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TSPY_TEPFER.CNW

December 19, 2013
 PLATFORM:

Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003

 OVERALL RISK RATING:
 REPORTED INFECTION:
 SYSTEM IMPACT RATING:
 INFORMATION EXPOSURE:

  • Threat Type: Spyware

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW


This spyware 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:

106,496 bytes

File Type:

EXE

Memory Resident:

Yes

Initial Samples Received Date:

19 Dec 2013

Arrival Details

This spyware 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 spyware drops the following copies of itself into the affected system:

  • \?\C:\Program Files\Reference Assemblies\PMlvwjdp.exe
  • \?\C:\Documents and Settings\Wilbert\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\aJTdzIeE.exe
  • %User Temp%\nJaMdEHM.exe

(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.)

It creates the following folders:

  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy
  • %Application Data%\cssCKgnt
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\css
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/content

(Note: %Application Data% is the current user's Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming on Windows Vista and 7.)

Autostart Technique

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

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
ZiHyZnrI = "%Application Data%\Microsoft\aJTdzIeE.exe"

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Userinit = "%System%\userinit.exe,,%Program Files%\Reference Assemblies\PMlvwjdp.exe"

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

Other System Modifications

This spyware modifies the following file(s):

  • %User Profile%\Application Data\Microsoft

(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.)

It deletes the following files:

  • \?\C:\Program Files\Reference Assemblies\PMlvwjdp.exe:Zone.Identifier
  • \?\C:\Documents and Settings\Wilbert\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\aJTdzIeE.exe:Zone.Identifier
  • %User Startup%\RbKsrITa.exe:Zone.Identifier
  • %User Temp%\nJaMdEHM.exe:Zone.Identifier

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

It deletes the following folders:

  • %System Root%\{A14913F0-13E4-848E-F528-66C3B4FB4FC0}

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

It adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
system

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
ID = "{random values}"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
ID = "{random values}"

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

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
PeriodDisabed = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
PeriodDisabed = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\
Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\
FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile
DisableNotifications = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\
Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\
FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile
DoNotAllowExceptions = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\
Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\
FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile
EnableFirewall = "0"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Security Center
UacDisableNotify = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
Personal = "4.31.163.2_Level 3 Communications_Virginia_Richmond"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
Personal = "4.31.163.2_Level 3 Communications_Virginia_Richmond"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
LID = "2891b81e"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
LID = "2891b81e"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
Landing = "%Application Data%\kzpIsLLy"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
Landing = "%Application Data%\kzpIsLLy"

It modifies the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\
Services\wscsvc
Start = "4"

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\
Services\wuauserv
Start = "4"

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Security Center
AntiVirusOverride = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Security Center
AntiVirusDisableNotify = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Security Center
FirewallDisableNotify = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Security Center
FirewallOverride = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Security Center
UpdatesDisableNotify = "1"

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

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

Dropping Routine

This spyware drops the following files:

  • %User Temp%\nJaMdEHM.exe
  • %User Profile%\Microsoft\Crypto
  • %User Profile%\Crypto\RSA
  • %User Profile%\RSA\S-1-5-21-1645522239-1292428093-682003330-1003
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\css/all.css
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\css/style-custom.css
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/arrow.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/bg-box-bottom.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/bg-box.jpg
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/bg-btn-sprite.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/bg-header-repeat.gif
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/bg-html.jpg
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/bg-li.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/bg-track.gif
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/content/img1.jpg
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/content/img2.jpg
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/content/img3.jpg
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/content/img4.jpg
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/dominicks.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/dotted-copy.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/dotted-small.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/dotted.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/epay.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/genuardis.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/logo-ie.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/logo.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/moneypack.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/nowprepay.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/oder.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/paysafe.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/pioneer.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/precash.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/price.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/safeway.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/sagamie.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/shoprite.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/total.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/usa.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/webcam.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/x.jpg
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\index.html
  • %User Startup%\RbKsrITa.exe

(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.. %Application Data% is the current user's Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming on Windows Vista and 7.. %User Startup% is the current user's Startup folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Profiles\{user name}\Start Menu\Programs\Startup on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\Profiles\{user name}\Start Menu\Programs\Startup on Windows NT, and C:\Documents and Settings\{User name}\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.)

