ALIASES:

Trojan:Win32/Kovter.B (Microsoft); RDN/Generic PWS.y!uv (McAfee); Trojan.Win32.Inject.gemp (Kaspersky); Trojan.Win32.Generic!BT (Sunbelt); Trojan horse Generic9_c.APHY (AVG)

 PLATFORM:

Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003

 OVERALL RISK RATING:
 REPORTED INFECTION:
 SYSTEM IMPACT RATING:
 INFORMATION EXPOSURE:

  • Threat Type: Spyware

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

This spyware 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.

It deletes itself after execution.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: 85,830 bytes
File Type: EXE
Memory Resident: Yes
Initial Samples Received Date: 13 Oct 2013

Arrival Details

This spyware 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 spyware creates the following folders:

  • %Application Data%\KB1774904

(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 spyware adds the following registry entries to enable its automatic execution at every system startup:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
KB1774904 = "%Application Data%\KB1774904\KB1774904.exe"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
KB1774904 = "%Application Data%\KB1774904\KB1774904.exe"

It modifies the following registry entries to ensure it automatic execution at every system startup:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
SHELL = "Explorer.exe, %Application Data%\KB1774904\KB1774904.exe"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is Explorer.exe.)

Other System Modifications

This spyware adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\5DAEC858

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\5DAEC858

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer\Run

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer\Run

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\5DAEC858
4 = "1380769103"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\5DAEC858
4 = "1380769103"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\5DAEC858
3 = "%Application Data%\KB1774904\KB1774904.exe"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\5DAEC858
3 = "%Application Data%\KB1774904\KB1774904.exe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\5DAEC858
1 = "DFD43180B99B4BDD"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\5DAEC858
1 = "DFD43180B99B4BDD"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
Ratings
.Default = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
Enable AutoImageResize = "yes"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
Play_Animations = "yes"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
UseThemes = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
Explorer\Run
KB1774904 = "%Application Data%\KB1774904\KB1774904.exe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\5DAEC858
2 = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\5DAEC858
2 = "1"

It modifies the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\
Zones\3
1400 = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\
Zones\3
1402 = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\
Zones\3
1407 = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\
Zones\3
1206 = "0"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 3.)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\
Zones\3
1601 = "0"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 1.)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\
Zones\3
2300 = "0"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 1.)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\
Zones\3
1809 = "3"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\
Zones\1
1400 = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\
Zones\1
1402 = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\
Zones\1
1407 = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\
Zones\1
1206 = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\
Zones\1
1601 = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\
Zones\1
2300 = "0"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 1.)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\
Zones\1
1809 = "3"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 3.)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
Display Inline Images = "yes"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is yes.)

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_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
DisableRegistryTools = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer\Run
KB1774904 = "%Application Data%\KB1774904\KB1774904.exe"

Dropping Routine

This spyware drops the following files:

  • %Application Data%\KB1774904\KB1774904.exe

(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.)

Other Details

This spyware connects to the following possibly malicious URL:

  • http://xvertigo2.{BLOCKED}m.php

It deletes itself after execution.

This report is generated via an automated analysis system.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 9.300

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 delete files detected as TSPY_ZBOT.SM26 using either the Startup Disk or Recovery Console

[ 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
    • 5DAEC858
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
    • 5DAEC858
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
    • System
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
    • Run
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
    • Run

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
    • KB1774904 = "%Application Data%\KB1774904\KB1774904.exe"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • KB1774904 = "%Application Data%\KB1774904\KB1774904.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\5DAEC858
    • 4 = "1380769103"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\5DAEC858
    • 4 = "1380769103"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\5DAEC858
    • 3 = "%Application Data%\KB1774904\KB1774904.exe"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\5DAEC858
    • 3 = "%Application Data%\KB1774904\KB1774904.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\5DAEC858
    • 1 = "DFD43180B99B4BDD"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\5DAEC858
    • 1 = "DFD43180B99B4BDD"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Ratings
    • .Default = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
    • Enable AutoImageResize = "yes"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
    • Play_Animations = "yes"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
    • UseThemes = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer\Run
    • KB1774904 = "%Application Data%\KB1774904\KB1774904.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\5DAEC858
    • 2 = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\5DAEC858
    • 2 = "1"

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_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\3
    • 1400 = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\3
    • 1402 = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\3
    • 1407 = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\3
    • From: 1206 = "0"
      To: 1206 = ""3""
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\3
    • From: 1601 = "0"
      To: 1601 = ""1""
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\3
    • From: 2300 = "0"
      To: 2300 = ""1""
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\3
    • 1809 = "3"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\1
    • 1400 = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\1
    • 1402 = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\1
    • 1407 = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\1
    • 1206 = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\1
    • 1601 = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\1
    • From: 2300 = "0"
      To: 2300 = ""1""
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\1
    • From: 1809 = "3"
      To: 1809 = ""3""
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
    • From: Display Inline Images = "yes"
      To: Display Inline Images = ""yes""
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
    • From: SHELL = "Explorer.exe, %Application Data%\KB1774904\KB1774904.exe"
      To: SHELL = ""Explorer.exe""

Step 7

Search and delete this file

[ Learn More ]
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.
  • %Application Data%\KB1774904\KB1774904.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.
  • %Application Data%\KB1774904

Step 9

Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as TSPY_ZBOT.SM26. 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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