Analysis by: Maria Emreen Viray
ALIASES:

SoftwareBundler:Win32/Dowadmin (MICROSOFT)

 PLATFORM:

Windows

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

  • Threat Type: Adware

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

Infection Channel: Downloaded from the Internet, Dropped by other malware

This Adware arrives on a system as a file dropped by other malware or as a file downloaded unknowingly by users when visiting malicious sites.

As of this writing, the said sites are inaccessible.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: 843,104 bytes
File Type: EXE
Memory Resident: No
Initial Samples Received Date: 03 Jun 2022
Payload: Connects to URLs/IPs, Displays graphics/image, Modifies system registry

Arrival Details

This Adware 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 Adware drops the following files:

  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaBridge.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\System.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\lua51.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaXml_lib.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\definitions.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\utils.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\lua\mime.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\lua\socket.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\lua\ltn12.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\lua\socket\http.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\lua\socket\ftp.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\lua\socket\tp.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\lua\socket\smtp.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\lua\socket\url.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\socket\core.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\mime\core.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\browserutils.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\luacom.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\ffi.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\bit.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\win32_pipeserver.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\luaxml.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\json.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\downloads.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\eagerinstall.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\bundleinstall.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\callbackproxy.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\notifyicon.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\uistate.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\processfreefile.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\env.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\sandbox.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\scheduler.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\service_registry.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\packaged_app.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\win32_constants.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\offer_filters.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\offer_stats.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\net_utils.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\survey_environment.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\vm_details.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\async_tracking.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\data_injection.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\api_substitution.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\conditional_engine.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\data_stores.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\core.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\defs.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\ftp.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\http.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\ltn12.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\url.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\wininet_h.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\wintypes.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\compat.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\io.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\nsis7z.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\nsisunz.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\extension.tlb
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\GuiInit.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\DownloadList.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\Events.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\DownloadThread.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\IntegratedOffer.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\BrowserControl.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\skin\res\jquery.js
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\skin\res\common.js
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\skin\res\common.css
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\skin\res\knockout.js
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\AdvancedTests.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\versioninfo.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\UACInfo.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\FloatingProgress.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\un.package.exe
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\__web.xml

(Note: %User Temp% is the current user's Temp folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temp on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).)

It adds the following processes:

  • {malware path and name}

It creates the following folders:

  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp

(Note: %User Temp% is the current user's Temp folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temp on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).)

Other System Modifications

This Adware modifies the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\
Control\Session Manager
PendingFileRenameOperations = {Default value} + \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\bit.dll, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\ffi.dll, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\FloatingProgress.dll, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\lua51.dll, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\mime\core.dll, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\mime\, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\socket\core.dll, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\socket\, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaXml_lib.dll, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\System.dll, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\UACInfo.dll, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\versioninfo.dll

Download Routine

This Adware connects to the following URL(s) to download its component file(s):

  • http://{BLOCKED}e.{BLOCKED}adadmin.com/external-install?bc={random}&pid=vittalia&brand=utorrent.freesoftstore.com&aid=FREESOFTSTORE2COM&s=FREESO_{random}&c=MATOMY&secure=true&productKey={random}&p.tid=static

As of this writing, the said sites are inaccessible.

Other Details

This Adware displays the following images:

  • Upon execution:
  • If URL is inaccessible:

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 9.800
SSAPI PATTERN File: 2.521.00
SSAPI PATTERN Date: 09 Jun 2022

Step 1

Trend Micro Predictive Machine Learning detects and blocks malware at the first sign of its existence, before it executes on your system. When enabled, your Trend Micro product detects this malware under the following machine learning name:

    •  TROJ.Win32.TRX.XXPE50FFF057

Step 2

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 3

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 4

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_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Session Manager
    • PendingFileRenameOperations = {Default value} + \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\bit.dll, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\ffi.dll, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\FloatingProgress.dll, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\lua51.dll, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\mime\core.dll, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\mime\, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\socket\core.dll, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\socket\, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaXml_lib.dll, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\System.dll, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\UACInfo.dll, , \??\%User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\versioninfo.dll

Step 5

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.
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaBridge.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\System.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\lua51.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaXml_lib.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\definitions.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\utils.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\lua\mime.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\lua\socket.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\lua\ltn12.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\lua\socket\http.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\lua\socket\ftp.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\lua\socket\tp.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\lua\socket\smtp.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\lua\socket\url.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\socket\core.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\LuaSocket\mime\core.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\browserutils.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\luacom.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\ffi.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\bit.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\win32_pipeserver.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\luaxml.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\json.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\downloads.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\eagerinstall.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\bundleinstall.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\callbackproxy.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\notifyicon.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\uistate.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\processfreefile.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\env.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\sandbox.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\scheduler.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\service_registry.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\packaged_app.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\win32_constants.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\offer_filters.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\offer_stats.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\net_utils.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\survey_environment.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\vm_details.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\async_tracking.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\data_injection.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\api_substitution.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\conditional_engine.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\data_stores.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\core.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\defs.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\ftp.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\http.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\ltn12.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\url.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\wininet_h.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\wintypes.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\compat.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\wininet\io.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\nsis7z.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\nsisunz.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\extension.tlb
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\GuiInit.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\DownloadList.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\Events.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\DownloadThread.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\IntegratedOffer.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\BrowserControl.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\skin\res\jquery.js
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\skin\res\common.js
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\skin\res\common.css
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\skin\res\knockout.js
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\AdvancedTests.lua
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\versioninfo.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\UACInfo.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\FloatingProgress.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\un.package.exe
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp\__web.xml

Step 6

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.
  • %User Temp%\ns{random}.tmp

Step 7

Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as Adware.Win32.DownloadAdmin.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:


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