Arrival Details
This backdoor may be dropped by other malware.
It may be unknowingly downloaded by a user while visiting malicious websites.
Installation
This backdoor drops the following non-malicious file:
- %Application Data%\A1B2.580
(Note: %Application Data% is the current user's Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming on Windows Vista and 7.)
Autostart Technique
This backdoor adds the following registry entries to enable its automatic execution at every system startup:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Shell = explorer.exe,%Application Data%\dwm.exe
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
conhost = %Application Data%\Microsoft\conhost.exe
It modifies the following registry entry(ies) to enable its automatic execution at every system startup:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
load = %User Temp%\csrss.exe
Other System Modifications
This backdoor adds the following registry entries as part of its installation routine:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
ProxyServer = http=127.0.0.1:{random port}
It modifies the following registry entries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
ProxyEnable = 1
(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 0.)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Hardware Profiles\0001\Software\
Microsoft\windows\CurrentVersion\
Internet Settings
ProxyEnable = 1
(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 0.)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Hardware Profiles\Current\Software\
Microsoft\windows\CurrentVersion\
Internet Settings
ProxyEnable = 1
(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 0.)
HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG\Software\Microsoft\
windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
ProxyEnable = 1
(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 0.)
Dropping Routine
This backdoor drops the following file(s), into which it saves gathered information:
- %Application Data%\Microsoft\stor.cfg
(Note: %Application Data% is the current user's Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming on Windows Vista and 7.)
Stolen Information
This backdoor sends the gathered information via HTTP POST to the following URL:
- http://{BLOCKED}fic.cn/pics/23.jpg
Other Details
This backdoor does the following:
- Acts as a proxy server to intercept requests of the following internet browsers and point them to the proxy server on a random port that it sets in the registry:
- Internet Explorer
- Mozilla Firefox
- Opera
- Monitors user's Internet browsing activity and check for the following strings of popular websites such as search engines and social networking sites to steal information:
- &query=
- .2mdn.
- .abmr.
- .adtechus.
- .aol.
- .atdmt.
- .atwola.
- .autodatadirect.
- .bing.net
- .dartsearch.
- .doubleclick.
- .ggpht.
- .google
- .ivwbox.
- .mapquestapi.
- .microsoft.
- .opera.
- .tacoda.
- .thawte.
- .tlowdb.
- .truveo.
- .virtualearth.
- .wsod.
- .yimg.com
- .ypcdn.
- /complete/search
- /gen_204
- /images
- /imglanding
- ?query=
- amazon
- aol/search
- aolcdn.
- aolsvc.
- bing.com
- bing.com/search
- blogger
- brightcove.com
- err069
- facebook
- flickr
- google
- google.
- http%3A%2F%2F
- mapq.st
- scorecardresearch.com
- search.aol.
- search.yahoo.com/search
- searcht2.aol.
- start=0
- suche.aol.
- twitter
- wikipedia
- yahoo.
- yahoo.com
- youtube
- Connects to the following URLs to download an updated copy of itself and possibly other malicious files:
- http://{BLOCKED}.com
- http://{BLOCKED}.com
- http://{BLOCKED}mpage.com
- http://{BLOCKED}ompage.com
- http://{BLOCKED}mywebconnection.com
- http://{BLOCKED}archive.com
- http://{BLOCKED}driversonline.com
- http://{BLOCKED}wcounter.com
- http://{BLOCKED}emonitoring.com
- http://{BLOCKED}sstore.com
It does this by sending the following GET requests to the above mentioned servers:- images/im133.jpg?tq={parameter}
- images/im134.jpg?tq={parameter}
- images/im135.jpg?tq={parameter}
It also sends requests to the following websites where non-malicious images can be downloaded. Since the extension names of the file downloaded which are mostly .jpg are similar to the GET request to the above malicious servers, this routine may prevent easy analysis of the requests done by this backdoor:- http://freeonlinedatingtips.net/images/dating1.jpg
- http://sharewareconnection.com/images/ubar_0.jpg
- http://sharewareconnection.com/images/ubar_1.jpg
- http://sharewareconnection.com/im/s.cgi
- http://www.internetsecure.com/images/ismerch.gif
- http://136136.com/lb5000/non-cgi/images/leoca.gif
- http://136136.com/LB5000/CGI-BIN/topic.cgi
- http://136136.com/LB5000/CGI-BIN/s.cgi
- http://pcdocpro.com/images/logo-1.jpg
- http://pcdocpro.com/images/logo-2.jpg
- http://historykillerpro.com/img/eslogo.gif
- http://blenderartists.org/external/Banners/facebook.jpg
- http://blenderartists.org/external/Banners/facebook2.jpg
- Saves the files it downloads which may be an updated copy of itself or other malicious files, using the following names:
- %User Temp%\csrss.exe
- %Application Data%\dwm.exe
- %Application Data%\Microsoft\conhost.exe
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
Identify and terminate files detected as BKDR_CYCBOT.TX
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- Windows Task Manager may not display all running processes. In this case, please use a third-party process viewer, preferably Process Explorer, to terminate the malware/grayware/spyware file. You may download the said tool here.
- If the detected file is displayed in either Windows Task Manager or Process Explorer but you cannot delete it, restart your computer in safe mode. To do this, refer to this link for the complete steps.
- If the detected file is not displayed in either Windows Task Manager or Process Explorer, continue doing the next steps.
