TROJ_STARTP.SMA4
Trojan:JS/Startpage.KW (Microsoft); StartPage-MW (McAfee); ARC:Embedded, [monitor.jse]:Trojan.JS.StartPage.ba, [monitor.jse]:Trojan.JS.StartPage.bh, [monitor.j (Kaspersky); Trojan.Win32.Generic!BT (Sunbelt); Trojan.JS.Agent.EAD (FSecure)
Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003
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.
It disables Task Manager, Registry Editor, and Folder Options.
It deletes itself after execution.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
626,738 bytes
EXE
No
25 Aug 2012
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 creates the following folders:
- %Program Files%\Winrar
(Note: %Program Files% is the default Program Files folder, usually C:\Program Files in Windows 2000, Server 2003, and XP (32-bit), Vista (32-bit), and 7 (32-bit), or C:\Program Files (x86) in Windows XP (64-bit), Vista (64-bit), and 7 (64-bit).)
Other System Modifications
This Trojan deletes the following files:
- %Desktop%.ini
- %User Profile%\Quick Launch\Launch Internet Explorer Browser.lnk
- %User Profile%\Quick Launch\Show Desktop.scf
- %Windows%\fonts\msgothic.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\msuigoth.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\MSMINCHO.TTF
- %Windows%\fonts\Gulim.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\Gulimche.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\Dotum.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\Batang.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\Gungsuh.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\Simsun.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\nsimsun.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\MingLiU.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\pmingliu.ttf
- %System%\SET3.tmp
- %System%\kbd101b.dll
- %System%\SET5.tmp
- %System%\kbd101c.dll
- %System%\SET7.tmp
- %System%\kbd103.dll
- %System%\SET9.tmp
- %System%\kbd106.dll
- %System%\SETB.tmp
- %System%\kbdjpn.dll
- %System%\SETD.tmp
- %System%\kbdkor.dll
(Note: %Desktop% is the current user's desktop, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{User Name}\Desktop on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\Desktop on Windows Vista and 7.. %User Profile% is the current user's profile folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name} on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name} on Windows Vista and 7.. %Windows% is the Windows folder, which is usually C:\Windows.. %System% is the Windows system folder, which is usually C:\Windows\System32.)
It adds the following registry keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
HideDesktopIcons
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile\shell\
open
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile\shell\
open\command
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\International\CpMRU
It adds the following registry entries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
HideDesktopIcons
ClassicStartMenu = "1"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel
{871C5380-42A0-1069-A2EA-08002B30309D} = "1"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\International\CpMRU
Enable = "1"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\International\CpMRU
Size = "a"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\International\CpMRU
InitHits = "64"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\International\CpMRU
Factor = "14"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\International
W2KLpk = "1"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\International
W2KLpk = "0"
It modifies the following registry entries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
StartPage
Favorites = "{random values}"
(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is {random values}.)
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
NoInternetIcon = "1"
It deletes the following registry keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
.lnk\ShellEx\{000214EE-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
.lnk\ShellEx\{000214F9-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
.lnk\ShellEx\{00021500-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
.lnk\ShellEx\{BB2E617C-0920-11d1-9A0B-00C04FC2D6C1}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
.lnk\ShellEx
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
lnkfile\CLSID
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
lnkfile\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\
{00021401-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
lnkfile\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\
Offline Files
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
lnkfile\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
lnkfile\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers\
ShimLayer Property Page
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
lnkfile\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
lnkfile\shellex\DropHandler
Dropping Routine
This Trojan drops the following files:
- %User Temp%\aut1.tmp
- %User Temp%\monitor.jse
- %User Profile%\Quick Launch\Internet Explorer.lnk
- %Desktop%\Internet Explorer.lnk
- %System%\SET2.tmp
- %System%\SET4.tmp
- %System%\SET6.tmp
- %System%\SET8.tmp
- %System%\SETA.tmp
- %System%\SETC.tmp
- %System%\SET3.tmp
- %System%\SET5.tmp
- %System%\SET7.tmp
- %System%\SET9.tmp
- %System%\SETB.tmp
- %System%\SETD.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, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista and 7.. %User Profile% is the current user's profile folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name} on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name} on Windows Vista and 7.. %Desktop% is the current user's desktop, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{User Name}\Desktop on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\Desktop on Windows Vista and 7.. %System% is the Windows system folder, which is usually C:\Windows\System32.)
