WORM_TASKILL.TEL


 PLATFORM:

Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP (32-bit, 64-bit), Windows Vista (32-bit, 64-bit), Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit)

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

  • Threat Type: Worm

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

This worm 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:

14 Jul 2014

Arrival Details

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

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
MISS_U = "%System%\Config\USERXP.exe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Love = "%System%\Config\USERXP.exe"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
USERXP = "%System%\Config\USERXP.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
Shell = "Explorer.exe %System%\USERXP.exe"

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

Other System Modifications

This worm deletes the following files:

  • %Temp%\scs1.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs1D.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs3.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs1F.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs4.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs15.tmp
  • %Temp%\scsA.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs20.tmp
  • %Temp%\scsD.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs2E.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs10.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs31.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs14.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs34.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs16.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs39.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs13.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs36.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs12.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs32.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs1E.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs35.tmp

(Note: %Temp% is the Windows Temporary folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Temp.)

It adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg\
My_Love

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg\
MyDream

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\
Microsoft\Windows\System

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\
Microsoft\Windows\System

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Group Policy Objects\
LocalUser\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg
Command = "%System%\Config\USERXP.exe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg
hkey = "HKCU"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg
inimapping = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg
Key = "Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
KILLME = "%System%\Config\USERXP.exe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg\
My_Love
Command = "%System%\Config\Killer.exe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg\
My_Love
hkey = "HKCU"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg\
My_Love
inimapping = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg\
My_Love
Key = "Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg\
MyDream
Command = "%System%\Config\USERXP.exe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg\
MyDream
hkey = "HKCU"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg\
MyDream
inimapping = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg\
MyDream
Key = "Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\
Microsoft\Windows\System
DisableCMD = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
Explorer
NoControlPanel = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
Explorer
NoRun = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\
Microsoft\Windows\System
DisableGPO = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
NoDispCPL = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
NoRun = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Group Policy Objects\
LocalUser\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
DisableRegistryTools = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
NoSearch = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\
AllFilesystemObjects\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers
ShortcutShredXP = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\
Explorer
NoViewContextMenu = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
Wallpaperoriginy = "Distance in Pixels"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
NoDispAppearancePage = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
NoDispBackgroundPage = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
NoDispScrSavPage = "1"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
NoDispSettingsPage = "1"

It modifies the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
PowerOffActive = "1"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 0.)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\
WindowMetrics
Shell Icon Size = "32"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is 32.)

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"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
System
DisableRegistryTools = "1"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This report is generated via an automated analysis system.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine:

9.700

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 WORM_TASKILL.TEL 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_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
    • System
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Msconfig
    • startupeg
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg
    • My_Love
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg
    • MyDream
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
    • System
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
    • Explorer
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
    • System
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Group Policy Objects\LocalUser\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
    • MISS_U = "%System%\Config\USERXP.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • Love = "%System%\Config\USERXP.exe"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    • USERXP = "%System%\Config\USERXP.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg
    • Command = "%System%\Config\USERXP.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg
    • hkey = "HKCU"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg
    • inimapping = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg
    • Key = "Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
    • KILLME = "%System%\Config\USERXP.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg\My_Love
    • Command = "%System%\Config\Killer.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg\My_Love
    • hkey = "HKCU"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg\My_Love
    • inimapping = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg\My_Love
    • Key = "Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg\MyDream
    • Command = "%System%\Config\USERXP.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg\MyDream
    • hkey = "HKCU"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg\MyDream
    • inimapping = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\Msconfig\startupeg\MyDream
    • Key = "Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System
    • DisableCMD = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer
    • NoControlPanel = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer
    • NoRun = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System
    • DisableGPO = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • NoDispCPL = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • NoRun = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Group Policy Objects\LocalUser\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • DisableRegistryTools = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • NoSearch = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\AllFilesystemObjects\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers
    • ShortcutShredXP = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer
    • NoViewContextMenu = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
    • Wallpaperoriginy = "Distance in Pixels"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
    • NoDispAppearancePage = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
    • NoDispBackgroundPage = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
    • NoDispScrSavPage = "1"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies
    • NoDispSettingsPage = "1"

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_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
    • From: PowerOffActive = "1"
      To: PowerOffActive = ""0""
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics
    • From: Shell Icon Size = "32"
      To: Shell Icon Size = ""32""
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
    • From: Shell = "Explorer.exe %System%\USERXP.exe"
      To: Shell = ""Explorer.exe""

Step 7

Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as WORM_TASKILL.TEL. 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 8

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.

  • %Temp%\scs1.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs1D.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs3.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs1F.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs4.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs15.tmp
  • %Temp%\scsA.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs20.tmp
  • %Temp%\scsD.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs2E.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs10.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs31.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs14.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs34.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs16.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs39.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs13.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs36.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs12.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs32.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs1E.tmp
  • %Temp%\scs35.tmp


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