WORM_LIGHTMOON.H

 Analysis by: John Anthony Banes

 ALIASES:

Worm.Win32.VB.cz (Kaspersky); W32.Rontokbro@mm (Norton); W32/MoonLight.worm (NAI)

 PLATFORM:

Windows

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

  • Threat Type: Worm

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW


This Worm arrives via removable drives.

It drops copies of itself in removable drives. These dropped copies use the names of the folders located on the said drives for their file names.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size:

50,176 bytes

File Type:

EXE

Memory Resident:

Yes

Initial Samples Received Date:

02 Jun 2017

Arrival Details

This Worm arrives via removable drives.

Installation

This Worm adds the following folders:

  • %User Profile%\Templates\O{random numbers}Z
  • %Windows%\M{random numbers}
  • %System%\X{random numbers}goa

(Note: %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, where it usually is C:\Windows on all Windows operating system versions.. %System% is the Windows system folder, where it usually is C:\Windows\System32 on all Windows operating system versions.)

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

  • %Windows%\Ti{random numbers}ta.exe
  • %Windows%\sa-{random numbers}.exe
  • %Windows%\M{random numbers}\smss.exe
  • %Windows%\M{random numbers}\systray.exe
  • %Windows%\M{random numbers}\Ja{random numbers}bLay.com
  • %User Profile%\Templates\O{random numbers}Z\service.exe
  • %User Profile%\Templates\O{random numbers}Z\winlogon.exe
  • %System%\{random numbers}I.exe
  • %System%\X{random numbers}goa\Z{random numbers}cie.cmd

It drops the following files:

  • %Windows%\[TheMoonlight].txt
  • %Windows%\I'M in YOU.txt

(Note: %Windows% is the Windows folder, where it usually is C:\Windows on all Windows operating system versions.)

It drops copies of itself into folders whose names contain the following strings:

  • upload
  • download
  • share

Autostart Technique

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

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
T{random numbers}TT4 = "%System%\{random numbers}I.exe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
T{random numbers} = "%Windows%\sa-{random numbers}.exe"

It enables its automatic execution at every system startup by dropping the following copies of itself into the Windows Common Startup folder:

  • %User Startup%\sql.cmd

(Note: %User Startup% is the current user's Startup folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user}\Start Menu\Programs\Startup on Windows 2000 and XP, and C:\Documents and Settings\{User name}\Start Menu\Programs\Startup on Windows Vista, 7, and 8.)

Other System Modifications

This Worm adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\
untukmu2

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\
untukmu2\version

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\
titta

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\
titta\version

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
TUX

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
TUX\Path

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
TUX\biang

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\
noGods

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\
noGods\appActive

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System

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\
regedit.exe

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\
untukmu2\version
me = 2

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\
titta\version
me = 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\
noGods\appActive
service.exe = {data}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\
noGods\appActive
winlogon.exe = {data}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\
noGods\appActive
smss.exe = {data}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\
noGods\appActive
systray.exe = {data}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
msconfig.exe
debugger = "%WINDOWS%\notepad.exe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\
regedit.exe
debugger = "%WINDOWS%\notepad.exe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
TUX\biang
1 = "{random numbers}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
TUX\biang
2 = "{random numbers}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
TUX\biang
3 = "{random numbers}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
TUX\biang
4 = "{random numbers}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
TUX\biang
5 = "{random numbers}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
TUX\Path
1 = "M{random numbers}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
TUX\Path
2 = "O{random numbers}Z"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
TUX\Path
3 = "X{random numbers}go"

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

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 {user setting}.)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Advanced
HideFileExt = 1

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

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

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

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
CabinetState
FullPath = 1

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
User Shell Folders
Common Startup = "%System%\X{random numbers}goa"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is "%All Users Profile%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup".)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Userinit = %System%\userinit.exe , "%WINDOWS%\M{random numbers}\Ja{random numbers}bLay.com"

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Control\SafeBoot
AlternateShell = "{random numbers}l.exe"

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\SharedAccess
Start = 0

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

Propagation

This Worm drops copies of itself in removable drives. These dropped copies use the names of the folders located on the said drives for their file names.

Other Details

This Worm connects to the following possibly malicious URL:

  • http://www.{BLOCKED}ies.com/m00nL19ht2006/update.txt

It does the following:

  • It drops copies of itself in removable drive using the names of the folders located on the said drives as filenames. It then hides the original folders to trick users on opening the files.
  • It uses any of the following as filename for the dropped copies in the mentioned folders:
    • Blink 182{multiple spaces}.exe
    • Data DosenKu{multiple spaces}.exe
    • Gallery{multiple spaces}.scr
    • Lagu - Server{multiple spaces}.scr
    • Love Song{multiple spaces}.scr
    • New mp3 BaraT !!{multiple spaces}.exe
    • Norman virus Control 5.18{multiple spaces}.exe
    • RaHasIA{multiple spaces}.exe
    • THe Best Ungu{multiple spaces}.scr
    • Titip Folder Jangan DiHapus{multiple spaces}.exe
    • TutoriaL HAcking{multiple spaces}.exe
    • Windows Vista setup{multiple spaces}.scr

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine:

9.850

FIRST VSAPI PATTERN FILE:

13.446.03

FIRST VSAPI PATTERN DATE:

02 Jun 2017

VSAPI OPR PATTERN File:

13.447.80

VSAPI OPR PATTERN Date:

03 Jun 2017

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

Restart in Safe Mode

[ Learn More ]

Step 4

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\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • T{random numbers}TT4 = "%System%\{random numbers}I.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • T{random numbers} = "%Windows%\sa-{random numbers}.exe"

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.

  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings
    • titta
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings
    • untukmu2
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
    • System
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft
    • TUX
  • 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
    • regedit.exe

Step 6

Restore this modified registry value

[ Learn More ]

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\Advanced
    • From: Hidden = 0
      To: Hidden = {user setting}
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
    • From: HideFileExt = 1
      To: HideFileExt = {user setting}
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
    • From: ShowSuperHidden = 0
      To: ShowSuperHidden = {user setting}
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CabinetState
    • From: FullPath = 1
      To: FullPath = {user setting}
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
    • From: Common Startup = "%System%\X{random numbers}goa"
      To: Common Startup = "%All Users Profile%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
    • From: Userinit = "%System%\userinit.exe , "%WINDOWS%\M{random numbers}\Ja{random numbers}bLay.com""
      To: Userinit = "%System%\userinit.exe,"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot
    • From: AlternateShell = "{random numbers}l.exe"
      To: AlternateShell = "cmd.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess
    • From: Start = 0
      To: Start = 2

Step 7

Search and delete these files

[ 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.
  • %Windows%\[TheMoonlight].txt
  • %Windows%\I'M in YOU.txt

Step 8

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