Backdoor:OSX/MacKontrol.A

Classification

Category :

Malware

Type :

Backdoor

Aliases :

Backdoor:OSX/MacKontrol.A

Summary

Backdoor:OSX/MacKontrol.A connects to a remote server to receive further instructions, without the knowledge or permission from the user.

Removal

The F-Secure security product will automatically remove the file.

  1. Open Activity Monitor, select launched, and click Quit Process.
  2. Open Terminal, then execute the following:
    • rm /Library/launched
    • rm ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.apple.FolderActionsxl.plist

A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:

  • Check for the latest database updates

    First check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.

  • Submit a sample

    After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.

    Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.

  • Exclude a file from further scanning

    If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.

    Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.

Technical Details

Arrival

MacKontrol.A is dropped into the system by malicious Word documents that exploit the vulnerability identified by CVE-2009-0563.

Installation

The malware drops the following copy of itself:

  • /Library/launched

It creates the following launchpoint for the file above:

  • ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.apple.FolderActionsxl.plist

Payload

The malware connects tofreetibet2012[...].xicp.com[...] to obtain additional commands.

It is capable of performing the following actions:

  • Deleting files
  • Terminating processes
  • Getting system info, such as system version, username, hostname, etc.
  • Getting process lists
  • Opening remote shell
  • Listing files
  • Uploading, downloading and executing files
  • Removing launchpoint