WORM_PATCH.QQ


 ALIASES:

Worm:Win32/Heckyebo.B (Microsoft); Generic Malware.mt (McAfee); W32.SillyFDC (Symantec); PAK:UPX, ARC:Embedded, [script.au3]:Worm.Win32.AutoIt.uz, [script.au3]:Worm.Win32.AutoIt.afv, [scrip (Kaspersky); Trojan.Win32.AutoIt.gen.1 (v) (Sunbelt); ERROR (FSecure)

 PLATFORM:

Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003

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

  • Threat Type: Worm

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • 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.

It disables Task Manager, Registry Editor, and Folder Options.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size:

287,547 bytes

File Type:

EXE

Memory Resident:

Yes

Initial Samples Received Date:

23 Apr 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 copies of itself into the affected system:

  • %User Temp%\svchost.com

It creates the following folders:

  • %User Temp%\$RECYCLE.BIN
  • %User Temp%\$RECYCLE.BIN\{5F229C11-5039-40E4-8537-6950BB1C9ECC}
  • %User Profile%\Templates\cache
  • %User Profile%\cache\$RECYCLE.BIN
  • %User Profile%\$RECYCLE.BIN\{5F229C11-5039-40E4-8537-6950BB1C9ECC}
  • %System Root%\$RECYCLE.BIN
  • %System Root%\$RECYCLE.BIN\{5F229C11-5039-40E4-8537-6950BB1C9ECC}

(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, XP, and Server 2003.. %User Profile% is the current user's profile folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Profiles\{user name} on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\Profiles\{user name} on Windows NT, and C:\Documents and Settings\{user name} on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003.. %System Root% is the root folder, which is usually C:\. It is also where the operating system is located.)

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
HotKey = "%User Profile%\cache\SFCsrvc.pif"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HotKey = "%User Profile%\cache\SFCsrvc.pif"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
User Agent = "%System%\fdisk.com"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
User Agent = "%User Temp%\svchost.com"

It modifies the following registry entries to ensure it automatic execution at every system startup:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Shell = "explorer.exe %System%\fdisk.com"

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Userinit = "%System%\userinit.exe,%System%\fdisk.com"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is %Windows%\system32\userinit.exe,.)

Other System Modifications

This worm adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
System

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\
Microsoft\Windows\System

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
regedit.exe

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
mmc.exe

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
msconfig.exe

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
USBGUARD.EXE

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
VPTRAY.EXE

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
AVGNT.EXE

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
AVP.EXE

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
pctsgui.exe

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
pctstray.exe

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
ashdisp.exe

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
HijackThis.exe

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
resmon.exe

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Command Processor
AutoRun = "%Windows%\Help\cliconf.chm"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\
Microsoft\Windows\System
DisableGPO = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
regedit.exe
debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
mmc.exe
debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
msconfig.exe
debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
USBGUARD.EXE
debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
VPTRAY.EXE
debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
AVGNT.EXE
debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
AVP.EXE
debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
pctsgui.exe
debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
pctstray.exe
debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
ashdisp.exe
debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
HijackThis.exe
debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
resmon.exe
debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
run = "%User Temp%\svchost.com"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Advanced
ShowSuperHidden = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion
LocalProxy = "-1"

It modifies the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
load = "%User Temp%\svchost.com"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Advanced
HideFileExt = "2"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 1.)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Advanced
Hidden = "2"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 2.)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
ProxyEnable = "0"

It creates the following registry entry(ies) to disable Task Manager, Registry Tools and Folder Options:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer
NofolderOptions = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
DisableTaskMgr = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
DisableRegistryTools = "1"

Dropping Routine

This worm drops the following files:

  • %User Profile%\cache\SFCsrvc.pif
  • %System%\fdisk.com
  • %Common Startup%\sndvol32.exe
  • %User Startup%\sndvol32.exe
  • %Windows%\Help\cliconf.chm
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\System\cftmon.exe
  • %System Root%\Thumbs.db

Other Details

This worm connects to the following possibly malicious URL:

  • http://www.{BLOCKED}o.com/{random path}?attach=1
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}o.com/test.tits

This report is generated via an automated analysis system.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine:

9.200

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

Identify and delete files detected as WORM_PATCH.QQ using either the Startup Disk or Recovery Console

[ Learn More ]

Step 3

Enable Registry Editor, Task Manager, and Folder options

[ Learn More ]
By doing this step, you also enable other applications/programs disabled by this malware/grayware.

Step 4

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.

  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies
    • System
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
    • System
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
    • regedit.exe
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
    • mmc.exe
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
    • msconfig.exe
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
    • USBGUARD.EXE
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
    • VPTRAY.EXE
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
    • AVGNT.EXE
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
    • AVP.EXE
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
    • pctsgui.exe
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
    • pctstray.exe
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
    • ashdisp.exe
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
    • HijackThis.exe
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
    • resmon.exe

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\CurrentVersion\Run
    • HotKey = "%User Profile%\cache\SFCsrvc.pif"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • HotKey = "%User Profile%\cache\SFCsrvc.pif"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • User Agent = "%System%\fdisk.com"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • User Agent = "%User Temp%\svchost.com"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor
    • AutoRun = "%Windows%\Help\cliconf.chm"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System
    • DisableGPO = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\regedit.exe
    • debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\mmc.exe
    • debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\msconfig.exe
    • debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\USBGUARD.EXE
    • debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\VPTRAY.EXE
    • debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\AVGNT.EXE
    • debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\AVP.EXE
    • debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\pctsgui.exe
    • debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\pctstray.exe
    • debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\ashdisp.exe
    • debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\HijackThis.exe
    • debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\resmon.exe
    • debugger = "%User Temp%\svchost.com Kll_dis"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
    • run = "%User Temp%\svchost.com"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
    • ShowSuperHidden = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
    • LocalProxy = "-1"

Step 6

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_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
    • load = "%User Temp%\svchost.com"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
    • From: HideFileExt = "2"
      To: HideFileExt = ""1""
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
    • From: Hidden = "2"
      To: Hidden = ""2""
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
    • ProxyEnable = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
    • From: Shell = "explorer.exe %System%\fdisk.com"
      To: Shell = ""Explorer.exe""
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
    • From: Userinit = "%System%\userinit.exe,%System%\fdisk.com"
      To: Userinit = ""%Windows%\system32\userinit.exe,""

Step 7

Search and delete these files

[ 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.
  • %User Profile%\cache\SFCsrvc.pif
  • %System%\fdisk.com
  • %Common Startup%\sndvol32.exe
  • %User Startup%\sndvol32.exe
  • %Windows%\Help\cliconf.chm
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\System\cftmon.exe
  • %System Root%\Thumbs.db

Step 8

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%\$RECYCLE.BIN
  • %User Temp%\$RECYCLE.BIN\{5F229C11-5039-40E4-8537-6950BB1C9ECC}
  • %User Profile%\Templates\cache
  • %User Profile%\cache\$RECYCLE.BIN
  • %User Profile%\$RECYCLE.BIN\{5F229C11-5039-40E4-8537-6950BB1C9ECC}
  • %System Root%\$RECYCLE.BIN
  • %System Root%\$RECYCLE.BIN\{5F229C11-5039-40E4-8537-6950BB1C9ECC}

Step 9

Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as WORM_PATCH.QQ. 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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