ALIASES:

TrojanDownloader:Win32/Small.VT (Microsoft); StartPage-DL (McAfee); Trojan.Startpage (Symantec); PAK:ASPack (Kaspersky); BehavesLike.Win32.Malware.bph (mx-v) (Sunbelt); Trojan.Downloader.Small.VT (FSecure)

 PLATFORM:

Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003

 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.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: 13,742 bytes
File Type: EXE
Memory Resident: Yes
Initial Samples Received Date: 24 Apr 2012

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 copies of itself into the affected system:

  • %System%\winmm64.exe

(Note: %System% is the Windows system folder, which is usually C:\Windows\System on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\System32 on Windows NT and 2000, or C:\Windows\System32 on Windows XP and Server 2003.)

It creates the following folders:

  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies
  • %Favorites%\E-Business News
  • %Favorites%\Health News
  • %Favorites%\Shopping News
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News
  • %Favorites%\Online Gambling News
  • %Favorites%\Antiviruses, Software, Computers

(Note: %Favorites% is the current user's Favorites folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Favorites on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\Profiles\{user name}\Favorites on Windows NT, and C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Favorites on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003.)

Autostart Technique

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

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
SpywareGuardPlus = "{malware path and file name}"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
SpywareGuardPlus = "%System%\winmm64.exe"

Other System Modifications

This Trojan deletes the following files:

  • memtest32.sys

It adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Search

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\SearchUrl

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
Search Bar = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\SearchUrl
SearchUrl = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer
SearchUrl = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Search
SearchAssistant = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
Search Bar = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\SearchUrl
SearchUrl = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer
SearchUrl = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"

It modifies the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
Start Page = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?b=n-cfh-andy"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redir.dll?prd=ie&pver=6&ar=msnhome.)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
Search Page = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redir.dll?prd=ie&ar=iesearch.)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
Search Page = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redir.dll?prd=ie&ar=iesearch.)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Search
SearchAssistant = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is http://ie.search.msn.com/{SUB_RFC1766}/srchasst/srchasst.htm.)

Dropping Routine

This Trojan drops the following files:

  • %System%\favico.dat
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Zoo.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Incest.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Rape.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Anal Rape.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Sex.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Free Porn.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Escorts.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Penis Enlargement.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Single Girls.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Sex Video.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Hardcore.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Amateur Sex.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Porn.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Teen Sex.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Gay.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Free Sex.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Pussy.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Animal Sex.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Asian Sex.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Mature Sex.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Group Sex.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Anal.url
  • %Favorites%\E-Business News\Online Trading.url
  • %Favorites%\E-Business News\Internet.url
  • %Favorites%\E-Business News\Web Site Design.url
  • %Favorites%\E-Business News\Web Hosting.url
  • %Favorites%\E-Business News\Affiliate Program.url
  • %Favorites%\E-Business News\Domain Names.url
  • %Favorites%\Health News\Health Insurance.url
  • %Favorites%\Health News\Fitness.url
  • %Favorites%\Health News\Women Health.url
  • %Favorites%\Health News\Nutrition.url
  • %Favorites%\Health News\Diet.url
  • %Favorites%\Health News\Men Health.url
  • %Favorites%\Shopping News\Skin Care.url
  • %Favorites%\Shopping News\Computers.url
  • %Favorites%\Shopping News\Cosmetics.url
  • %Favorites%\Shopping News\Gifts.url
  • %Favorites%\Shopping News\Electronics.url
  • %Favorites%\Shopping News\Auto.url
  • %Favorites%\Shopping News\Books.url
  • %Favorites%\Shopping News\Clothing.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Online Pharmacy.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Viagra.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Tramadol.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Phentermine.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Valium.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Xanax.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Adipex.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Penis Pills.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Carisoprodol.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Drug.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Gambling News\Poker.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Gambling News\Online Casino.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Gambling News\Online Gambling.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Gambling News\Casino.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Gambling News\Online Poker.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Gambling News\Black Jack.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Gambling News\Casino Games.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Gambling News\Home Business and Finances.url
  • %Favorites%\Antiviruses, Software, Computers\Antivirus.url
  • %Favorites%\Antiviruses, Software, Computers\Spyware.url
  • %Favorites%\Antiviruses, Software, Computers\Spyware Remover.url
  • %Favorites%\Antiviruses, Software, Computers\Software.url
  • %Favorites%\Antiviruses, Software, Computers\Hosting.url
  • %Favorites%\100% FREE RANDOM ADULT SITE!.url
  • %Favorites%\FREE ANIMAL SEX, INCEST, TEEN SEX, MATURE SEX AND MORE!.url
  • %Favorites%\Animal sex.url
  • %Favorites%\Anal Rape (raped teens).url
  • %Favorites%\incest sex (Dad and daughter, Mom and son).url
  • %Favorites%\Spyware remover.url

(Note: %System% is the Windows system folder, which is usually C:\Windows\System on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\System32 on Windows NT and 2000, or C:\Windows\System32 on Windows XP and Server 2003.. %Favorites% is the current user's Favorites folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Favorites on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\Profiles\{user name}\Favorites on Windows NT, and C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Favorites on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003.)

