TROJ_FAKEAV.FGF
Windows 2000, Windows XP, Server 2003
Threat Type: Trojan
Destructiveness: No
Encrypted: Yes
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 does not have any propagation routine.
It modifies the Internet Explorer Zone Settings.
It does not have any downloading capability.
It deletes the initially executed copy of itself.
It displays fake alerts that warn users of infection. It also displays fake scanning results of the affected system. It then asks for users to purchase it once scanning is completed. If users decide to purchase the rogue product, users are directed to a certain website asking for sensitive information, such as credit card numbers. When users agree to buy the software, it connects to a certain URL.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
452,856 bytes
EXE
Yes
05 Jan 2012
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 files:
- %System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{random filename2}.exe - also detected as TROJ_FAKEAV.FGF
(Note: %System Root% is the root folder, which is usually C:\. It is also where the operating system is located.)
It drops the following non-malicious files:
- %System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{random filename2}
- %User Profile%\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\System Check.lnk
- %Desktop%\System Check.lnk
- %Start Menu%\Programs\System Check\System Check.lnk
- %Start Menu%\Programs\System Check\Uninstall System Check.lnk
(Note: %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.. %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.)
It drops the following copies of itself into the affected system:
- %System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{random filename1}.exe
(Note: %System Root% is the root folder, which is usually C:\. It is also where the operating system is located.)
It creates the following folders:
- %User Temp%\smtmp
- %User Temp%\smtmp\1
- %User Temp%\smtmp\2
- %User Temp%\smtmp\3
- %User Temp%\smtmp\4
- %Start Menu%\Programs\System Check
(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.. %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.)
Autostart Technique
This Trojan adds the following registry entries to enable its automatic execution at every system startup:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
{random filename1} = "%System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{random filename1}.exe"
Other System Modifications
This Trojan adds the following registry entries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel
5761b2dc-ce77-4bfa-b965-6f33b1867cf2 = ""
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel
7f6b3266-31c5-43a8-9547-e7911ad6fb33 = ""
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel
nsreg = "{hex value}"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel
bin = "{hex value}"
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\Policies\
ActiveDesktop
NoChangingWallPaper = "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\
System
DisableTaskMgr = "1"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer
NoDesktop = "1"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
system
DisableTaskMgr = "1"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
Use FormSuggest = "Yes"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
WarnOnZoneCrossing = "0"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
WarnonBadCertRecving = "0"
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
CertificateRevocation = "0"
It modifies the following registry entries:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Download
CheckExeSignatures = "no"
(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is yes.)
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\Explorer\
Advanced
ShowSuperHidden = "0"
(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 1.)
Propagation
This Trojan does not have any propagation routine.
Web Browser Home Page and Search Page Modification
This Trojan modifies the Internet Explorer Zone Settings.
Download Routine
This Trojan does not have any downloading capability.
Other Details
This Trojan deletes the initially executed copy of itself
Rogue Antivirus Routine
This Trojan displays fake alerts that warn users of infection. It also displays fake scanning results of the affected system. It then asks for users to purchase it once scanning is completed. If users decide to purchase the rogue product, users are directed to a certain website asking for sensitive information, such as credit card numbers.
When users agree to buy the software, it connects to the following URL to continue the purchase:
- {BLOCKED}al.com
- {BLOCKED}route.com
- {BLOCKED}al.com
- {BLOCKED}port.com
- {BLOCKED}oadven.com
- {BLOCKED}ry.com
- {BLOCKED}ll.com
- {BLOCKED}ndry.com
- {BLOCKED}te.com
- {BLOCKED}lolandou.com
- {BLOCKED}lanolex.com
- {BLOCKED}cham.biz
- {BLOCKED}gycircuit.com
- {BLOCKED}onwhits.com
- {BLOCKED}aion.com
NOTES:
This malware moves specific files in the following directories:
Operating System major version is 5 (Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003):
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\
From: %System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop\
To: %User Temp%\smtmp\4\
Operating System major version is 6 (Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7)
From: %System Root%\ProgramData\Start Menu\
To: %User Temp%\smtmp\1\
From: %User Profile%\Application Data\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\
To: %User Temp%\smtmp\2\
From: %User Profile%\Application Data\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar\
To: %User Temp%\smtmp\3\
From: %System Root%\ProgramData\Desktop\
To: %User Temp%\smtmp\4\
It also modifies the attributes of files found on the affected system into Hidden to trick the users that the files have been deleted.
