TSPY_ZBOT.FCA
Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003
![](/vinfo/imgFiles/legend.jpg)
Threat Type: Spyware
Destructiveness: No
Encrypted: Yes
In the wild: Yes
OVERVIEW
This spyware attempts to access a website to download a file which contains information where the spyware can download an updated copy of itself, and where to send its stolen data. This configuration file also contains a list of targeted bank-related websites from which it steals information.
However, as of this writing, the said website is inaccessible.
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.
It creates folders where it drops its files.
It modifies the Internet Explorer Zone Settings.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
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.
Installation
This spyware drops the following files:
- %Application Data%\{random1}\{random}.exe - copy of itself
- %Application Data%\{random2}\{random}.{3 random alpha character extension name} - encrypted file
(Note: %Application Data% is the current user's Application Data folder, which is usually C:\Windows\Profiles\{user name}\Application Data on Windows 98 and ME, C:\WINNT\Profiles\{user name}\Application Data on Windows NT, and C:\Documents and Settings\{user name}\Local Settings\Application Data on Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003.)
Autostart Technique
This spyware adds the following registry entries to enable its automatic execution at every system startup:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
{GUID} = "{malware path and file name}"
Other System Modifications
This spyware adds the following registry entries as part of its installation routine:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Privacy
CleanCookies = "0"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\
Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\
FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile\AuthorizedApplications\
List
%Windows%\EXPLORER.EXE = "%Windows%\EXPLORER.EXE:*:Enabled:Windows Explorer"
Web Browser Home Page and Search Page Modification
This spyware modifies the Internet Explorer Zone Settings.
NOTES:
Information Theft Routine
This spyware attempts to access a website to download a file which contains information where the spyware can download an updated copy of itself, and where to send its stolen data. This configuration file also contains a list of targeted bank-related websites from which it steals information.
However, as of this writing, the said website is inaccessible.
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
Scan your computer with your Trend Micro product and note files detected as TSPY_ZBOT.FCA
Step 3
Restart in Safe Mode
Step 4
Delete this registry value
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\Privacy
- CleanCookies = "0"
- CleanCookies = "0"
- In HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- {GUID} = "{malware path and file name}"
- {GUID} = "{malware path and file name}"
- In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\StandardProfile\AuthorizedApplications\List
- %Windows%\EXPLORER.EXE = "%Windows%\EXPLORER.EXE:*:Enabled:Windows Explorer"
- %Windows%\EXPLORER.EXE = "%Windows%\EXPLORER.EXE:*:Enabled:Windows Explorer"
Step 5
Reset Internet security settings
Step 6
Restart in normal mode and scan your computer with your Trend Micro product for files detected as TSPY_ZBOT.FCA. 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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