To terminate the malware/grayware/spyware process:
- Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product and take note of the name of the malware/grayware/spyware detected.
- Open Windows Task Manager. To do this, press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC.
- View the list of all running programs. To do this:
• For Windows 2000, XP, Server 2003, Vista, 7 and Server 2008 (R2) users, click the Processes tab.
• For Windows 8, 8.1 and Server 2012 (R2) users, click the Details tab. - In the list of running programs, locate a malware/grayware/spyware file detected earlier.
- Select the detected files, then press either the End Task or the End Process button, depending on the version of Windows you are using.
- Do the same for the remaining detected malware/grayware/spyware files in the list of running programs.
- To check if the malware/grayware/spyware process has been terminated, close Task Manager, and then open it again.
- Close Task Manager.
Step 3
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\Internet Settings
- ProxyServer = http=127.0.0.1:55636
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
- Shell = explorer.exe,C:\Documents and Settings\winxp.BATCH57.000\Application Data\dwm.exe
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- conhost = C:\Documents and Settings\winxp.BATCH57.000\Application Data\Microsoft\conhost.exe
To delete the registry value this malware/grayware created:
- Open Registry Editor.
» 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 (R2) 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 (R2) 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, double-click the following:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER>Software>Microsoft>Windows>CurrentVersion>Internet Settings - In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
ProxyServer = http - In the left panel, double-click the following:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER>Software>Microsoft>Windows NT>CurrentVersion>Winlogon - In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
Shell = explorer.exe,C:>Documents and Settings>winxp.BATCH57.000>Application Data>dwm.exe - In the left panel, double-click the following:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>SOFTWARE>Microsoft>Windows>CurrentVersion>Run - In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
conhost = C:>Documents and Settings>winxp.BATCH57.000>Application Data>Microsoft>conhost.exe - Close Registry Editor.
Step 4
Restore these modified registry values
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Important:Editing the Windows Registry incorrectly can lead to irreversible system malfunction. Please do this only if you know how to or you can seek your system administrator's help. You may also check out this Microsoft article first before modifying your computer's registry.
- In
To: ws\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings- From: ProxyEnable = 1
To: ProxyEnable = 0
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
- From: load = C:\DOCUME~1\WINXPB~1.000\LOCALS~1\Temp\csrss.exe
To: load = {null}
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Hardware Profiles\0001\Software\Microsoft\windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
- From: ProxyEnable = 1
To: ProxyEnable = 0
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Hardware Profiles\Current\Software\Microsoft\windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
- From: ProxyEnable = 1
To: ProxyEnable = 0
- In HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG\Software\Microsoft\windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
- From: ProxyEnable = 1
To: ProxyEnable = 0
To restore registry values this malware/grayware modified:
- Open Registry Editor. To do this:
- On Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003:
Click Start>Run, type REGEDIT in the text box provided, and then press Enter. - On Windows Vista, 7, and Server 2008 (R2):
Click the Start button, type REGEDIT in the Search input field then press Enter. - On Windows 8, 8.1, and Server 2012 (R2):
Right-click on the lower left corner of the screen and click Run, type REGEDIT in the Run input field, and then press Enter.
- In the left panel, double-click the following:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER>Software>Microsoft>Windows>CurrentVersion>Internet Settings - In the right panel, locate the registry value:
ProxyEnable = 1 - Right-click on the value name and choose Modify. Change the value data of this entry to:
ProxyEnable = 0 - In the left panel, double-click the following:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER>Software>Microsoft>Windows NT>CurrentVersion>Windows - In the right panel, locate the registry value:
load = C:>DOCUME~1>WINXPB~1.000>LOCALS~1>Temp>csrss.exe - Right-click on the value name and choose Modify. Change the value data of this entry to:
load = {null} - In the left panel, double-click the following:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>SYSTEM>CurrentControlSet>Hardware Profiles>0001>Software>Microsoft>windows>CurrentVersion>Internet Settings - In the right panel, locate the registry value:
ProxyEnable = 1 - Right-click on the value name and choose Modify. Change the value data of this entry to:
ProxyEnable = 0 - In the left panel, double-click the following:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>SYSTEM>CurrentControlSet>Hardware Profiles>Current>Software>Microsoft>windows>CurrentVersion>Internet Settings - In the right panel, locate the registry value:
ProxyEnable = 1 - Right-click on the value name and choose Modify. Change the value data of this entry to:
ProxyEnable = 0 - In the left panel, double-click the following:
HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG>Software>Microsoft>windows>CurrentVersion>Internet Settings - In the right panel, locate the registry value:
ProxyEnable = 1 - Right-click on the value name and choose Modify. Change the value data of this entry to:
ProxyEnable = 0 - Close Registry Editor.
Step 5
Search and delete these components
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There may be some components 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. %Application Data%\A1B2.580
%Application Data%\Microsoft\stor.cfg
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:
%Application Data%\A1B2.580
%Application Data%\Microsoft\stor.cfg
- 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 2003 (R2), Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 (R2):
- Open a Windows Explorer window.
- For Windows Vista, 7, and Server 2008 (R2) users, click Start>Computer.
- For Windows 8, 8.1, and Server 2012 (R2) users, right-click on the lower left corner of the screen,then click File Explorer.
- In the Search Computer/This PC input box, type:
%Application Data%\A1B2.580
%Application Data%\Microsoft\stor.cfg
- 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 6
Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as BKDR_CYCBOT.TX. 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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