PLATFORM:

Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003

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

  • Threat Type: Trojan

  • Destructiveness: No

  • Encrypted:

  • In the wild: Yes

  OVERVIEW

This Trojan 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: 702,616 bytes
File Type: EXE
Memory Resident: Yes
Initial Samples Received Date: 22 Nov 2013

Arrival Details

This Trojan 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 Trojan creates the following folders:

  • %User Temp%\eIntaller
  • %User Temp%\eIntaller\329296C50B0B4b309C38228977468D07
  • %User Profile%\Application Data\eSafe
  • %User Profile%\eSafe\log

(Note: %User Temp% is the current user's Temp folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temp on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista and 7.. %User Profile% is the current user's profile folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name} on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name} on Windows Vista and 7.)

Autostart Technique

This Trojan registers as a system service to ensure its automatic execution at every system startup by adding the following registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\EventLog\Application\
WsysSvc

Other System Modifications

This Trojan modifies the following file(s):

  • %Start Menu%\Programs\Internet Explorer.lnk

(Note: %Start Menu% is the current user's Start Menu folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Start Menu or C:\Documents and Settings\{User name}\Start Menu on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu on Windows Vista and 7.)

It adds the following registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\qone8Software

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\qone8Software\
qone8hp

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\SearchScopes

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\TabbedBrowsing

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
WsysControl

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\eSafeSecControl

It adds the following registry entries:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
Default_Page_URL = "{random characters}"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\qone8Software\
qone8hp
oem = "amt"

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\TabbedBrowsing
NewTabPageShow = "1"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
WsysControl
DisplayName = "Wsys Control 10.2.1.2652"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
WsysControl
DisplayVersion = "10.2.1.2652"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
WsysControl
publisher = "Wsys Co., Ltd."

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
WsysControl
UninstallString = "%User Profile%\eSafe\eGdpSvc.exe -unsvc"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
WsysControl
DisplayIcon = "%User Profile%\eSafe\eGdpSvc.exe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\eSafeSecControl
sid = "eGdp"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\eSafeSecControl
channel = "eGdp"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\eSafeSecControl
pid = "eSafe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\eSafeSecControl
ver = "10.2.1.2652"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\
Services\Eventlog\Application\
WsysSvc
EventMessageFile = "%User Profile%\eSafe\eGdpSvc.exe"

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\
Services\Eventlog\Application\
WsysSvc
TypesSupported = "7"

It modifies the following registry entries:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
Start Page = "{random characters}"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redir.dll?prd={SUB_PRD}&clcid={SUB_CLSID}&pver={SUB_PVER}&ar=home.)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
Default_Page_URL = "{random characters}"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redir.dll?prd=ie&pver=6&ar=msnhome.)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Main
Start Page = "{random characters}"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redir.dll?prd=ie&pver=6&ar=msnhome.)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Search
CustomizeSearch = "{random characters}"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is http://ie.search.msn.com/{SUB_RFC1766}/srchasst/srchcust.htm.)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Search
SearchAssistant = "{random characters}"

(Note: The default value data of the said registry entry is http://ie.search.msn.com/{SUB_RFC1766}/srchasst/srchasst.htm.)

Dropping Routine

This Trojan drops the following files:

  • %User Temp%\eIntaller\329296C50B0B4b309C38228977468D07\Config.ini
  • %User Temp%\eIntaller\329296C50B0B4b309C38228977468D07\1.1.6.6.crx
  • %User Temp%\eIntaller\329296C50B0B4b309C38228977468D07\ep.zip
  • %User Temp%\eIntaller\329296C50B0B4b309C38228977468D07\eXQ.exe
  • %User Temp%\eIntaller\329296C50B0B4b309C38228977468D07\ec8aeb5068.exe
  • %User Profile%\Quick Launch\Launch Internet Explorer Browser.lnk
  • %User Profile%\eSafe\eGdpSvc.exe

(Note: %User Temp% is the current user's Temp folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Temp on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name}\AppData\Local\Temp on Windows Vista and 7.. %User Profile% is the current user's profile folder, which is usually C:\Documents and Settings\{user name} on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, or C:\Users\{user name} on Windows Vista and 7.)

