TROJ_ADLOAD.USRK


 ALIASES:

Nsis.Trojan-downloader.Adload.Aeeb (Tencent); Trojan.ADH (Symantec)

 PLATFORM:

Windows

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

  • Threat Type: Trojan

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

This Trojan 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:

436,865 bytes

File Type:

EXE

Memory Resident:

Yes

Initial Samples Received Date:

17 Apr 2014

Arrival Details

This Trojan 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 Trojan drops the following files:

  • %User Temp%\ns{random 1}.tmp
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\Base64.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\System.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\peizhi.ini
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\modern-wizard.bmp
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\nsDialogs.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\aiqing.rtf
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\ToolTips.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\nsExec.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\nsCD11.tmp
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\nsCE5A.tmp
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\hao123ÉÏÍøµ¼º½.lnk
  • %ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\°®Çé.ÖÇ»Û.3.8\жÔØ.lnk
  • %ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\°®Çé.ÖÇ»Û.3.8\°®Çé.ÖÇ»Û.3.8.lnk
  • %ProgramData%\aie.ico
  • %ProgramData%\123\hao123.ico
  • %Program Files%\aiqngz3.8\Aiqngz3.8.exe
  • %Program Files%\aiqngz3.8\uninstall.exe
  • %Program Files%\aiqngz3.8\fastlo.exe
  • %Program Files%\aiqngz3.8\Txsvr.exe
  • %Program Files%\aiqngz3.8\setings.ini
  • %Favorites%\hao123ÍøÖ·´óÈ«.url
  • %Favorites%\Á´½Ó\hao123ÍøÖ·´óÈ«.url
  • %Desktop%\hao123ÉÏÍøµ¼º½.lnk
  • %Desktop%\°®Çé.ÖÇ»Û.3.8.lnk

(Note: %User Temp% is the user's temporary folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temp on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012.. %Application Data% is the Application Data folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming on Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012.. %ProgramData% is the Program Data folder, where it usually is C:\Program Files in Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\ProgramData in Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012.. %Program Files% is the Program Files folder, where it usually is C:\Program Files on all Windows operating system versions; C:\Program Files (x86) for 32-bit applications running on Windows 64-bit operating systems.. %Favorites% is the Favorites folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Favorites on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\Favorites on Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012.. %Desktop% is the desktop folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Desktop in Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\Desktop in Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012.)

It creates the following folders:

  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp
  • %ProgramData%\123
  • %Program Files%\aiqngz3.8
  • %Favorites%\Á´½Ó

(Note: %User Temp% is the user's temporary folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temp on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012.. %ProgramData% is the Program Data folder, where it usually is C:\Program Files in Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\ProgramData in Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012.. %Program Files% is the Program Files folder, where it usually is C:\Program Files on all Windows operating system versions; C:\Program Files (x86) for 32-bit applications running on Windows 64-bit operating systems.. %Favorites% is the Favorites folder, where it usually is C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Favorites on Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP (32- and 64-bit); C:\Users\{user name}\Favorites on Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8 (32- and 64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2012.)

Autostart Technique

This Trojan adds and runs the following services:

  • Service Name: Txssvr Service
    Display Name: Txssvr Service
    Description: Txssvr Service
    Path to Executable: %Program Files%\aiqngz3.8\Txsvr.exe
    Start Type: Automatic

(Note: %Program Files% is the Program Files folder, where it usually is C:\Program Files on all Windows operating system versions; C:\Program Files (x86) for 32-bit applications running on Windows 64-bit operating systems.)

