Net-Worm:W32/Sasser.F

Classification

Category :

Malware

Type :

-

Aliases :

Sasser.F, W32/Sasser.F, Worm.Win32.Sasser.a

Summary

Sasser.F is a minor modification of the Sasser.A worm. It shares all of its code and functionality, although it uses a different filename when copying itself into the system and a different mutex name.

Removal

Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it will either move the file to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or remove it.

To manually disinfect an infected system, first apply the Microsoft patch MS04-011, then use Task Manager to kill the 'napatch.exe' process, then delete the file 'napatch.exe' from your Windows directory and reboot.

For step-by-step instructions, see Microsoft's site: https://www.microsoft.com/security/incident/sasser.asp#steps

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

Sasser.F is an unpacked, edited and repacked version of Sasser.A.For full details, please refer to the Sasser.A description.

System Infection

When the worm enters the system it creates a copy of itself in the Windows Directory as 'napatch.exe'. This copy is added to the Registry as

[SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
 "napatch.exe" = "%WinDir%\napatch.exe"

To ensure that only one copy of the worm is running it creates a mutex named 'billgate'.