This report is generated via an automated analysis system.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine:

9.300

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

Identify and delete files detected as TSPY_TEPFER.CNW 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/spyware.

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_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
    • {EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
    • {EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies
    • system

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_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • ZiHyZnrI = "%Application Data%\Microsoft\aJTdzIeE.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
    • ID = "{random values}"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
    • ID = "{random values}"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
    • EnableLUA = "0"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
    • PeriodDisabed = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
    • PeriodDisabed = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile
    • DisableNotifications = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile
    • DoNotAllowExceptions = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile
    • EnableFirewall = "0"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center
    • UacDisableNotify = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
    • Personal = "4.31.163.2_Level 3 Communications_Virginia_Richmond"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
    • Personal = "4.31.163.2_Level 3 Communications_Virginia_Richmond"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
    • LID = "2891b81e"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
    • LID = "2891b81e"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
    • Landing = "%Application Data%\kzpIsLLy"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\{EDDF73F5-5E7A-CF14-30BF-A14913F07575}
    • Landing = "%Application Data%\kzpIsLLy"

Step 6

Restore these modified registry values

[ 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_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\wscsvc
    • From: Start = "4"
      To: Start = ""2""
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\wuauserv
    • From: Start = "4"
      To: Start = ""2""
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center
    • AntiVirusOverride = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center
    • AntiVirusDisableNotify = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center
    • FirewallDisableNotify = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center
    • FirewallOverride = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center
    • UpdatesDisableNotify = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
    • From: Userinit = "%System%\userinit.exe,,%Program Files%\Reference Assemblies\PMlvwjdp.exe"
      To: Userinit = ""%Windows%\system32\userinit.exe,""

Step 7

Search and delete these components

[ Learn More ]
There may be some components 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 Temp%\nJaMdEHM.exe
  • %User Profile%\Microsoft\Crypto
  • %User Profile%\Crypto\RSA
  • %User Profile%\RSA\S-1-5-21-1645522239-1292428093-682003330-1003
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\css/all.css
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\css/style-custom.css
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/arrow.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/bg-box-bottom.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/bg-box.jpg
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/bg-btn-sprite.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/bg-header-repeat.gif
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/bg-html.jpg
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/bg-li.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/bg-track.gif
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/content/img1.jpg
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/content/img2.jpg
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/content/img3.jpg
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/content/img4.jpg
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/dominicks.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/dotted-copy.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/dotted-small.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/dotted.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/epay.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/genuardis.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/logo-ie.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/logo.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/moneypack.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/nowprepay.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/oder.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/paysafe.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/pioneer.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/precash.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/price.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/safeway.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/sagamie.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/shoprite.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/total.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/usa.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/webcam.png
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/x.jpg
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\index.html
  • %User Startup%\RbKsrITa.exe

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.
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy
  • %Application Data%\cssCKgnt
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\css
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images
  • %Application Data%\kzpIsLLy\images/content

Step 9

Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as TSPY_TEPFER.CNW. 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 10

Restore deleted/modified files and/or registry entries from backup

*Note: Only Microsoft-related files/keys/values will be restored. If this malware/grayware also deleted registry keys/values related to programs that are not from Microsoft, please reinstall those programs on your computer.

    • %User Profile%\Application Data\Microsoft

Step 11

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.

  • \?\C:\Program Files\Reference Assemblies\PMlvwjdp.exe:Zone.Identifier
  • \?\C:\Documents and Settings\Wilbert\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\aJTdzIeE.exe:Zone.Identifier
  • %User Startup%\RbKsrITa.exe:Zone.Identifier
  • %User Temp%\nJaMdEHM.exe:Zone.Identifier


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