TSPY_TEPFER.AXJ

September 07, 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.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size:

819,200 bytes

File Type:

EXE

Memory Resident:

Yes

Initial Samples Received Date:

07 Sep 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.

Autostart Technique

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

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
SonyAgent = "{malware path and file name}"

Other System Modifications

This spyware adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Shell Folders
MinChangedStyle = "{random values}"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Shell Folders
HandlerCompressedLast = "DADcMph6S2WEhOXEDdNmSwv4fl8CF/BUDjHBrK3hnWiGZqkPTkCPe/eC1YTEPk373Q=="

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Shell Folders
StyleLoadedMax = "5"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Shell Folders
TypeEnabledCheck = "{random values}"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Shell Folders
UrlEnabledUse = "{random values}"

Dropping Routine

This spyware drops the following files:

  • %System Root%\tmp.exe
  • %System%\Packet.dll
  • %System%\wpcap.dll
  • %System%\drivers\npf.sys

(Note: %System Root% is the root folder, which is usually C:\. It is also where the operating system is located.. %System% is the Windows system folder, which is usually C:\Windows\System32.)

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

Restart in Safe Mode

[ Learn More ]

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_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • SonyAgent = "{malware path and file name}"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders
    • MinChangedStyle = "{random values}"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders
    • HandlerCompressedLast = "DADcMph6S2WEhOXEDdNmSwv4fl8CF/BUDjHBrK3hnWiGZqkPTkCPe/eC1YTEPk373Q=="
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders
    • StyleLoadedMax = "5"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders
    • TypeEnabledCheck = "{random values}"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders
    • UrlEnabledUse = "{random values}"

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.
  • %System Root%\tmp.exe
  • %System%\Packet.dll
  • %System%\wpcap.dll
  • %System%\drivers\npf.sys

Step 5

Restart in normal mode and scan your computer with your Trend Micro product for files detected as TSPY_TEPFER.AXJ. 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.


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