box provided, and then press Enter. - In the left panel of the Registry Editor window, double-click the following:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER>SOFTWARE>AppDataLow - Still in the left panel, locate and delete the key:
{random key 1} - Again Still in the left panel, locate and delete the key:
{random key 2} - Close Registry Editor.
Step 5
Delete this registry value
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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
- {random file name} = regsvr32.exe /s "%All Users Profile%\Application Data\{random filename}.dat"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- {random file name} = regsvr32.exe /s "%Program Data%\{random filename}.dat"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\3
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
- NoProtectedModeBanner = 1
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Safer\CodeIdentifiers
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Safer\CodeIdentifiers
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Safer\CodeIdentifiers
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Safer\CodeIdentifiers
- ExecutableTypes = ADE ADP BAS BAT CHM CMD COM CPL CRT EXE HLP HTA INF INS ISP LNK MDB MDE MSC MSI MSP MST OCX PCD PIF REG SCR SHS URL VB WSC
To delete the registry value this malware created:
- Open Registry Editor. To do this:
» For Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 users, click Start>Run, type regedit in the text box provided, and then press Enter.
» For Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 users, click the Start button, type regedit in the Search input field then press Enter.
» For Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 users, right-click on the lower left corner of the screen, click Run, type regedit in the text box provided, and then press Enter. - In the left panel of the Registry Editor window, double-click the following:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER>Software>Microsoft>Windows>CurrentVersion>Run - In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
{random file name} = regsvr32.exe /s "%All Users Profile%\Application Data\{random filename}.dat" - Again In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
{random file name} = regsvr32.exe /s "%Program Data%\{random filename}.dat" - In the left panel of the Registry Editor window, double-click the following:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER>Software>Microsoft>Windows>CurrentVersion>Internet Settings>Zones>3 - In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
2500 = 3 - In the left panel of the Registry Editor window, double-click the following:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER>Software>Microsoft>Internet Explorer>Main - In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
NoProtectedModeBanner = 1 - Again In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
TabProcGrowth = 0 - In the left panel of the Registry Editor window, double-click the following:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>SOFTWARE>Policies>Microsoft>Windows>Safer>CodeIdentifiers - In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
DefaultLevel = 262144 - Again In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
TransparentEnabled = 1 - Again In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
PolicyScope = 0 - Again In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
ExecutableTypes = ADE ADP BAS BAT CHM CMD COM CPL CRT EXE HLP HTA INF INS ISP LNK MDB MDE MSC MSI MSP MST OCX PCD PIF REG SCR SHS URL VB WSC - Close Registry Editor.
Step 6
Search and delete this file
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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.
- %All Users Profile%\Application Data\{random file name}.dat
- %ProgramData%\{random file name}.dat - Windows Vista and 7 only
To manually delete a malware/grayware file from an affected system:
• For Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003:
- Right-click Start then click Search....
- In the File name* input box, type the following:
- %All Users Profile%\Application Data\{random file name}.dat
- %ProgramData%\{random file name}.dat - Windows Vista and 7 only
- In the Look In drop-down list, select My Computer then press Enter.
- Once located, select the file then press SHIFT+DELETE to delete it.
*Note: The file name input box title varies depending on the Windows version (e.g. Search for files or folders named or All or part of the file name.).
• For Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012:
- Open a Windows Explorer window.
- For Windows Vista, 7, and Server 2008 users, click Start>Computer.
- For Windows 8, 8.1, and Server 2012 users, right-click on the lower left corner of the screen, then click File Explorer.
- In the Search Computer/This PC input box, type:
- %All Users Profile%\Application Data\{random file name}.dat
- %ProgramData%\{random file name}.dat - Windows Vista and 7 only
- Once located, select the file then press SHIFT+DELETE to delete it.
*Note: Read the following Microsoft page if these steps do not work on Windows 7.
Step 7
Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as BKDR_VAWTRAK.A. 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.
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Safer\CodeIdentifiers\0\Paths
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