This Trojan arrives on a system as a file dropped by other malware or as a file downloaded unknowingly by users when visiting malicious sites.
It connects to certain websites to send and receive information. It deletes itself after execution.
Arrival Details
This Trojan 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 drops the following files:
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\svchost.exe <- detected as TROJ_EQUATED.LZCMT
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\spoolsv.exe <- detected as BKDR_EQUATED.LZCMU
- %System%\dllhostex.exe <- detected as Coinminer.Win32.MALXMR.SMBM4
(Note: %Windows% is the Windows folder, where it usually is C:\Windows on all Windows operating system versions.. %System% is the Windows system folder, where it usually is C:\Windows\System32 on all Windows operating system versions.)
It creates the following folders:
It adds the following mutexes to ensure that only one of its copies runs at any one time:
- {ED29R9-8ED1-C760-7D789N}
Autostart Technique
This Trojan adds the following registry entries to enable its automatic execution at every system startup:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\
services\{String 1}{String 2}{String 3}\Parameters
ServiceDll = %System%\{String 1}{String 2}{String 3}.dll
Other System Modifications
This Trojan adds the following registry entries as part of its installation routine:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkPlatform\
Location Awareness
LastBackup = {Hex Values}
Information Theft
This Trojan gathers the following data:
Other Details
This Trojan connects to the following website to send and receive information:
- http://185.{BLOCKED}24.101/install.php?os={OS Version}&host={Host Name}&{Installation Status=Install_Done or Error}/
It does the following:
- Drops the following component files that is used for the malware's EternalBlue/DoublePulsar Exploitation:
- %System%\{string1}{string2}{string3}.dll
- %System%\rdp{3 random characters}.{random file extension}
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\Diagnostics.txt
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\Eternalblue-2.2.0.fb
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\Eternalchampion-2.0.0.fb
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\_pytrch.pyd
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\adfw-2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\adfw.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\cnli-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\cnli-1.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\coli-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\crli-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\dmgd-1.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\dmgd-4.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\esco-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\etch-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\etchCore-0.x64.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\etchCore-0.x86.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\eteb-2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\etebCore-2.x64.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\etebCore-2.x86.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\exma-1.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\exma.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\iconv.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\libcurl.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\libeay32.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\libiconv-2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\libxml2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\out.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\pcla-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\pcre-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\pcrecpp-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\pcreposix-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\posh-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\posh.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\pytrch.py
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\pytrch.pyc
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\riar-2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\riar.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\spoolsv.xml
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\ssleay32.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\svchost.xml
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\tibe-1.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\tibe-2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\tibe.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\trch-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\trch-1.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\trch.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\trfo-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\trfo-2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\trfo.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\tucl-1.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\tucl.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\ucl.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\x64.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\x86.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\xdvl-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\zibe.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\zlib1.dll
- It uses the following string lists that is used for the naming of the main service module DLL file:
- Windows
- Microsoft
- Network
- Remote
- Function
- Secure
- Application
- Update
- Time
- NetBIOS
- RPC
- Protocol
- SSDP
- UPnP
- Service
- Host
- Client
- Event
- Manager
- Helper
- System
(Note: %Windows% is the Windows folder, where it usually is C:\Windows on all Windows operating system versions.)
It deletes itself after execution.
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
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To restart in Safe Mode:
• For Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 (R2) 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.
• For Windows 10 users
- Press Windows logo key + I on your keyboard to open Settings. If that doesn't work, select the Start button, then select Settings.
- Select Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
- After your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advcanced options > Startup settings > Restart.
- After your PC restarts, you'll see a list og options. Select 4 or press F4 to start your PC in Safe Mode.
Step 4
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_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\{String 1}{String 2}{String 3}\Parameters
- ServiceDll = %System%\{String 1}{String 2}{String 3}.dll
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkPlatform\Location Awareness
- LastBackup = {Hex Values}
To delete the registry value this malware/grayware created:
- Open Registry Editor.
» For 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, Windows 10, 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_LOCAL_MACHINE>SYSTEM>ControlSet001>services>{String 1}{String 2}{String 3}>Parameters - In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
ServiceDll = %System%\{String 1}{String 2}{String 3}.dll - In the left panel, double-click the following:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>SOFTWARE>Microsoft>Windows NT>CurrentVersion>NetworkPlatform>Location Awareness - In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
LastBackup = {Hex Values} - Close Registry Editor.
