Backdoor.Laphex.Kit

SUMMARY

Backdoor.Laphex.Kit is a generator program that allows a hacker to create variants of the Backdoor.Laphex Trojan horse.

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) August 28, 2002
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) August 28, 2002

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Backdoor.Laphex.Kit can be used to generate Backdoor.Laphex Trojan horses, which are capable of performing malicious actions on the computers of other users.

This program contains the following features:

• Customizable Trojan file name (the file name that is used by Backdoor.Laphex Trojan when installing it on the computer).
• Customizable IP address
• Configurable port on which it listens

When you open the program, it displays this message::

Legal Agreement

Institution FWB is written for personal use only. Institution FWB is provided "AS IS". The author makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to, warranties of merchantablity or fitness for any particular purpose. The author of Institution FWB will in no way be held responsible for any damages caused by the negligent use of this software. Once you agree you will be bound to these terms as long as you use this software.
Do you agree to these terms of use


Yes   No

If you click Yes, Backdoor.Laphex.Kit adds the value

institutionfwblegal 0x00000000(0)

to the registry key

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARE

This value is later used to check whether the Trojan creator has agreed the terms of the Backdoor.Laphex.Kit program. If it does not find this value, it displays the message again.

Recommendations

Symantec Security Response encourages all users and administrators to adhere to the following basic security "best practices":

• Turn off and remove unneeded services. By default, many operating systems install auxiliary services that are not critical, such as an FTP server, telnet, and a Web server. These services are avenues of attack. If they are removed, blended threats have less avenues of attack and you have fewer services to maintain through patch updates.
• If a blended threat exploits one or more network services, disable, or block access to, those services until a patch is applied.
• Always keep your patch levels up-to-date, especially on computers that host public services and are accessible through the firewall, such as HTTP, FTP, mail, and DNS services (for example, all Windows-based computers should have the current Service Pack installed.). Additionally, please apply any security updates that are mentioned in this writeup, in trusted Security Bulletins, or on vendor Web sites.
• Enforce a password policy. Complex passwords make it difficult to crack password files on compromised computers. This helps to prevent or limit damage when a computer is compromised.
• Configure your email server to block or remove email that contains file attachments that are commonly used to spread viruses, such as .vbs, .bat, .exe, .pif and .scr files.
• Isolate infected computers quickly to prevent further compromising your organization. Perform a forensic analysis and restore the computers using trusted media.
• Train employees not to open attachments unless they are expecting them. Also, do not execute software that is downloaded from the Internet unless it has been scanned for viruses. Simply visiting a compromised Web site can cause infection if certain browser vulnerabilities are not patched.

REMOVAL

NOTE: These instructions are for all current and recent Symantec antivirus products, including the Symantec AntiVirus and Norton AntiVirus product lines.

1. Update the virus definitions, run a full system scan, and delete all files that are detected as Backdoor.Laphex.Kit.
2. Delete the value
   
   institutionfwblegal 0x00000000(0)
   
   from the registry key
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARE
   

For details on how to do this, read the following instructions.

To scan for and delete the Backdoor.Laphex.Kit files:

1. Obtain the most recent virus definitions. There are two ways to do this:
   • Run LiveUpdate, which is the easiest way to obtain virus definitions. These virus definitions have undergone full quality assurance testing by Symantec Security Response and are posted to the LiveUpdate servers one time each week (usually Wednesdays) unless there is a major virus outbreak. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by LiveUpdate, look at the Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate) line at the top of this write-up.
   • Download the definitions using the Intelligent Updater. Intelligent Updater virus definitions have undergone full quality assurance testing by Symantec Security Response. They are posted on U.S. business days (Monday through Friday). They must be downloaded from the Symantec Security Response Web site and installed manually. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by the Intelligent Updater, look at the Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) line at the top of this write-up.
     
     Intelligent Updater virus definitions are available here. For detailed instructions on how to download and install the Intelligent Updater virus definitions from the Symantec Security Response Web site, click here.
     
2. Start your Symantec antivirus program, and make sure that it is configured to scan all files.
   • Norton AntiVirus consumer products: Read the document How to configure Norton AntiVirus to scan all files.
   • Symantec enterprise antivirus products: Read the document How to verify a Symantec Corporate antivirus product is set to scan All Files.
3. Run a full system scan.
4. If any files are detected as infected with Backdoor.Laphex.Kit, click Delete.

To remove the value from the registry:

CAUTION: Symantec strongly recommends that you back up the registry before you make any changes to it. Incorrect changes to the registry can result in permanent data loss or corrupted files. Modify only the keys that are specified. Read the document How to make a backup of the Windows registry for instructions.

1. Click Start, and click Run. The Run dialog box appears.
2. Type regedit and then click OK. The Registry Editor opens.
3. Navigate to the key
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARE
   
4. In the right pane, delete the value
   
   institutionfwblegal 0x00000000(0)
   
5. Exit the Registry Editor.