Content

W32/Mytob.eq@MM

Type
Virus
SubType
Email
Discovery Date
07/14/2005
Length
97,918 bytes
Minimum DAT
4535 (07/14/2005)
Updated DAT
4992 (03/26/2007)
Minimum Engine
5.1.00
Description Added
07/14/2005
Description Modified
09/21/2005 4:05 PM (PT)
Risk Assessment
Corporate User
Low
Home User
Low

Tab Navigation

Characteristics

This detection is for a mass-mailing worm that combines W32/Mydoom@MM functionality with W32/Sdbot.worm functionality. 

Mail Propagation

The virus arrives in an email message as follows:

From: (Spoofed email sender)
Do not assume that the apparent sender address is an indication that the sender is infected.  Additionally you may receive alert messages from a mail server saying that you are infected, which may not be the case.

Subject: (Varies, such as)

  • Notice of account limitation
  • Email Account Suspension
  • Security measures
  • You are banned!!!
  • We have suspended your account
  • Members Support
  • Important Notification
  • Warning Message: Your services near to be closed.
  • Your Account is Suspended For Security Reasons
  • *DETECTED* Online User Violation
  • *WARNING* Your email account is suspended
  • Your Account is Suspended

Body:  (Varies, such as) 

  • Dear %DomainName% Member,

    We have temporarily suspended your email account %RecipientAddress% .

    This might be due to either of the following reasons:

    1. A recent change in your personal information (i.e. change of address). 
    2. Submiting invalid information during the initial sign up process.
    3. An innability to accurately verify your selected option of subscription due to an internal error within our processors. 
    See the attached details to reactivate your %DomainName% account. 

    Sincerely,The %DomainName% Support Team
  • Dear %DomainName% Member,

    Your e-mail account was used to send a huge amount of unsolicited spam messages during the recent week. If you could please take 5-10 minutes out of your online experience and confirm the attached document so you will not run into any future problems with the online service.

    Virtually yours,
    The %DomainName%  Support Team
  • Some information about your %DomainName% account is attached.

Attachment: (Varies - chooses from the following list of prefaces)

  • account-report
  • readme
  • document
  • account-info
  • email-details
  • account-details
  • information
  • important-details

The attachment name may have one or two file extensions, in which case multiple spaces may be inserted as well, for example:

  • document.htm  (many spaces)  .pif

Extensions: (Varies, chooses from the following list)

First extension:

  • doc
  • txt
  • htm
  • tmp

Final extension:

  • bat
  • cmd
  • exe
  • scr
  • pif

These are examples of common names, but they can also be random.  The file may also arrive in a ZIP archive.

Installation

When the attachment is run, the virus copies itself to the Windows System directory (e.g. C:\Windows\System32\ on Windows XP) as svchosts.exe.

Registry keys are created to load the worm at startup:

  • HKEY_USERS\Default\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
    CurrentVersion\Run "Win32 Driver " = svchosts.exe
  • HKEY_USERS\Default\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
    CurrentVersion\RunOnce "Win32 Driver " = svchosts.exe
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
    CurrentVersion\Run "Win32 Driver " = svchosts.exe  
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
    CurrentVersion\RunOnce "Win32 Driver " = svchosts.exe  
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
    CurrentVersion\Run "Win32 Driver" = svchosts.exe
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
    CurrentVersion\RunOnce "Win32 Driver" = svchosts.exe
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
    CurrentVersion\RunServices "Win32 Driver " = svchosts.exe

Another key is created, to register a service for the worm file:

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\
    Services\s***
    (Characters used have been replaced with *s)

Symptoms

The Sdbot functionality in the worm is designed to contact the following IRC server, join a specified channel, and wait for further instructions:

  • time.sanalcehennem.com

For more information on Sdbot spreading functionality, see the following description:
http://vil.nai.com/vil/content/v_100454.htm

Method of Infection

The mailing component harvests address from the local system.  Files with the following extensions are targeted:

  • wab
  • html
  • pl
  • adbh
  • tbbg
  • dbxn
  • aspd
  • phpq
  • xmls
  • cgil
  • jspl
  • shtl
  • htmb

The worm avoids certain address, those using the following strings:

