Threat Descriptions

Spybot.HS

Classification

Category :

Malware

Type :

Trojan

Platform :

-

Aliases :

Spybot.HS

Summary

Spybot.HS, a variant of Spybot, is a Trojan. Spybot.HS uses IRC networks to spread and has automatic updating capabilities. Spybot.HS steals certain information from an infected computer.

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.

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

Spybot.HS allows control of a victims' computer remotely by sending specific commands via IRC channels. This backdoor can also steal data, spread to the local network, and to computers vulnerable to exploits.

It drops the following file upon execution:

  • %Sysdir%\windows.exe - Copy of itself.

It will then pass the control over to the dropped file and delete itself after execution.

Spybot.HS also checks for the existence of the following mutex to ensure that there is only one instance of itself running in memory:

  • 1337bot

Spybot.HS adds these registry value launch points:

  • [HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices] InternetExplorer2 = %Sysdir%\windows.exe
  • [HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]InternetExplorer2=%Sysdir%\windows.exe

It also adds the following registry entry as part of its installation routine:

  • [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\OLE] InternetExplorer2 = %Sysdir%\windows.exe

It also creates the following registry entry to allow itself to bypass the Windows Firewall:

  • [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy \StandardProfile\AuthorizedApplications\List] %Sysdir%\windows.exe = "%Sysdir%\windows.exe:*:Enabled:InternetExplorer2"

Spybot.HS also connects to the following IRC server:

  • ircds.windowsantivirussystem.org:3132

It then joins the following IRC channel:

  • #nzm

Once connected, Spybot.HS awaits for commands from a remote user. It may perform the following backdoor operations:

  • Acquire system information
  • Download files from the Internet
  • Execute/Delete files
  • Perform IRC commands
  • Search for vulnerabilities
  • Terminate processes
  • Update itself

This backdoor may spread through local networks by taking advantage of the following vulnerabilities:

  • ASN.1 Vulnerability (MS04-007)
  • DCOM RPC Vulnerability (MS03-026) TCP port 135.
  • LSASS vulnerability (MS04-011) TCP port 445.
  • Microsoft Windows Server Service Remote Buffer Overflow Vulnerability (MS06-040)

Spybot.HS is packed with ASProtect 2.1 and ASPack 2.12