TROJ_FAKEAV.HRM

October 09, 2012

Modified by: Abraham Latimer Camba

PLATFORM:

Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003

OVERALL RISK RATING:

DAMAGE POTENTIAL:

DISTRIBUTION POTENTIAL:

REPORTED INFECTION:

Threat Type: Trojan
Destructiveness: No
Encrypted: Yes
In the wild: Yes

OVERVIEW

Infection Channel:

Dropped by other malware, Downloaded from the Internet

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 modifies Internet Explorer security settings. This puts the affected computer at greater risk, as it allows malicious URLs to be accessed by the computer.

It deletes the initially executed copy of itself.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size:

346,248 bytes

File Type:

EXE

Memory Resident:

Yes

Initial Samples Received Date:

18 Jun 2012

Payload:

Displays fake alerts, Connects to URLs/IPs

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 copies of itself into the affected system and executes them:

%System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{Random Name 1}.exe
%System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{Random Name 2}.exe

(Note: %System Root% is the root folder, which is usually C:\. It is also where the operating system is located.)

It drops the following files:

%Desktop%\Data_Recovery.lnk
%Start Menu%\Programs\Data Recovery\Data Recovery.lnk
%Start Menu%\Programs\Data Recovery\Uninstall Data Recovery.lnk
%System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{Random Name 2}
%System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\-{Random Name 2}
%System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\-{Random Name 2}r
%User Profile%\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\Data_Recovery.lnk

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

It creates the following folders:

%Start Menu%\Programs\Data Recovery
%User Temp%\smtmp
%User Temp%\smtmp\1
%User Temp%\smtmp\2

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

It terminates the execution of the copy it initially executed and executes the copy it drops instead.

Autostart Technique

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
{Random Name 1}.exe = "%System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{Random Name 1}.exe"

Other System Modifications

This Trojan adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Taskband

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
User Shell Folders\New

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
ActiveDesktop

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Associations

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Attachments

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
ESENT\Process\{Random Name 2}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
ESENT\Process\{Random Name 2}\
DEBUG

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
0df15996-87ec-4c84-a01b-a82c457edea3 = ""

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
nsreg = "{hex values}"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
pth = "{hex values}"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
Use FormSuggest = "Yes"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
EnableAutoTray = "0"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Taskband
_Favorites = "{hex values}"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
ActiveDesktop
HidNoChangingWallPaperden = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Associations
LowRiskFileTypes = ".zip;.rar;.nfo;.txt;.exe;.bat;.com;.cmd;.reg;.msi;.htm;.html;.gif;.bmp;.jpg;.avi;.mpg;.mpeg;.mov;.mp3;.m3u;.wav;.scr;"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Attachments
SaveZoneInformation = "1"

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

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
DisableTaskMgr = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
ESENT\Process\{Random Name 2}\
DEBUG
TraceLevel = ""

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
system
DisableTaskMgr = "0"

It modifies the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\WinTrust\
Trust Providers\Software Publishing
State = "23e00"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 23c00.)

Web Browser Home Page and Search Page Modification

This Trojan modifies Internet Explorer zone settings.

Other Details

This Trojan deletes the initially executed copy of itself

NOTES:

This Trojan sets the attributes of all files on the affected system into Hidden to trick users that the files have been deleted.

It moves specific files in the following folders:

From: %System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu
To: %User Temp%\smtmp\1
From: %User Profile%\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
To: %User Temp%\smtmp\2

It displays the following fake alerts upon installation:

If the user clicks on Scan and repair, it drops and executes the following file:

%System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{Random Name 2}.exe - also detected by Trend Micro as TROJ_FAKEAV.HRM

The dropped file then pretends to scan the system for disk errors.

After doing the fake scan, it displays the following window:

Upon clicking the Repair 7 Issues button, the following window is displayed:

If the Buy license now is clicked, it connects to any of the following URLs to get user billing information:

http://{BLOCKED}tionc.com
http://{BLOCKED}iard.com
http://{BLOCKED}uinesc.com
http://{BLOCKED}fite.com
http://{BLOCKED}edalid.com
http://{BLOCKED}daro.com

It displays the following window which contains the form to get the user's billing information:

If the I already have an activation code. Click here to activate button is clicked, the following window is displayed:

SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine:

9.200

FIRST VSAPI PATTERN FILE:

9.208.03

FIRST VSAPI PATTERN DATE:

21 Jun 2012

VSAPI OPR PATTERN File:

9.209.00

VSAPI OPR PATTERN Date:

22 Jun 2012

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

Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product and note files detected as TROJ_FAKEAV.HRM

Step 3

Restart in Safe Mode

[ Learn More ]

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\Explorer
- Taskband
In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders
- New
In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
- ActiveDesktop
In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
- Associations
In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
- Attachments
In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
- System
In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\ESENT\Process
- {Random Name 2}

Step 5

Delete this registry value

[ Learn More ]

In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software

0df15996-87ec-4c84-a01b-a82c457edea3 = ""

In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software

nsreg = "{hex values}"

In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software

pth = "{hex values}"

In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main

Use FormSuggest = "Yes"

In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer

EnableAutoTray = "0"