This malware does not have rootkit capabilities.
This malware does not exploit any vulnerability.
SOLUTION
9.200
8.688.03
05 Jan 2012
8.689.00
06 Jan 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.FGF
Step 3
Restart in Safe Mode
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\Run
- {random filename1} = "%System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{random filename1}.exe"
- {random filename1} = "%System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{random filename1}.exe"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel
- 5761b2dc-ce77-4bfa-b965-6f33b1867cf2 = ""
- 5761b2dc-ce77-4bfa-b965-6f33b1867cf2 = ""
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel
- 7f6b3266-31c5-43a8-9547-e7911ad6fb33 = ""
- 7f6b3266-31c5-43a8-9547-e7911ad6fb33 = ""
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel
- nsreg = "{hex value}"
- nsreg = "{hex value}"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel
- bin = "{hex value}"
- bin = "{hex value}"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
- Use FormSuggest = "Yes"
- Use FormSuggest = "Yes"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
- EnableAutoTray = "0"
- EnableAutoTray = "0"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ActiveDesktop
- NoChangingWallPaper = "1"
- NoChangingWallPaper = "1"
- In 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;"
- LowRiskFileTypes = ".zip;.rar;.nfo;.txt;.exe;.bat;.com;.cmd;.reg;.msi;.htm;.html;.gif;.bmp;.jpg;.avi;.mpg;.mpeg;.mov;.mp3;.m3u;.wav;.scr;"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments
- SaveZoneInformation = "1"
- SaveZoneInformation = "1"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
- DisableTaskMgr = "1"
- DisableTaskMgr = "1"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
- NoDesktop = "1"
- NoDesktop = "1"
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\system
- DisableTaskMgr = "1"
- DisableTaskMgr = "1"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
- Use FormSuggest = "Yes"
- Use FormSuggest = "Yes"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
- WarnOnZoneCrossing = "0"
- WarnOnZoneCrossing = "0"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
- WarnonBadCertRecving = "0"
- WarnonBadCertRecving = "0"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
- CertificateRevocation = "0"
- CertificateRevocation = "0"
Step 5
Restore this modified 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\Internet Explorer\Download
- From: CheckExeSignatures = "no"
To: CheckExeSignatures = "yes"
- From: CheckExeSignatures = "no"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
- From: Hidden = "0"
To: Hidden = "1"
- From: Hidden = "0"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
- From: ShowSuperHidden = "0"
To: ShowSuperHidden = "1"
- From: ShowSuperHidden = "0"
Step 6
Search and delete this folder
- %Start Menu%\Programs\System Check
Step 7
Search and delete these files
- %System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\{random filename2}
- %User Profile%\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\System Check.lnk
- %Desktop%\System Check.lnk
Step 8
Reset Internet security settings
Step 9
Restart in normal mode and scan your computer with your Trend Micro product for files detected as TROJ_FAKEAV.FGF. 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.
NOTES:
Additional Clean Instructions:
To unhide the files hidden by this malware, perform the following steps:
- Open a Command Prompt.
For Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 users:
Click Start > Run, type CMD in the text box provided, and then press Enter.For Windows Vista and Windows 7 users:
Click the Start button, type CMD in the Search input field then press Enter. - For every drive in the computer, type the following command:
•attrib -h {drive letter}:\*.* /s /d - Close Command Prompt. Type exit then press Enter.
To Restore Files to its Original Location:
Open %User Temp%\smtmp and copy the files as follows:
If operating system major version is 5 (Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003):
From: %User Temp%\smtmp\1\
To: %System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\
From: %User Temp%\smtmp\2\
To: %User Profile%\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\
From: %User Temp%\smtmp\4\
To: %System Root%\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop\
If operating system major version is 6 (Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7)
From: %User Temp%\smtmp\1\
To: %System Root%\ProgramData\Start Menu\
From: %User Temp%\smtmp\2\
To: %User Profile%\Application Data\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\
From: %User Temp%\smtmp\3\
To: %User Profile%\Application Data\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar\
From: %User Temp%\smtmp\4\
To: %System Root%\ProgramData\Desktop\
After moving the files, delete the folder %User Temp%\smtmp.
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