BKDR_ESSEMS.SZP
Windows 2000, XP, Server 2003
![](/vinfo/imgFiles/legend.jpg)
Threat Type: Backdoor
Destructiveness: Yes
Encrypted: No
In the wild: Yes
OVERVIEW
This backdoor has the capability to create its own server component.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Autostart Technique
This backdoor registers itself as a system service to ensure its automatic execution at every system startup by adding the following registry entries:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\ssms
Type = 272
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\ssms
Start = 2
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\ssms
ErrorControl = 0
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\ssms
ImagePath = "{malware path and file name} -run"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\ssms
DisplayName = "System Security Manager Service"
Backdoor Routine
This backdoor has the capability to create its own server component.
It opens the following port(s) where it listens for remote commands:
- TCP port 138
SOLUTION
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
Identify and terminate files detected as BKDR_ESSEMS.SZP
- 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.
- 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 key
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\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
- ssms
- ssms
Step 4
Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as BKDR_ESSEMS.SZP. 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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