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PUA.Win32.SpyTech.AA

January 20, 2020
 ALIASES:

Trojan.Win32.Swisyn.ftnr (Kaspersky)

 PLATFORM:

Windows

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

  • Threat Type: Potentially Unwanted Application

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

This Potentially Unwanted Application arrives on a system as a file dropped by other malware or as a file downloaded unknowingly by users when visiting malicious sites.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size:

1,065,664 bytes

File Type:

EXE

Memory Resident:

Yes

Initial Samples Received Date:

20 Jan 2020

Arrival Details

This Potentially Unwanted Application 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 Potentially Unwanted Application adds the following processes:

  • "%Program Files%\KSYSCO~1\config.bat"
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\config.bat
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Keystroke Spy
  • powershell -Command "Start-Process powershell \"-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -inputformat none -outputformat none -NonInteractive -Command `\"Add-MpPreference -ExclusionPath '%Program Files%\ksysconfig'`\"\" -Verb RunAs"
  • %System%\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -inputformat none -outputformat none -NonInteractive -Command "Add-MpPreference -ExclusionPath '%Program Files%\ksysconfig'"

(Note: %Program Files% is the default Program Files folder, usually C:\Program Files in Windows 2000(32-bit), Server 2003(32-bit), XP, Vista(64-bit), 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit) , or C:\Program Files (x86) in Windows XP(64-bit), Vista(64-bit), 7(64-bit), 8(64-bit), 8.1(64-bit), 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).. %All Users Profile% is the common user's profile folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\All Users on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\ProgramData on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit). . %System% is the Windows system folder, where it usually is C:\Windows\System32 on all Windows operating system versions.)

It creates the following folders:

  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Keystroke Spy
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
  • %All Users Profile%\Application Data
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft
  • %All Users Profile%\Application Data\ks
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu

(Note: %All Users Profile% is the common user's profile folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\All Users on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\ProgramData on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit). . %Program Files% is the default Program Files folder, usually C:\Program Files in Windows 2000(32-bit), Server 2003(32-bit), XP, Vista(64-bit), 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit) , or C:\Program Files (x86) in Windows XP(64-bit), Vista(64-bit), 7(64-bit), 8(64-bit), 8.1(64-bit), 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).)

Other System Modifications

This Potentially Unwanted Application modifies the following file(s):

  • %All Users Profile%\ks\ntuser.dat

(Note: %All Users Profile% is the common user's profile folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\All Users on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\ProgramData on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit). )

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\
Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\Shell\Bags\
91\Shell
KnownFolderDerivedFolderType = "{57807898-8C4F-4462-BB63-71042380B109}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Keystroke Spy
DisplayName = "Keystroke Spy"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Uninstall\Keystroke Spy
UninstallString = "%Windows%\unvise32.exe %Program Files%\ksysconfig\uninstal.log"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\
Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
SharedDLLs\%Windows%
unvise32.exe = "1"

Dropping Routine

This Potentially Unwanted Application drops the following files:

  • %All Users Profile%\ks\ntuser.dat
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\config.bat
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS4551.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Keystroke Spy\Remove Keystroke Spy.lnk
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS44c4.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS3bee.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Keystroke Spy\Help Documentation.lnk
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VISf1e1.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Keystroke Spy\Keystroke Spy.lnk
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS4503.TMP
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\csrss.exe
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS3aa7.TMP
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\Keystroke Spy Help Documentation.url
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS49e3.TMP
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\NoStealth.exe
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Keystroke Spy\Stop Stealth Mode.lnk
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\clfct.dll
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS4a12.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS49c4.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS4966.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS3bc0.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VISce3d.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS3af5.TMP
  • %Windows%\unvise32.exe
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\smss.exe
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\KDriver32.dll
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS44b5.TMP
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\readme!.txt
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\license.txt
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\xxxxxxxx.yyy
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VISf145.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Application Data\ks\ntuser.dat
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS397e.TMP
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\uninstal.log
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS4b4a.TMP
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\jimglib.dll
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\uninstall.dll
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS4570.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VISf155.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS3ab6.TMP

(Note: %All Users Profile% is the common user's profile folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\All Users on Windows 2000(32-bit), XP, and Server 2003(32-bit), or C:\ProgramData on Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit). . %Program Files% is the default Program Files folder, usually C:\Program Files in Windows 2000(32-bit), Server 2003(32-bit), XP, Vista(64-bit), 7, 8, 8.1, 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit) , or C:\Program Files (x86) in Windows XP(64-bit), Vista(64-bit), 7(64-bit), 8(64-bit), 8.1(64-bit), 2008(64-bit), 2012(64-bit) and 10(64-bit).. %Windows% is the Windows folder, where it usually is C:\Windows on all Windows operating system versions.)

This report is generated via an automated analysis system.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine:

9.850

Step 1

Before doing any scans, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 users must disable System Restore to allow full scanning of their computers.

Step 2

Identify and terminate files detected as PUA.Win32.SpyTech.AA

[ Learn More ]
  1. Windows Task Manager may not display all running processes. In this case, please use a third-party process viewer, preferably Process Explorer, to terminate the malware/grayware/spyware file. You may download the said tool here.
  2. If the detected file is displayed in either Windows Task Manager or Process Explorer but you cannot delete it, restart your computer in safe mode. To do this, refer to this link for the complete steps.
  3. If the detected file is not displayed in either Windows Task Manager or Process Explorer, continue doing the next steps.

Step 3

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\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\91\Shell
    • KnownFolderDerivedFolderType = "{57807898-8C4F-4462-BB63-71042380B109}"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Keystroke Spy
    • DisplayName = "Keystroke Spy"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Keystroke Spy
    • UninstallString = "%Windows%\unvise32.exe %Program Files%\ksysconfig\uninstal.log"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SharedDLLs\%Windows%
    • unvise32.exe = "1"

Step 4

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.
  • %All Users Profile%\ks\ntuser.dat
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\config.bat
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS4551.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Keystroke Spy\Remove Keystroke Spy.lnk
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS44c4.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS3bee.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Keystroke Spy\Help Documentation.lnk
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VISf1e1.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Keystroke Spy\Keystroke Spy.lnk
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS4503.TMP
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\csrss.exe
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS3aa7.TMP
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\Keystroke Spy Help Documentation.url
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS49e3.TMP
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\NoStealth.exe
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Keystroke Spy\Stop Stealth Mode.lnk
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\clfct.dll
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS4a12.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS49c4.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS4966.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS3bc0.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VISce3d.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS3af5.TMP
  • %Windows%\unvise32.exe
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\smss.exe
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\KDriver32.dll
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS44b5.TMP
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\readme!.txt
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\license.txt
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\xxxxxxxx.yyy
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VISf145.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Application Data\ks\ntuser.dat
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS397e.TMP
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\uninstal.log
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS4b4a.TMP
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\jimglib.dll
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig\uninstall.dll
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS4570.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VISf155.TMP
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\VIS3ab6.TMP

Step 5

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.
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Keystroke Spy
  • %Program Files%\ksysconfig
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
  • %All Users Profile%\Application Data
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft
  • %All Users Profile%\Application Data\ks
  • %All Users Profile%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu

Step 6

Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as PUA.Win32.SpyTech.AA. 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 the following Trend Micro Support pages for more information:

Step 7

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.

    • %All Users Profile%\ks\ntuser.dat


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