Worm:W32/Dorkbot

Classification

Category :

Malware

Type :

Worm

Aliases :

Worm:W32/Dorkbot.M

Summary

Worm:W32/Dorkbot is a detection for maliciously modified shortcut (.LNK) files that are designed to trick users into unwittingly launching the Dorkbot worm.

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

The Dorkbot worm can spread through malicious links sent in messages over social media networks, which point to and download a copy of the worm onto the machines of users who click on the link. In some cases, the worm may also be installed as part of the payload of other malware that is spread using the same route.

The worm can also spread via infected removable drives. To do so, it creates a folder named RECYCLER on all removable drives and drops a copy of itself in the folder. It then drops shortcut LNK files onto the infected machine pointing to the copies in the removable drives, so that clicking on these LNK files will launch the associated worm files.

Dorkbot also drops an AUTORUN.INF file that automatically executes the worm copies each time the user accesses one of the removable drives.

Once Dorkbot is active on a machine, it can serve as a backdoor by contacting a remote command and control (C&C) server and executing instructions issued by an attacker. Malicious actions it can perform include:

  • Monitoring web browser activity
  • Stealing website login credentials
  • Downloading additional malware onto the system
  • Hijacking the user's social media accounts to spread copies of itself

And so on.