This information stealing malware was one of the IoCs found in recent attacks targeting hospitals in Israel. This malware is also notable for its stealth. It terminates itself after detecting anti-virus products, script file names, analysis, forensics, and debugging tools, as well as sandboxes and virtual machines.
This Worm arrives on a system as a file dropped by other malware or as a file downloaded unknowingly by users when visiting malicious sites.
It executes commands from a remote malicious user, effectively compromising the affected system.
It steals system information. It retrieves specific information from the affected system. It logs a user's keystrokes to steal information.
Arrival Details
This Worm 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 Worm drops the following component file(s):
- C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\WinddowsUpdater.zip
It drops the following copies of itself into the affected system:
- C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\WinddowsUpdater.exe
It creates the following folders:
Autostart Technique
This Worm adds the following registry entries to enable its automatic execution at every system startup:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
WinddowsUpdater = "C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.exe C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.zip"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
WinddowsUpdate = "C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.exe C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.zip"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
WinddowsUpdater = "C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.exe C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.zip"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
WinddowsUpdate = "C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.exe C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.zip"
It drops the following file(s) in the Windows Common Startup folder to enable its automatic execution at every system startup:
- %User Startup%\WinddowsUpdater.lnk
(Note: %User Startup% is the current user's Startup folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Profiles\{user name}\Start Menu\Programs\Startup on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\Profiles\{user name}\Start Menu\Programs\Startup on Windows NT, C:\Documents and Settings\{User name}\Start Menu\Programs\Startup on Windows XP, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup on Windows Vista, 7, and 8.)
Other System Modifications
This Worm deletes the following files:
- %User Startup%\AntiWormUpdate.lnk
- %User Startup%\AntiUsbWormUpdate.lnk
(Note: %User Startup% is the current user's Startup folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Profiles\{user name}\Start Menu\Programs\Startup on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\Profiles\{user name}\Start Menu\Programs\Startup on Windows NT, C:\Documents and Settings\{User name}\Start Menu\Programs\Startup on Windows XP, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup on Windows Vista, 7, and 8.)
It adds the following registry entries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Advanced
ShowSuperHidden = 0
Backdoor Routine
This Worm executes the following commands from a remote malicious user:
- Download files
- Connect to URLs
- Open a cmd to execute commands
- Install a keylogger
- Take a screenshot
- Extract password from browsers(Firefox, Opera, Chrome)
- Process start, terminate, restart
It connects to the following URL(s) to send and receive commands from a remote malicious user:
- http://{BLOCKED}stineop.com/myblog/user
- {BLOCKED}othere.publicvm.com
- {BLOCKED}016.linkpc.net
- {BLOCKED}016.publicvm.com
- {BLOCKED}al.publicvm.com
- {time-based hash}.linkpc.net
- {time-based hash}.ddns.net
- {time-based hash}.no-ip.info
- {time-based hash}.no-ip.biz
- {time-based hash}.zapto.org
- {time-based hash}.publicvm.com
Dropping Routine
This Worm drops the following file(s), which it uses for its keylogging routine:
- C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\__.BIN
Information Theft
This Worm steals system information.
It retrieves the following information from the affected system:
- Information from browser (Chrome, Opera, Firefox)
- OS Version
- OS Architecture
- OS Service Pack
- Computer name
- Username
- Country Code
- Installed Antivirus product
It logs a user's keystrokes to steal information.
NOTES:
Anti-analysis Techniques
It checks the existence of AV products and analysis tools:
- avp.exe
- zonealarm.exe
- avguard.exe
- tcpview.exe
- procmon.exe
- nod32kui.exe
- kavmm.exe
- procmon.exe
- fsbwsys.exe
- vmacthlp.exe
- avp.exe
- Kavsvc.exe
- snxhk.dll
- tracer.dll
- SbieDll.dll
- api_log.dll
- dir_watch.dll
- dbghelp.dll
- monitornet.dll
- cuckoo
- SandCastle
- sandbox
- tracer.dll
- tracer.dll
It checks if the following processes related to sandbox exists:
- BehaviorDumper.exe
- FakeHTTPServer.exe
- FakeServer.exe
- FortiTracer.exe
- SbieSvc.exe
- VBoxService.exe
- VBoxTray.exe
- VMwareService.exe
- VMwareUser.exe
- guninraik.exe
- vmtoolsd.exe
Checks script filenames if containing the strings below, and must not have length greater than 35:
Checks folder where it is being executed:
Checks if the following folders exist:
- "C:\CWSandbox\"
- "C:\Python26\"
- "C:\cuckoo\"
Checks Virtual Machines:
- "Bochs"
- "VirtualBox"
- "innotek"
- "VMware"
If any of the above are confirmed, the script will not continue.