  • accoun
  • certific
  • listserv
  • ntivi
  • support
  • icrosoft
  • admin
  • page
  • the.bat
  • gold-certs
  • ca
  • feste
  • submit
  • not
  • help
  • service
  • privacy
  • somebody
  • no
  • soft
  • contact
  • site
  • rating
  • bugs
  • me
  • you
  • your
  • someone
  • anyone
  • nothing
  • nobody
  • noone
  • webmaster
  • postmaster
  • samples
  • info
  • root
  • be_loyal:
  • mozilla
  • utgers.ed
  • tanford.e
  • pgp
  • acketst
  • secur
  • isc.o
  • isi.e
  • ripe.
  • arin.
  • sendmail
  • rfc-ed
  • ietf
  • iana
  • usenet
  • fido
  • linux
  • kernel
  • google
  • ibm.com
  • fsf.
  • gnu
  • mit.e
  • bsd
  • math
  • unix
  • berkeley
  • foo.
  • .mil
  • gov.
  • .gov
  • ruslis
  • nodomai
  • mydomai
  • example
  • inpris
  • borlan
  • sopho
  • panda
  • hotmail
  • msn.
  • icrosof
  • syma
  • avp
  • .edu
  • abuse
  • www
  • spam
  • fcz@

Additionally, the worm contains strings, which it uses to randomly generate, or guess, email addresses. These are prepended as user names to harvested domain names:

  • sandra
  • adam
  • frank
  • linda
  • julie
  • jimmy
  • jerry
  • helen
  • debby
  • claudia
  • brenda
  • anna
  • sales
  • brent
  • paul
  • ted
  • fred
  • jack
  • bill
  • stan
  • smith
  • steve
  • matt
  • dave
  • dan
  • joe
  • jane
  • bob
  • robert
  • peter
  • tom
  • ray
  • mary
  • serg
  • brian
  • jim
  • maria
  • leo
  • jose
  • andrew
  • sam
  • george
  • david
  • kevin
  • mike
  • james
  • michael
  • alex
  • josh
  • john

    Finally the virus sends itself via SMTP - constructing messages using its own SMTP engine.  The worm guesses the recipient email server, prepending the target domain name with the following strings:

    • gate.
    • ns.
    • relay.
    • mail1.
    • mxs.
    • mx1.
    • smtp.
    • mail.
    • mx.

    Removal

    All Users:
    Use current 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 virus detection. Viruses are programs that self-replicate recursively, meaning that infected systems spread the virus to other systems, which then propagate the virus further. While many viruses contain a destructive payload, it's quite common for viruses to do nothing more than spread from one system to another.

    Characteristics

    Characteristics -

    This detection is for a mass-mailing worm that combines W32/Mydoom@MM functionality with W32/Sdbot.worm functionality. 

    Mail Propagation

    The virus arrives in an email message as follows:

    From: (Spoofed email sender)
    Do not assume that the apparent sender address is an indication that the sender is infected.  Additionally you may receive alert messages from a mail server saying that you are infected, which may not be the case.

    Subject: (Varies, such as)

    • Notice of account limitation
    • Email Account Suspension
    • Security measures
    • You are banned!!!
    • We have suspended your account
    • Members Support
    • Important Notification
    • Warning Message: Your services near to be closed.
    • Your Account is Suspended For Security Reasons
    • *DETECTED* Online User Violation
    • *WARNING* Your email account is suspended
    • Your Account is Suspended

    Body:  (Varies, such as) 

    • Dear %DomainName% Member,

      We have temporarily suspended your email account %RecipientAddress% .

      This might be due to either of the following reasons:

      1. A recent change in your personal information (i.e. change of address). 
      2. Submiting invalid information during the initial sign up process.
      3. An innability to accurately verify your selected option of subscription due to an internal error within our processors. 
      See the attached details to reactivate your %DomainName% account. 

      Sincerely,The %DomainName% Support Team
    • Dear %DomainName% Member,

      Your e-mail account was used to send a huge amount of unsolicited spam messages during the recent week. If you could please take 5-10 minutes out of your online experience and confirm the attached document so you will not run into any future problems with the online service.

      Virtually yours,
      The %DomainName%  Support Team
    • Some information about your %DomainName% account is attached.

