Analysis by: JasperM
 PLATFORM:

Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, Server 2003

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

  • Threat Type: Trojan

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

This Trojan may arrive as a file that exports functions used by other malware. It may be dropped by other malware.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: 29,184 bytes
File Type: PE
Memory Resident: Yes
Initial Samples Received Date: 18 Jun 2010

Arrival Details

This Trojan may arrive as a file that exports functions used by other malware.

It may be dropped by other malware.

Autostart Technique

This Trojan modifies the following registry entry(ies) to enable its automatic execution at every system startup:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
AppInit_DLLs = winmm.dll

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

Other System Modifications

This Trojan adds the following registry entries as part of its installation routine:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Drivers32
midi9 = {malware path and file name} 0yAAAAAA

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
LoadAppInit_DLLs = 1

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 8.900
VSAPI PATTERN File: 7.253.80
VSAPI PATTERN Date: 18 Jun 2010
VSAPI PATTERN Date: 6/18/2010 12:00:00 AM

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

Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product and note files detected as TSPY_KATES.XX

Step 3

Restart in Safe Mode

[ Learn More ]

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\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
    • From: AppInit_DLLs=winmm.dll
      To: AppInit_DLLs= 

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 NT\CurrentVersion\Drivers32
    • midi9={malware path and file name} 0yAAAAAA
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
    • LoadAppInit_DLLs=1


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