McAfee > Theat Center > Virus Detail Page

Overview

This is a trojan detection. Unlike viruses, trojans do not self-replicate. They are spread manually, often under the premise that they are beneficial or wanted. The most common installation methods involve system or security exploitation, and unsuspecting users manually executing unknown programs. Distribution channels include email, malicious or hacked web pages, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), peer-to-peer networks, etc.

Characteristics

This is an AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) bot trojan. It connects to an AIM chat session and accepts commands from remote attackers. This trojan executable uses an icon typically associated with AIM (a yellow, running, person).

When run, the trojan creates the file C:\SYSTEM.INI. A new AIM username is generated. The name starts with "aimb0t" followed by 8 random characters. This name, along with a hardcoded password, is written to the ini file, and is used by the bot to connect to a chat session.

First, the trojan creates a new account, using the aforementioned credentials. Next, it connects to a specified chat session, and sends the message: aimb0t reporting for duty.... This is to inform remote attackers that the infected system is on-line.

A registry run key is created to load the trojan at startup:

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
  Run "Startup" = %TrojanPath%

• Retrieve victim IP address, hostname, and configured DNS server
• Instruct bot to download, and execute files
• Alter signon and signoff sounds

Symptoms

- Unexpected TCP traffic on port 5190
- Presence of the file, C:\SYSTEM.INI (1KB)`
NOTE: This is not the same as the valid SYSTEM.INI file located in the WINDOWS directory.

Method of Infection

Trojans do not self-replicate. They are spread manually, often under the premise that the executable is something beneficial. Distribution channels include IRC, peer-to-peer networks, newsgroup postings, etc.

Removal

All Users:
Use specified engine and DAT files for detection and removal.

Modifications made to the system Registry and/or INI files for the purposes of hooking system startup, will be successfully removed if cleaning with the recommended engine and DAT combination (or higher).

Additional Windows ME/XP removal considerations

Variants

Variants

N/A

All Information

Overview -

This is a trojan detection. Unlike viruses, trojans do not self-replicate. They are spread manually, often under the premise that they are beneficial or wanted. The most common installation methods involve system or security exploitation, and unsuspecting users manually executing unknown programs. Distribution channels include email, malicious or hacked web pages, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), peer-to-peer networks, etc.

Characteristics

Characteristics -

This is an AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) bot trojan. It connects to an AIM chat session and accepts commands from remote attackers. This trojan executable uses an icon typically associated with AIM (a yellow, running, person).

When run, the trojan creates the file C:\SYSTEM.INI. A new AIM username is generated. The name starts with "aimb0t" followed by 8 random characters. This name, along with a hardcoded password, is written to the ini file, and is used by the bot to connect to a chat session.

First, the trojan creates a new account, using the aforementioned credentials. Next, it connects to a specified chat session, and sends the message: aimb0t reporting for duty.... This is to inform remote attackers that the infected system is on-line.

A registry run key is created to load the trojan at startup:

• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
  Run "Startup" = %TrojanPath%

• Retrieve victim IP address, hostname, and configured DNS server
• Instruct bot to download, and execute files
• Alter signon and signoff sounds

Symptoms

Symptoms -

- Unexpected TCP traffic on port 5190
- Presence of the file, C:\SYSTEM.INI (1KB)`
NOTE: This is not the same as the valid SYSTEM.INI file located in the WINDOWS directory.

Method of Infection

Method of Infection -

Trojans do not self-replicate. They are spread manually, often under the premise that the executable is something beneficial. Distribution channels include IRC, peer-to-peer networks, newsgroup postings, etc.

Removal -

Removal -

All Users:
Use specified engine and DAT files for detection and removal.

Modifications made to the system Registry and/or INI files for the purposes of hooking system startup, will be successfully removed if cleaning with the recommended engine and DAT combination (or higher).

Additional Windows ME/XP removal considerations

Variants

Variants -

N/A