This report is generated via an automated analysis system.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 9.200

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 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_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer
    • Search
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer
    • SearchUrl

Step 4

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
    • SpywareGuardPlus = "{malware path and file name}"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • SpywareGuardPlus = "%System%\winmm64.exe"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
    • Search Bar = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchUrl
    • SearchUrl = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer
    • SearchUrl = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search
    • SearchAssistant = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
    • Search Bar = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchUrl
    • SearchUrl = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer
    • SearchUrl = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"

Step 5

Restore this modified 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\Internet Explorer\Main
    • From: Start Page = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?b=n-cfh-andy"
      To: Start Page = ""http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redir.dll?prd=ie&pver=6&ar=msnhome""
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
    • From: Search Page = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"
      To: Search Page = ""http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redir.dll?prd=ie&ar=iesearch""
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
    • From: Search Page = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"
      To: Search Page = ""http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redir.dll?prd=ie&ar=iesearch""
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search
    • From: SearchAssistant = "http://{BLOCKED}rect.com/?a=2&b=n-cfh-andy"
      To: SearchAssistant = ""http://ie.search.msn.com/{SUB_RFC1766}/srchasst/srchasst.htm""

Step 6

Search and delete these files

[ Learn More ]
There may be some component 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.
  • %System%\favico.dat
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Zoo.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Incest.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Rape.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Anal Rape.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Sex.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Free Porn.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Escorts.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Penis Enlargement.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Single Girls.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Sex Video.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Hardcore.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Amateur Sex.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Porn.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Teen Sex.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Gay.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Free Sex.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Pussy.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Animal Sex.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Asian Sex.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Mature Sex.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Group Sex.url
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies\Anal.url
  • %Favorites%\E-Business News\Online Trading.url
  • %Favorites%\E-Business News\Internet.url
  • %Favorites%\E-Business News\Web Site Design.url
  • %Favorites%\E-Business News\Web Hosting.url
  • %Favorites%\E-Business News\Affiliate Program.url
  • %Favorites%\E-Business News\Domain Names.url
  • %Favorites%\Health News\Health Insurance.url
  • %Favorites%\Health News\Fitness.url
  • %Favorites%\Health News\Women Health.url
  • %Favorites%\Health News\Nutrition.url
  • %Favorites%\Health News\Diet.url
  • %Favorites%\Health News\Men Health.url
  • %Favorites%\Shopping News\Skin Care.url
  • %Favorites%\Shopping News\Computers.url
  • %Favorites%\Shopping News\Cosmetics.url
  • %Favorites%\Shopping News\Gifts.url
  • %Favorites%\Shopping News\Electronics.url
  • %Favorites%\Shopping News\Auto.url
  • %Favorites%\Shopping News\Books.url
  • %Favorites%\Shopping News\Clothing.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Online Pharmacy.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Viagra.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Tramadol.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Phentermine.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Valium.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Xanax.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Adipex.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Penis Pills.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Carisoprodol.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News\Drug.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Gambling News\Poker.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Gambling News\Online Casino.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Gambling News\Online Gambling.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Gambling News\Casino.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Gambling News\Online Poker.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Gambling News\Black Jack.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Gambling News\Casino Games.url
  • %Favorites%\Online Gambling News\Home Business and Finances.url
  • %Favorites%\Antiviruses, Software, Computers\Antivirus.url
  • %Favorites%\Antiviruses, Software, Computers\Spyware.url
  • %Favorites%\Antiviruses, Software, Computers\Spyware Remover.url
  • %Favorites%\Antiviruses, Software, Computers\Software.url
  • %Favorites%\Antiviruses, Software, Computers\Hosting.url
  • %Favorites%\100% FREE RANDOM ADULT SITE!.url
  • %Favorites%\FREE ANIMAL SEX, INCEST, TEEN SEX, MATURE SEX AND MORE!.url
  • %Favorites%\Animal sex.url
  • %Favorites%\Anal Rape (raped teens).url
  • %Favorites%\incest sex (Dad and daughter, Mom and son).url
  • %Favorites%\Spyware remover.url

Step 7

Search and delete these folders

[ 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.
  • %Favorites%\Free Adult Pics and Movies
  • %Favorites%\E-Business News
  • %Favorites%\Health News
  • %Favorites%\Shopping News
  • %Favorites%\Online Pharmacy News
  • %Favorites%\Online Gambling News
  • %Favorites%\Antiviruses, Software, Computers

Step 8

Restart in normal mode and scan your computer with your Trend Micro product for files detected as TROJ_SMALL_0000075.TOMA. 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 9

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.

  • memtest32.sys


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