Other Details
This Trojan deletes itself after execution.
This report is generated via an automated analysis system.
SOLUTION
9.200
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
Enable Registry Editor, Task Manager, and Folder options
Step 3
Delete this registry key
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\Explorer
- HideDesktopIcons
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons
- NewStartPanel
- In HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile\shell
- open
- In HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile\shell\open
- command
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\International
- CpMRU
Step 4
Delete this registry value
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\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons
- ClassicStartMenu = "1"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel
- {871C5380-42A0-1069-A2EA-08002B30309D} = "1"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\International\CpMRU
- Enable = "1"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\International\CpMRU
- Size = "a"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\International\CpMRU
- InitHits = "64"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\International\CpMRU
- Factor = "14"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\International
- W2KLpk = "1"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\International
- W2KLpk = "0"
Step 5
Restore these modified registry values
Important:Editing the Windows Registry incorrectly can lead to irreversible system malfunction. Please do this only if you know how to or you can seek your system administrator's help. You may also check out this Microsoft article first before modifying your computer's registry.
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StartPage
- From: Favorites = "{random values}"
To: Favorites = ""{random values}""
- From: Favorites = "{random values}"
Step 6
Search and delete these components
- %User Temp%\aut1.tmp
- %User Temp%\monitor.jse
- %User Profile%\Quick Launch\Internet Explorer.lnk
- %Desktop%\Internet Explorer.lnk
- %System%\SET2.tmp
- %System%\SET4.tmp
- %System%\SET6.tmp
- %System%\SET8.tmp
- %System%\SETA.tmp
- %System%\SETC.tmp
- %System%\SET3.tmp
- %System%\SET5.tmp
- %System%\SET7.tmp
- %System%\SET9.tmp
- %System%\SETB.tmp
- %System%\SETD.tmp
Step 7
Search and delete this folder
- %Program Files%\Winrar
Step 8
Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as TROJ_STARTP.SMA4. 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 9
Restore this file from backup only Microsoft-related files will be restored. If this malware/grayware also deleted files related to programs that are not from Microsoft, please reinstall those programs on you computer again.
- %Desktop%.ini
- %User Profile%\Quick Launch\Launch Internet Explorer Browser.lnk
- %User Profile%\Quick Launch\Show Desktop.scf
- %Windows%\fonts\msgothic.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\msuigoth.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\MSMINCHO.TTF
- %Windows%\fonts\Gulim.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\Gulimche.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\Dotum.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\Batang.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\Gungsuh.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\Simsun.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\nsimsun.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\MingLiU.ttf
- %Windows%\fonts\pmingliu.ttf
- %System%\SET3.tmp
- %System%\kbd101b.dll
- %System%\SET5.tmp
- %System%\kbd101c.dll
- %System%\SET7.tmp
- %System%\kbd103.dll
- %System%\SET9.tmp
- %System%\kbd106.dll
- %System%\SETB.tmp
- %System%\kbdjpn.dll
- %System%\SETD.tmp
- %System%\kbdkor.dll
Step 10
Restore these deleted registry keys/values from backup
*Note: Only Microsoft-related keys/values will be restored. If the malware/grayware also deleted registry keys/values related to programs that are not from Microsoft, please reinstall those programs on your computer.
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\.lnk\ShellEx
- {000214EE-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\.lnk\ShellEx
- {000214F9-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\.lnk\ShellEx
- {00021500-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\.lnk\ShellEx
- {BB2E617C-0920-11d1-9A0B-00C04FC2D6C1}
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\.lnk
- ShellEx
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\lnkfile
- CLSID
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\lnkfile\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers
- {00021401-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\lnkfile\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers
- Offline Files
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\lnkfile\shellex
- ContextMenuHandlers
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\lnkfile\shellex\PropertySheetHandlers
- ShimLayer Property Page
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\lnkfile\shellex
- PropertySheetHandlers
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\lnkfile\shellex
- DropHandler
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