Propagation
It drops copies of itself in all drives:
- {drive}\WinddowsUpdateCheck\WinddowsUpdater.exe
- {drive}\WinddowsUpdateCheck\WinddowsUpdater.zip
It drops the following shortcut files in all removable drives:
- {Drive}\My Pictures.lnk
- {Drive}\My Videos.lnk
- {Drive}\My Downloads.lnk
It also drops copies of itself inside the existing folders on removable drives
- {Drive}\{folder name}\Games.lnk
- {Drive}\{folder name}\Downloads.lnk
- {Drive}\{folder name}\{folder name}.lnk
Backdoor Commands
It is capable of the following commands:
- download_file ← download and execute files
- download_a3x ← download and execute autoit script
- msgbox ← display msgbox
- url ← visit url
- cmd ← execute command shell
- GoTorat ← execute RAT commands
If the backdoor command contains "GoTorat", it may perform the following commands:
- FILE_MANAGER_DOWNLOAD
- SCREEN_SHUT_INIT
- SCREEN_SHUT_STOP
- KEYLOGGER_INIT
- KEYLOGGER_STOP
- PASSWORD_INIT
- PASSWORD_STOP
- FILE_MANAGER_ROOT
- FILE_MANAGER_STOP
- SCREEN_THUMB
- MISC_INIT
- MISC_STOP
- RUN_SIMPLE_DISK
- RUN_SIMPLE_URL
- RUN_SCRIPT_DISK
- RUN_SCRIPT_URL
If the backdoor command contains "radbot", it may perform the following commands:
- GETINFO
- SLEEP
- EXIT
- RECONNECT
- MSGBOX
- URL
- CMD
- UPDATEE
- DOWNLOAD
- SHUTDOWN
- RESTART
- LOGOFF
- STANDBY
It checks for the presence of the following files:
- C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\ebay.lnk
- C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\hamazon.lnk
- C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\hebay.lnk
- C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\hmoneygram.lnk
- C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\hpaypal.lnk
- C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\hpayza.lnk
- C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\hskrill.lnk
- C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\hukash.lnk
- C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\hwestern union.lnk
- C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\moneygram.lnk
- C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\paypal.lnk
- C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\skrill.lnk
- C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\ukash.lnk
- C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\western union.lnk
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
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
Identify and terminate files detected as WORM_RETADUP.A
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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 users, click the Processes tab.
• For Windows 8, 8.1 and Server 2012 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 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_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- WinddowsUpdater = "C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.exe C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.zip"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- WinddowsUpdate = "C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.exe C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.zip"
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- WinddowsUpdater = "C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.exe C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.zip"
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- WinddowsUpdate = "C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.exe C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.zip"
To delete the registry value this malware created:
- Open Registry Editor. To do this:
» 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 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 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 of the Registry Editor window, double-click the following:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER>Software>Microsoft>Windows>CurrentVersion>Run - In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
WinddowsUpdater = "C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.exe C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.zip" - Again In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
WinddowsUpdate = "C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.exe C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.zip" - In the left panel of the Registry Editor window, double-click the following:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>Software>Microsoft>Windows>CurrentVersion>Run - In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
WinddowsUpdater = "C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.exe C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.zip" - Again In the right panel, locate and delete the entry:
WinddowsUpdate = "C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.exe C:\WinddowsUpdater\WinddowsUpdater.zip" - Close Registry Editor.
Step 5
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.
C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\
{drive}\WinddowsUpdateCheck\
To delete malware/grayware/spyware folders:
For Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003:
- Right-click Start then click Search... or Find..., depending on the version of Windows you are running.
- In the File name* input box, type:
- In the Look In drop-down list, select My Computer, then press Enter.
- Once located, select the folder then press SHIFT+DELETE to permanently delete the folder.
- Repeat steps 2 to 4 for the remaining folders: *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 2008, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012:
- Open a Windows Explorer window.
- For Windows Vista, 7, and Server 2008 users, click Start>Computer.
- For Windows 8, 8.1, and Server 2012 users, right-click on the lower left corner of the screen, then click File Explorer.
- In the Search Computer/This PC input box, type:
C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\
{drive}\WinddowsUpdateCheck\
- 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.
Step 6
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.
{Drive}\My Pictures.lnk
{Drive}\My Videos.lnk
{Drive}\My Downloads.lnk
{Drive}\{folder name}\Games.lnk
{Drive}\{folder name}\Downloads.lnk
{Drive}\{folder name}\{folder name}.lnk
%User Startup%\WinddowsUpdater.lnk
C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\__.BIN
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:
{Drive}\My Pictures.lnk
{Drive}\My Videos.lnk
{Drive}\My Downloads.lnk
{Drive}\{folder name}\Games.lnk
{Drive}\{folder name}\Downloads.lnk
{Drive}\{folder name}\{folder name}.lnk
%User Startup%\WinddowsUpdater.lnk
C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\__.BIN
- 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 2008, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012:
- Open a Windows Explorer window.
- For Windows Vista, 7, and Server 2008 users, click Start>Computer.
- For Windows 8, 8.1, and Server 2012 users, right-click on the lower left corner of the screen, then click File Explorer.
- In the Search Computer/This PC input box, type:
{Drive}\My Pictures.lnk
{Drive}\My Videos.lnk
{Drive}\My Downloads.lnk
{Drive}\{folder name}\Games.lnk
{Drive}\{folder name}\Downloads.lnk
{Drive}\{folder name}\{folder name}.lnk
%User Startup%\WinddowsUpdater.lnk
C:\WinddowsUpdateCheck\__.BIN
- 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 7
Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as WORM_RETADUP.A. 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 the following Trend Micro Support pages for more information:
Step 8
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.
%User Startup%\AntiWormUpdate.lnk
%User Startup%\AntiUsbWormUpdate.lnk
