Analysis by: Michael Cabel
 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: Trojan

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted: No

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

Infection Channel: Downloaded from the Internet

This malware is related to the Whitehole Exploit Kit attacks during February 2012. It takes advantage of certain vulnerabilities in Java to download and execute backdoor malware onto the affected system. The downloaded backdoor malware may compromise the affected system's security.

To get a one-glance comprehensive view of the behavior of this Trojan, refer to the Threat Diagram shown below.

This Trojan checks for the Java plugin installed on the affected system. If the plugin version is between 1.6.00 and 1.7.10, it attempts to take advantage of certain software vulnerabilities.

  TECHNICAL DETAILS

File Size: Varies
File Type: Java Class
Initial Samples Received Date: 17 Jan 2013
Payload: Downloads files

Arrival Details

This Trojan may be downloaded from the following remote site(s):

  • http://{Random}.{BLOCKED}ip.name/temp/newyear/Java.jar?java=98
  • http://{Random}.{BLOCKED}ip.name/temp/newyear/Java5.jar
  • http://{Random}.{BLOCKED}ip.name/temp/newyear/Java44.jar?java=98
  • http://{Random}.{BLOCKED}ip.name/temp/newyear/Java6.jar?java=98

NOTES:

This Trojan checks for the Java plugin installed on the affected system. If the plugin version is between 1.6.00 and 1.7.10, it attempts to take advantage of the following software vulnerabilities:

  • CVE-2011-3544
  • CVE-2012-5076
  • CVE-2012-4681
  • CVE-2012-1723
  • CVE-2013-0422

Once it successfully exploits the said vulnerabilities, it connects to the following URL to download malicious files detected by Trend Micro as TROJ_RANSOM.NTW and BKDR_ZACCESS.NTW:

  • http://{Random}.{BLOCKED}ip.name/temp/newyear/{Random Number/?whole=98

It saves the file it downloads as the following:

  • %User Temp%\hfgTy\{Random Numbers}.tmp.exe

It then executes the downloaded file. As a result, routines of the downloaded files are then exhibited on the affected system.

  SOLUTION

Minimum Scan Engine: 9.300
FIRST VSAPI PATTERN FILE: 9.662.02
FIRST VSAPI PATTERN DATE: 17 Jan 2013
VSAPI OPR PATTERN File: 9.663.00
VSAPI OPR PATTERN Date: 18 Jan 2013

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

Remove the malware/grayware file dropped/downloaded by JAVA_EXPLOYT.NTW

Step 3

Close all opened browser windows

Step 4

Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product to delete files detected as JAVA_EXPLOYT.NTW. 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 5

Download and apply these security patches Refrain from using these products until the appropriate patches have been installed. Trend Micro advises users to download critical patches upon release by vendors.


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