Other System Modifications

This Trojan adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\yere

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\
Aiqngz3.8.exe

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
°®Çé.ÖÇ»Û.3.8

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\yere
ET = 1420177

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\yere
EN = {Malware Filename}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\yere
ED = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\
Aiqngz3.8.exe
(Default) = %Program Files%\aiqngz3.8\Aiqngz3.8.exe

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
°®Çé.ÖÇ»Û.3.8
DisplayName = °®Çé.ÖÇ»Û3.8

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
°®Çé.ÖÇ»Û.3.8
UninstallString = %Program Files%\aiqngz3.8\uninstall.exe

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
°®Çé.ÖÇ»Û.3.8
DisplayIcon = %Program Files%\aiqngz3.8\uninstall.exe

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
°®Çé.ÖÇ»Û.3.8
DisplayVersion = ""

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
fastlo = "%Program Files%\aiqngz3.8\fastlo.exe" /s

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
Start Page = "http://www.hao123.com/?tn=97431923_hao_pg"

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine:

9.850

FIRST VSAPI PATTERN FILE:

11.350.02

FIRST VSAPI PATTERN DATE:

16 Dec 2014

VSAPI OPR PATTERN File:

11.351.00

VSAPI OPR PATTERN Date:

17 Dec 2014

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 TROJ_ADLOAD.USRK

[ Learn More ]
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. If the detected file is not displayed in either Windows Task Manager or Process Explorer, continue doing the next steps.

Step 4

Disable this malware service

[ Learn More ]
    • Service Name: Txssvr Service

Step 5

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.

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\yere
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\Aiqngz3.8.exe
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\°®Çé.ÖÇ»Û.3.8

Step 6

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\yere
    • ET = 1420177
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\yere
    • EN = {Malware Filename}
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\yere
    • ED = 0
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\Aiqngz3.8.exe
    • (Default) = %Program Files%\aiqngz3.8\Aiqngz3.8.exe
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\°®Çé.ÖÇ»Û.3.8
    • DisplayName = °®Çé.ÖÇ»Û3.8
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\°®Çé.ÖÇ»Û.3.8
    • UninstallString = %Program Files%\aiqngz3.8\uninstall.exe
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\°®Çé.ÖÇ»Û.3.8
    • DisplayIcon = %Program Files%\aiqngz3.8\uninstall.exe
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\°®Çé.ÖÇ»Û.3.8
    • DisplayVersion = ""
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • fastlo = "%Program Files%\aiqngz3.8\fastlo.exe" /s
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
    • Start Page = "http://www.hao123.com/?tn=97431923_hao_pg"

Step 7

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 2}.tmp
  • %ProgramData%\123
  • %Program Files%\aiqngz3.8
  • %Favorites%\Á´½Ó

Step 8

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 1}.tmp
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\Base64.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\System.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\peizhi.ini
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\modern-wizard.bmp
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\nsDialogs.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\aiqing.rtf
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\ToolTips.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\nsExec.dll
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\nsCD11.tmp
  • %User Temp%\ns{random 2}.tmp\nsCE5A.tmp
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\hao123ÉÏÍøµ¼º½.lnk
  • %ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\°®Çé.ÖÇ»Û.3.8\жÔØ.lnk
  • %ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\°®Çé.ÖÇ»Û.3.8\°®Çé.ÖÇ»Û.3.8.lnk
  • %ProgramData%\aie.ico
  • %ProgramData%\123\hao123.ico
  • %Program Files%\aiqngz3.8\Aiqngz3.8.exe
  • %Program Files%\aiqngz3.8\uninstall.exe
  • %Program Files%\aiqngz3.8\fastlo.exe
  • %Program Files%\aiqngz3.8\Txsvr.exe
  • %Program Files%\aiqngz3.8\setings.ini
  • %Favorites%\hao123ÍøÖ·´óÈ«.url
  • %Favorites%\Á´½Ó\hao123ÍøÖ·´óÈ«.url
  • %Desktop%\hao123ÉÏÍøµ¼º½.lnk
  • %Desktop%\°®Çé.ÖÇ»Û.3.8.lnk

Step 9

Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as TROJ_ADLOAD.USRK. 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.

Step 10

Reset the Internet Explorer Home and Search pages

[ Learn More ]


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