WORM_SILLY.ACC

 Analysis by: Roland Marco Dela Paz

 ALIASES:

Symantec : W32.SillyFDC; Microsoft : Worm:Win32/Abfewsm.A

 PLATFORM:

Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003

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

  • Threat Type: Worm

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted: Yes

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

Infection Channel:

Propagates via removable drives, Propagates via Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Networks


This worm uses the default Windows folder icon to trick users into opening the file. Double-clicking the file executes this malware.

It drops an AUTORUN.INF file to automatically execute the copies it drops when a user accesses the drives of an affected system.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size:

524,801 bytes

File Type:

EXE

Memory Resident:

Yes

Initial Samples Received Date:

21 Mar 2011

Installation

This worm drops the following files:

  • %Windows%\inf\Autoplay.inF - autostart component
  • %Windows%\Tasks\At1.job - autostart component
  • %Windows%\Tasks\At2.job - autostart component
  • %Common Startup%\(Empty).LNK - autostart component
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\CD Burning\AUTORUN.inF - autostart component

(Note: %Windows% is the Windows folder, which is usually C:\Windows or C:\WINNT.. %Common Startup% is the system's shared Startup folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\Profiles\All Users\Programs\Startup on Windows NT, and C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003.. %Application Data% is the current user's Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Profiles\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\Profiles\{user name}\Application Data on Windows NT, and C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Application Data on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003.)

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

  • %System Root%\KHATRA.exe
  • %Windows%\Xplorer.exe
  • %Windows%\system32\KHATRA.exe
  • %Windows%\system\gHost.exe
  • %Windows%\KHATARNAKH.exe
  • %User Temp%\dmario.exe
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\CD Burning\KHATRA.exe
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\CD Burning\winxp.exe
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\CD Burning\New Folder(3).exe

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

It creates the following folders:

  • %Windows%\K.Backup
  • %Application Data%\Microsoft\CD Burning

(Note: %Windows% is the Windows folder, which is usually C:\Windows or C:\WINNT.. %Application Data% is the current user's Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Profiles\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\Profiles\{user name}\Application Data on Windows NT, and C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Application Data on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003.)

It uses the default Windows folder icon to trick users into opening the file. Double-clicking the file executes this malware.

Autostart Technique

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\KHATRA\
Startup_List
Xplorer = "%WINDOWS%\Xplorer.exe" /Windows

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
Explorer\Run
G_Host = "%WINDOWS%\System\gHost.exe" /Reproduce

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Xplorer = "%WINDOWS%\Xplorer.exe" /Windows

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Taskman = %System%\KHATRA.exe

Other System Modifications

This worm adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Nico Mak Computing

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\KHATRA

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Nico Mak Computing\
WinZip\caution
NoUnsafeTypeCautionForSCR = 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Nico Mak Computing\
WinZip\caution
NoUnsafeTypeCautionForEXE = 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
Window Title = Internet Exploiter

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

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer
NoControlPanel = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\Schedule
AtTaskMaxHours = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\
FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile\AuthorizedApplications\
List
%System%\KHATRA.exe = %System%\KHATRA.exe:*:Enabled:System

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer
NoControlPanel = 1

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\FWCFG
EnableFileTracing = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\FWCFG
EnableConsoleTracing = 0

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\FWCFG
FileTracingMask = ffff0000

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\FWCFG
ConsoleTracingMask = ffff0000

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\FWCFG
MaxFileSize = 00100000

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Tracing\FWCFG
FileDirectory = %windir%\tracing

It modifies the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Advanced
Hidden = 0

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

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer
NoDriveTypeAutoRun = ff

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 91.)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
load = %System%\KHATRA.exe

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is {blank}.)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Advanced\Folder\Hidden\
SHOWALL
CheckedValue = 0

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\mnmsrvc
Start = 2

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 3.)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\NtmsSvc
Start = 2

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 3.)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\ProtectedStorage
Start = 4

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\RDSessMgr
Start = 2

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 3.)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\Schedule
NextAtJobId = 3

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\TermService
Start = 2

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 3.)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\TlntSvr
Start = 2

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 3.)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\upnphost
Start = 2

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 3.)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\wscsvc
Start = 4

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

Propagation

This worm drops the following copy(ies) of itself in all removable drives:

  • KHATRA.exe
  • tmpusr.exe
  • New Folder(3).exe

It drops an AUTORUN.INF file to automatically execute the copies it drops when a user accesses the drives of an affected system.