Step 5
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.
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\svchost.exe <- detected as TROJ_EQUATED.LZCMT
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\spoolsv.exe <- detected as BKDR_EQUATED.LZCMU
- %System%\dllhostex.exe <- detected as Coinminer.Win32.MALXMR.SMBM4
- %System%\{string 1}{string 2}{string 3}.dll
- %System%\rdp{3 random characters}.{random file extension}
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\Diagnostics.txt
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\Eternalblue-2.2.0.fb
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\Eternalchampion-2.0.0.fb
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\_pytrch.pyd
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\adfw-2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\adfw.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\cnli-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\cnli-1.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\coli-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\crli-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\dmgd-1.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\dmgd-4.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\esco-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\etch-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\etchCore-0.x64.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\etchCore-0.x86.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\eteb-2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\etebCore-2.x64.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\etebCore-2.x86.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\exma-1.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\exma.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\iconv.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\libcurl.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\libeay32.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\libiconv-2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\libxml2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\out.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\pcla-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\pcre-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\pcrecpp-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\pcreposix-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\posh-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\posh.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\pytrch.py
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\pytrch.pyc
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\riar-2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\riar.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\spoolsv.xml
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\ssleay32.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\svchost.xml
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\tibe-1.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\tibe-2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\tibe.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\trch-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\trch-1.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\trch.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\trfo-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\trfo-2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\trfo.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\tucl-1.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\tucl.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\ucl.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\x64.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\x86.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\xdvl-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\zibe.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\zlib1.dll
To manually delete a malware/grayware file from an affected system:
•For Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 (R2), Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2012 (R2):
- Open a Windows Explorer window.
- For Windows 7 and Server 2008 (R2) users, click Start>Computer.
- For Windows 8, 8.1, 10, 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:
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\svchost.exe <- detected as TROJ_EQUATED.LZCMT
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\spoolsv.exe <- detected as BKDR_EQUATED.LZCMU
- %System%\dllhostex.exe <- detected as Coinminer.Win32.MALXMR.SMBM4
- %System%\{string 1}{string 2}{string 3}.dll
- %System%\rdp{3 random characters}.{random file extension}
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\Diagnostics.txt
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\Eternalblue-2.2.0.fb
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\Eternalchampion-2.0.0.fb
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\_pytrch.pyd
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\adfw-2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\adfw.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\cnli-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\cnli-1.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\coli-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\crli-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\dmgd-1.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\dmgd-4.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\esco-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\etch-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\etchCore-0.x64.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\etchCore-0.x86.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\eteb-2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\etebCore-2.x64.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\etebCore-2.x86.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\exma-1.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\exma.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\iconv.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\libcurl.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\libeay32.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\libiconv-2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\libxml2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\out.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\pcla-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\pcre-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\pcrecpp-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\pcreposix-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\posh-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\posh.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\pytrch.py
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\pytrch.pyc
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\riar-2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\riar.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\spoolsv.xml
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\ssleay32.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\svchost.xml
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\tibe-1.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\tibe-2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\tibe.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\trch-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\trch-1.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\trch.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\trfo-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\trfo-2.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\trfo.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\tucl-1.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\tucl.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\ucl.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\x64.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\x86.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\xdvl-0.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\zibe.dll
- %Windows%\NetworkDistribution\zlib1.dll
- 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 and Windows Server 2008 (R2).
Step 6
Search and delete these folders
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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.
To delete malware/grayware/spyware folders:
For Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 (R2), Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2012 (R2):
- Open a Windows Explorer window.
- For Windows 7 and Server 2008 (R2) users, click Start>Computer.
- For Windows 8, 8.1, 10, 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:
- Once located, select the file then press SHIFT+DELETE to permanently delete the folder.
- Repeat steps 2-3 for the remaining folders: *Note: Read the following Microsoft page if these steps do not work on Windows 7 and Server 2008 (R2).
Step 7
Restart in normal mode and scan your computer with your Trend Micro product for files detected as Trojan.Win32.VOOLS.AG. 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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