Other Details

This Trojan connects to the following possibly malicious URL:

  • http://www.{BLOCKED}6.com/dl/get_tab?type=chrome
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}6.com/Public/newTab/chrome/1.1.6.6.crx
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}6.com/dl/get_tab?type=ep
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}6.com/Inf/down?name=xq10221
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}8.com/Inf/down?name=gdp1018
  • http://www.{BLOCKED}6.com/Inf/down?name=gdp1018

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 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_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\EventLog\Application
    • WsysSvc
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
    • qone8Software
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\qone8Software
    • qone8hp
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer
    • SearchScopes
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer
    • TabbedBrowsing
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
    • WsysControl
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
    • eSafeSecControl

Step 4

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\Internet Explorer\Main
    • Default_Page_URL = "{random characters}"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\qone8Software\qone8hp
    • oem = "amt"
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\TabbedBrowsing
    • NewTabPageShow = "1"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\WsysControl
    • DisplayName = "Wsys Control 10.2.1.2652"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\WsysControl
    • DisplayVersion = "10.2.1.2652"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\WsysControl
    • publisher = "Wsys Co., Ltd."
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\WsysControl
    • UninstallString = "%User Profile%\eSafe\eGdpSvc.exe -unsvc"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\WsysControl
    • DisplayIcon = "%User Profile%\eSafe\eGdpSvc.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\eSafeSecControl
    • sid = "eGdp"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\eSafeSecControl
    • channel = "eGdp"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\eSafeSecControl
    • pid = "eSafe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\eSafeSecControl
    • ver = "10.2.1.2652"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\Eventlog\Application\WsysSvc
    • EventMessageFile = "%User Profile%\eSafe\eGdpSvc.exe"
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\Eventlog\Application\WsysSvc
    • TypesSupported = "7"

Step 5

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_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
    • From: Start Page = "{random characters}"
      To: Start Page = ""http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redir.dll?prd={SUB_PRD}&clcid={SUB_CLSID}&pver={SUB_PVER}&ar=home""
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
    • From: Default_Page_URL = "{random characters}"
      To: Default_Page_URL = ""http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redir.dll?prd=ie&pver=6&ar=msnhome""
  • In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
    • From: Start Page = "{random characters}"
      To: Start Page = ""http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/redir.dll?prd=ie&pver=6&ar=msnhome""
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search
    • From: CustomizeSearch = "{random characters}"
      To: CustomizeSearch = ""http://ie.search.msn.com/{SUB_RFC1766}/srchasst/srchcust.htm""
  • In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search
    • From: SearchAssistant = "{random characters}"
      To: SearchAssistant = ""http://ie.search.msn.com/{SUB_RFC1766}/srchasst/srchasst.htm""

Step 6

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.
  • %User Temp%\eIntaller\329296C50B0B4b309C38228977468D07\Config.ini
  • %User Temp%\eIntaller\329296C50B0B4b309C38228977468D07\1.1.6.6.crx
  • %User Temp%\eIntaller\329296C50B0B4b309C38228977468D07\ep.zip
  • %User Temp%\eIntaller\329296C50B0B4b309C38228977468D07\eXQ.exe
  • %User Temp%\eIntaller\329296C50B0B4b309C38228977468D07\ec8aeb5068.exe
  • %User Profile%\Quick Launch\Launch Internet Explorer Browser.lnk
  • %User Profile%\eSafe\eGdpSvc.exe

Step 7

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.
  • %User Temp%\eIntaller
  • %User Temp%\eIntaller\329296C50B0B4b309C38228977468D07
  • %User Profile%\Application Data\eSafe
  • %User Profile%\eSafe\log

Step 8

Restart in normal mode and scan your computer with your Trend Micro product for files detected as TROJ_SPNV.01JR13. 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 9

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.

    • %Start Menu%\Programs\Internet Explorer.lnk


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