The said .INF file contains the following strings:

[Autorun]
Open=KHATRA.exe /OpenDrive
ShellExecute=KHATRA.exe /OpenDrive
Shell\Open\Command=KHATRA.exe /OpenDrive
Shell\Open\Default=1
Shell\Explore\Command=KHATRA.exe /ExploreDrive
Shell\Scan for viruses=KHATRA.exe
Shell=Open

NOTES:

It also drops archived copies of itself (.CAB extension) in %Windows% folder using various file names.

It deletes all files under %Common Startup% folder and saves a back up of the files in its created folder, %Windows%\K.Backup.

It is also capable of propagating via peer-to-peer file sharing networks.

It modifies values of entries under the following registry key to point to its copy:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

It then saves the original entry under the following created registry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\KHATRA\Startup_List

It is capable of terminating certain processes.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine:

8.900

FIRST VSAPI PATTERN FILE:

7.916.09

FIRST VSAPI PATTERN DATE:

21 Mar 2011

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_SILLY.ACC using the Recovery Console

[ Learn More ]

Step 3

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.  %Windows%\K.Backup
%Application Data%\Microsoft\CD Burning

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.
%Windows%\inf\Autoplay.inF
%Windows%\Tasks\At1.job
%Windows%\Tasks\At2.job
%Common Startup%\(Empty).LNK 

Step 5

Enable Registry Editor

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

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\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
    • From: Hidden = 0
      To: Hidden = 1
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
    • From: NoDriveTypeAutoRun = ff
      To: NoDriveTypeAutoRun = 91
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
    • From: load = %System%\KHATRA.exe
      To: load = {blank}
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL
    • From: CheckedValue = 0
      To: CheckedValue = 1
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\mnmsrvc
    • From: Start = 2
      To: Start = 3
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NtmsSvc
    • From: Start = 2
      To: Start = 3
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ProtectedStorage
    • From: Start = 4
      To: Start = 2
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\RDSessMgr
    • From: Start = 2
      To: Start = 3
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Schedule
    • From: NextAtJobI = 3
      To: NextAtJobI = 1
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TermService
    • From: Start = 2
      To: Start = 3
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TlntSvr
    • From: Start = 2
      To: Start = 3
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\upnphost
    • From: Start = 2
      To: Start = 3
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wscsvc
    • From: Start = 4
      To: Start = 2

Step 7

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
    • Nico Mak Computing
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
    • KHATRA

Step 8

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_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
    • Window Title = Internet Exploiter
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
    • NoControlPanel = 1
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Schedule
    • AtTaskMaxHours = 0
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile\AuthorizedApplications\List
    • %System%\KHATRA.exe = %System%\KHATRA.exe:*:Enabled:System
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
    • NoControlPanel = 1
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\FWCFG
    • EnableFileTracing = 0
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\FWCFG
    • EnableConsoleTracing = 0
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\FWCFG
    • FileTracingMask = ffff0000
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\FWCFG
    • ConsoleTracingMask = ffff0000
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\FWCFG
    • MaxFileSize = 00100000
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\FWCFG
    • FileDirectory = %windir%\tracing
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer\Run
    • G_Host = %WINDOWS%\System\gHost.exe /Reproduce
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • Xplorer = %WINDOWS%\Xplorer.exe /Windows
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
    • Taskman = %System%\KHTRA.exe

Step 9

Search and delete AUTORUN.INF files created by WORM_SILLY.ACC that contain these strings

[ Learn More ]
[Autorun]
Open=KHATRA.exe /OpenDrive
ShellExecute=KHATRA.exe /OpenDrive
Shell\Open\Command=KHATRA.exe /OpenDrive
Shell\Open\Default=1
Shell\Explore\Command=KHATRA.exe /ExploreDrive
Shell\Scan for viruses=KHATRA.exe
Shell=Open

Step 10

Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as WORM_SILLY.ACC. 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 11

Restore files 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 your computer again.


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