PLATFORM:

Windows

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

  • Threat Type: Trojan

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

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 disables Task Manager, Registry Editor, and Folder Options.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: 194,048 bytes
File Type: EXE
Memory Resident: Yes
Initial Samples Received Date: 01 Nov 2015

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 creates the following folders:

  • %Program Files%\aesbd

(Note: %Program Files% is the Program Files folder, where it usually is C:\Program Files on all Windows operating system versions; C:\Program Files (x86) for 32-bit applications running on Windows 64-bit operating systems.)

Autostart Technique

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
qefifexwkvnenkc = "%Program Files%\aesbd\npmyfgqm.exe"

Other System Modifications

This Trojan adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\AXpcRM

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Installer\Products\4468D028D9A4DBDB

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
Ax0 = "2D24463A5C59515C4B570A3053564F5D464B4F5D4C4E46554B4F4C52185A5851"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
Ax1 = "2D24463A5C59515C4B570A3053564F5D464B4F5D4C4E46506160596150185A5851"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
Ax2 = "2D24463A5C59515C4B570A3053564F5D464B4F5D4C4E465254574D545C50185A5851"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
Ax3 = "2D24463A5C59515C4B570A3053564F5D464B4F5D4C4E466256574F534C6053185A5851"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
Ax4 = "4C5F4D4F5E4B454B5C5B47181D5F5E5356535E534F5D184D5957"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
Ax6 = "{random characters}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
Ax7 = "3D3337"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
ConsentPromptBehaviorUser = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
DisableCAD = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
dontdisplaylastusername = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
EnableInstallerDetection = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
EnableLUA = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
EnableSecureUIAPaths = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
EnableUIADesktopToggle = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
EnableVirtualization = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
FilterAdministratorToken = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
PromptOnSecureDesktop = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
ValidateAdminCodeSignatures = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
system
ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
system
ConsentPromptBehaviorUser = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
system
DisableCAD = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
system
EnableInstallerDetection = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
system
EnableLUA = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
system
EnableSecureUIAPaths = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
system
EnableUIADesktopToggle = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
system
EnableVirtualization = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
system
FilterAdministratorToken = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
system
PromptOnSecureDesktop = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
system
ValidateAdminCodeSignatures = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
AxL = "201F221F22"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
AxL = "1B1D1B1D2022"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
AxR = "201F231A1A"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
AxD = "1D1C221A1B1E"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
AxW = "{random characters}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
AxD = "201F231B22"

It modifies the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
system
dontdisplaylastusername = "0"

It creates the following registry entry(ies) to disable Task Manager, Registry Tools and Folder Options:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
DisableTaskMgr = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
system
DisableTaskMgr = "1"

Dropping Routine

This Trojan drops the following files:

  • %User Temp%\C24F
  • %Program Files%\aesbd\kaebh.png
  • %Program Files%\aesbd\fwvowf.png
  • %Program Files%\aesbd\hjmcjrf.png
  • %Program Files%\aesbd\xlmeibvi.png
  • %Program Files%\aesbd\npmyfgqm.exe

(Note: %User Temp% is the user's temporary folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temp on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp 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.. %Program Files% is the Program Files folder, where it usually is C:\Program Files on all Windows operating system versions; C:\Program Files (x86) for 32-bit applications running on Windows 64-bit operating systems.)

Other Details

This Trojan connects to the following possibly malicious URL:

  • http://{BLOCKED}6.247.64/modulos/pini.png
  • http://{BLOCKED}6.247.64/modulos//prg.png
  • http://{BLOCKED}6.247.64/modulos//lxo.png
  • http://{BLOCKED}6.247.64/start//img01.png
  • http://{BLOCKED}6.247.64/modulos//rmt.png
  • {BLOCKED}0.1

This report is generated via an automated analysis system.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 9.750

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

[ Learn More ]

Step 3

Enable Registry Editor, Task Manager, and Folder options

[ Learn More ]
By doing this step, you also enable other applications/programs disabled by this malware/grayware/spyware.

Step 4

Delete this registry key

[ 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_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
    • AXpcRM
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
    • System
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Installer\Products
    • 4468D028D9A4DBDB

Step 5

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_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • qefifexwkvnenkc = "%Program Files%\aesbd\npmyfgqm.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
    • Ax0 = "2D24463A5C59515C4B570A3053564F5D464B4F5D4C4E46554B4F4C52185A5851"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
    • Ax1 = "2D24463A5C59515C4B570A3053564F5D464B4F5D4C4E46506160596150185A5851"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
    • Ax2 = "2D24463A5C59515C4B570A3053564F5D464B4F5D4C4E465254574D545C50185A5851"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
    • Ax3 = "2D24463A5C59515C4B570A3053564F5D464B4F5D4C4E466256574F534C6053185A5851"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
    • Ax4 = "4C5F4D4F5E4B454B5C5B47181D5F5E5356535E534F5D184D5957"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
    • Ax6 = "{random characters}"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
    • Ax7 = "3D3337"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • ConsentPromptBehaviorUser = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • DisableCAD = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • dontdisplaylastusername = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • EnableInstallerDetection = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • EnableLUA = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • EnableSecureUIAPaths = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • EnableUIADesktopToggle = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • EnableVirtualization = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • FilterAdministratorToken = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • PromptOnSecureDesktop = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • ValidateAdminCodeSignatures = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
    • ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
    • ConsentPromptBehaviorUser = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
    • DisableCAD = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
    • EnableInstallerDetection = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
    • EnableLUA = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
    • EnableSecureUIAPaths = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
    • EnableUIADesktopToggle = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
    • EnableVirtualization = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
    • FilterAdministratorToken = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
    • PromptOnSecureDesktop = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
    • ValidateAdminCodeSignatures = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
    • AxL = "201F221F22"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
    • AxL = "1B1D1B1D2022"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
    • AxR = "201F231A1A"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
    • AxD = "1D1C221A1B1E"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
    • AxW = "{random characters}"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AXpcRM
    • AxD = "201F231B22"

Step 6

Restore these modified registry values

[ Learn More ]

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 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
    • dontdisplaylastusername = "0"

Step 7

Search and delete these components

[ Learn More ]
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.
  • %User Temp%\C24F
  • %Program Files%\aesbd\kaebh.png
  • %Program Files%\aesbd\fwvowf.png
  • %Program Files%\aesbd\hjmcjrf.png
  • %Program Files%\aesbd\xlmeibvi.png
  • %Program Files%\aesbd\npmyfgqm.exe

Step 8

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.
  • %Program Files%\aesbd

Step 9

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