TROJ_STARTP.SMIW


 ALIASES:

Trojan:Win32/Startpage.LQ (Microsoft); Generic StartPage!zv (McAfee); ARC:NSIS, [data0001]:Trojan-Dropper.Win32.StartPage.avl, [myie.vbs]:Trojan.VBS.StartPage.fp, [myie.v (Kaspersky); Trojan.Win32.Generic!BT (Sunbelt); Dropped:Trojan.StartPage.ZTB (FSecure)

 PLATFORM:

Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003

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

  • Threat Type: Trojan

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • 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 disables Task Manager, Registry Editor, and Folder Options.

It deletes itself after execution.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size:

61,440 bytes

File Type:

EXE

Memory Resident:

No

Initial Samples Received Date:

18 Apr 2012

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 creates the following folders:

  • %System Root%\DOCUME~1
  • %System Root%\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1
  • %User Profile%\LOCALS~1
  • %User Temp%\nsl3.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Internet Explorer\MUI
  • %Program Files%\lnkfiles
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp

(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:\Documents and Settings\{user name} on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name} on Windows Vista and 7.. %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.. %Program Files% is the default Program Files folder, usually C:\Program Files in Windows 2000, Server 2003, and XP (32-bit), Vista (32-bit), and 7 (32-bit), or C:\Program Files (x86) in Windows XP (64-bit), Vista (64-bit), and 7 (64-bit).)

Other System Modifications

This Trojan deletes the following files:

  • %User Temp%\nsl1.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsl3.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsl3.tmp\ns4.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsl3.tmp\ns5.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsp6.tmp
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Au_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Bu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Cu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Du_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Eu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Fu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Gu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Hu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Iu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Ju_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Ku_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Lu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Mu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Nu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Ou_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Pu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Qu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Ru_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Su_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Tu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Uu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Vu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Wu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Xu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Yu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Zu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\nsw8.tmp
  • %User Temp%\sogou.ini

(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 adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
HideDesktopIcons\ClassicStartMenu

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
.kbb

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
HideDesktopIcons\ClassicStartMenu
{871C5380-42A0-1069-A2EA-08002B30309D} = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel
{871C5380-42A0-1069-A2EA-08002B30309D} = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows Script Host\Settings
Enabled = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\ShellNoRoam\MUICache
@C:\WINDOWS\system32\SHELL32.dll,-30520 = "Internet Explorer"

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

It modifies the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
StartPage
Favorites = "{random values}"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dropping Routine

This Trojan drops the following files:

  • %User Temp%\nsb2.tmp
  • %System%\flash.scf
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\System\ado\myie.vbs
  • %Program Files%\Messenger\Messenger.kbb
  • %Program Files%\Messenger\taodwq.ico
  • %User Temp%\nsl3.tmp\System.dll
  • %User Temp%\uninst.exe
  • %User Temp%\nsl3.tmp\nsProcess.dll
  • %User Temp%\nsl3.tmp\nsExec.dll
  • %Program Files%\lnkfiles\15.txt
  • %User Temp%\nsp7.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsl9.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsl3.tmp\ns4.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsl3.tmp\ns5.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Internet Explorer\MUI\iexplore.exe
  • %Program Files%\Messenger\Ntype.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Au_.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.. %System% is the Windows system folder, which is usually C:\Windows\System32.. %Program Files% is the default Program Files folder, usually C:\Program Files in Windows 2000, Server 2003, and XP (32-bit), Vista (32-bit), and 7 (32-bit), or C:\Program Files (x86) in Windows XP (64-bit), Vista (64-bit), and 7 (64-bit).)

Other Details

This Trojan deletes itself after execution.

This report is generated via an automated analysis system.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine:

9.200

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

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 3

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\HideDesktopIcons
    • ClassicStartMenu
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons
    • NewStartPanel
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes
    • .kbb

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\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\ClassicStartMenu
    • {871C5380-42A0-1069-A2EA-08002B30309D} = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel
    • {871C5380-42A0-1069-A2EA-08002B30309D} = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Script Host\Settings
    • Enabled = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam\MUICache
    • @C:\WINDOWS\system32\SHELL32.dll,-30520 = "Internet Explorer"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
    • ShowSuperHidden = "0"

Step 5

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_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StartPage
    • From: Favorites = "{random values}"
      To: Favorites = ""{random values}""
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
    • From: Hidden = "2"
      To: Hidden = ""2""
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
    • SuperHidden = "0"

Step 6

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%\nsb2.tmp
  • %System%\flash.scf
  • %Program Files%\Common Files\System\ado\myie.vbs
  • %Program Files%\Messenger\Messenger.kbb
  • %Program Files%\Messenger\taodwq.ico
  • %User Temp%\nsl3.tmp\System.dll
  • %User Temp%\uninst.exe
  • %User Temp%\nsl3.tmp\nsProcess.dll
  • %User Temp%\nsl3.tmp\nsExec.dll
  • %Program Files%\lnkfiles\15.txt
  • %User Temp%\nsp7.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsl9.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsl3.tmp\ns4.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsl3.tmp\ns5.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Internet Explorer\MUI\iexplore.exe
  • %Program Files%\Messenger\Ntype.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Au_.exe

Step 7

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.
  • %System Root%\DOCUME~1
  • %System Root%\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1
  • %User Profile%\LOCALS~1
  • %User Temp%\nsl3.tmp
  • %Program Files%\Internet Explorer\MUI
  • %Program Files%\lnkfiles
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp

Step 8

Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as TROJ_STARTP.SMIW. 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 9

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.

  • %User Temp%\nsl1.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsl3.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsl3.tmp\ns4.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsl3.tmp\ns5.tmp
  • %User Temp%\nsp6.tmp
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Au_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Bu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Cu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Du_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Eu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Fu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Gu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Hu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Iu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Ju_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Ku_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Lu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Mu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Nu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Ou_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Pu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Qu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Ru_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Su_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Tu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Uu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Vu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Wu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Xu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Yu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\~nsu.tmp\Zu_.exe
  • %User Temp%\nsw8.tmp
  • %User Temp%\sogou.ini


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