Analysis by: Michael Cabel
 PLATFORM:

Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003

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

  • Threat Type: Worm

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted: No

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

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.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: 7,596 bytes
Memory Resident: Yes
Initial Samples Received Date: 24 Jan 2012

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 files:

  • {Drive Letter}:\autorun.inf

It drops the following copies of itself into the affected system:

  • %Windows%\winlogon.dll.vbe

(Note: %Windows% is the Windows folder, which is usually C:\Windows or C:\WINNT.)

Autostart Technique

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
winlogon.dll = "%Windows%\winlogon.dll.vbe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
winlogon = "%System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Menu Démarrer\Programmes\Démarrage\winlogon.vbe"

Other System Modifications

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

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
Window Title = "Kubernesis infected"

Propagation

This worm drops the following copy of itself in all physical and removable drives:

  • winlogon.vbe

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 9.200
FIRST VSAPI PATTERN FILE: 8.730.04
FIRST VSAPI PATTERN DATE: 24 Jan 2012
VSAPI OPR PATTERN File: 8.731.00
VSAPI OPR PATTERN Date: 25 Jan 2012

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 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
    • winlogon.dll = "%Windows%\winlogon.dll.vbe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • winlogon = "%System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Menu Démarrer\Programmes\Démarrage\winlogon.vbe"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
    • Window Title = "Kubernesis infected"

Step 4

Search and delete this file

[ 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.
  • {Drive Letter}:\autorun.inf

Step 5

Restart in normal mode and scan your computer with your Trend Micro product for files detected as VBS_AUTORUN.HDR. 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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