    Attachment: (Varies - chooses from the following list of prefaces)

    • account-report
    • readme
    • document
    • account-info
    • email-details
    • account-details
    • information
    • important-details

    The attachment name may have one or two file extensions, in which case multiple spaces may be inserted as well, for example:

    • document.htm  (many spaces)  .pif

    Extensions: (Varies, chooses from the following list)

    First extension:

    • doc
    • txt
    • htm
    • tmp

    Final extension:

    • bat
    • cmd
    • exe
    • scr
    • pif

    These are examples of common names, but they can also be random.  The file may also arrive in a ZIP archive.

    Installation

    When the attachment is run, the virus copies itself to the Windows System directory (e.g. C:\Windows\System32\ on Windows XP) as svchosts.exe.

    Registry keys are created to load the worm at startup:

    • HKEY_USERS\Default\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
      CurrentVersion\Run "Win32 Driver " = svchosts.exe
    • HKEY_USERS\Default\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
      CurrentVersion\RunOnce "Win32 Driver " = svchosts.exe
    • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
      CurrentVersion\Run "Win32 Driver " = svchosts.exe  
    • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
      CurrentVersion\RunOnce "Win32 Driver " = svchosts.exe  
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
      CurrentVersion\Run "Win32 Driver" = svchosts.exe
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
      CurrentVersion\RunOnce "Win32 Driver" = svchosts.exe
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
      CurrentVersion\RunServices "Win32 Driver " = svchosts.exe

    Another key is created, to register a service for the worm file:

    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\
      Services\s***
      (Characters used have been replaced with *s)

    Symptoms

    Symptoms -

    The Sdbot functionality in the worm is designed to contact the following IRC server, join a specified channel, and wait for further instructions:

    • time.sanalcehennem.com

    For more information on Sdbot spreading functionality, see the following description:
    http://vil.nai.com/vil/content/v_100454.htm

    Method of Infection

    Method of Infection -

    The mailing component harvests address from the local system.  Files with the following extensions are targeted:

    • wab
    • html
    • pl
    • adbh
    • tbbg
    • dbxn
    • aspd
    • phpq
    • xmls
    • cgil
    • jspl
    • shtl
    • htmb

    The worm avoids certain address, those using the following strings:

    • accoun
    • certific
    • listserv
    • ntivi
    • support
    • icrosoft
    • admin
    • page
    • the.bat
    • gold-certs
    • ca
    • feste
    • submit
    • not
    • help
    • service
    • privacy
    • somebody
    • no
    • soft
    • contact
    • site
    • rating
    • bugs
    • me
    • you
    • your
    • someone
    • anyone
    • nothing
    • nobody
    • noone
    • webmaster
    • postmaster
    • samples
    • info
    • root
    • be_loyal:
    • mozilla
    • utgers.ed
    • tanford.e
    • pgp
    • acketst
    • secur
    • isc.o
    • isi.e
    • ripe.
    • arin.
    • sendmail
    • rfc-ed
    • ietf
    • iana
    • usenet
    • fido
    • linux
    • kernel
    • google
    • ibm.com
    • fsf.
    • gnu
    • mit.e
    • bsd
    • math
    • unix
    • berkeley
    • foo.
    • .mil
    • gov.
    • .gov
    • ruslis
    • nodomai
    • mydomai
    • example
    • inpris
    • borlan
    • sopho
    • panda
    • hotmail
    • msn.
    • icrosof
    • syma
    • avp
    • .edu
    • abuse
    • www
    • spam
    • fcz@

    Additionally, the worm contains strings, which it uses to randomly generate, or guess, email addresses. These are prepended as user names to harvested domain names:

    • sandra
    • adam
    • frank
    • linda
    • julie
    • jimmy
    • jerry
    • helen
    • debby
    • claudia
    • brenda
    • anna
    • sales
    • brent
    • paul
    • ted
    • fred
    • jack
    • bill
    • stan
    • smith
    • steve
    • matt
    • dave
    • dan
    • joe
    • jane
    • bob
    • robert
    • peter
    • tom
    • ray
    • mary
    • serg
    • brian
    • jim
    • maria
    • leo
    • jose
    • andrew
    • sam
    • george
    • david
    • kevin
    • mike
    • james
    • michael
    • alex
    • josh
    • john

      Finally the virus sends itself via SMTP - constructing messages using its own SMTP engine.  The worm guesses the recipient email server, prepending the target domain name with the following strings:

      • gate.
      • ns.
      • relay.
      • mail1.
      • mxs.
      • mx1.
      • smtp.
      • mail.
      • mx.

      Removal -

      Removal -

      All Users:
      Use current 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