Hacktool.Pwdump

SUMMARY

Behavior

Hacktool.Pwdump is a hack tool that is used to grab Windows password hashes from a remote Windows computer.

Symptoms

A file is detected as Hacktool.Pwdump

Transmission

This hack tool must be manually installed.

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) March 30, 2005
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) March 26, 2005

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Once executed, Hacktool.Pwdump performs the following actions:

1. Connects to a remote computer.
   
   
2. Downloads a file named pwdservice.exe.
   
   
3. Registers pwdservice.exe as a remote service.
   
   
4. Adds the value:
   
   "000" = "pwdservice.exe"
   
   to the registry subkey:
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerExplorer
   
   
5. Sends back extracted password hashes.

REMOVAL

The following instructions pertain to all Symantec antivirus products that support security risk detection.

1. Update the definitions.
2. Run a full system scan.
3. Delete any values added to the registry.
   

For specific details on each of these steps, read the following instructions.

1. To update the definitions
To obtain the most recent definitions, start your Symantec program and run LiveUpdate.


2. To run the scan

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program, and then run a full system scan.
   
2. If any files are detected as Hacktool.Pwdump and depending on which software version you are using, you may see one or more of the following options:
   
   Note: This applies only to versions of Norton AntiVirus that support security risk detection. If you are running a version of Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition that supports security risk detection, and security risk detection has been enabled, you will only see a message box that gives the results of the scan. If you have questions in this situation, contact your network administrator.
   
   • Exclude (Not recommended): If you click this button, it will set the risk so that it is no longer detectable. That is, the antivirus program will keep the security risk on your computer and will no longer detect it to remove from your computer.
     
     
   • Ignore or Skip: This option tells the scanner to ignore the risk for this scan only. It will be detected again the next time that you run a scan.
     
     
   • Cancel: This option is new to Norton Antivirus 2005. It is used when Norton Antivirus 2005 has determined that it cannot delete a security risk. This Cancel option tells the scanner to ignore the risk for this scan only, and thus, the risk will be detected again the next time that you run a scan.
     
     To actually delete the security risk:
     • Click its file name (under the Filename column).
     • In the Item Information box that displays, write down the full path and file name.
     • Then use Windows Explorer to locate and delete the file.
       
       If Windows reports that it cannot delete the file, this indicates that the file is in use. In this situation, complete the rest of the instructions on this page, restart the computer in Safe mode, and then delete the file using Windows Explorer. Restart the computer in Normal mode.
       
       
   • Delete: This option will attempt to delete the detected files. In some cases, the scanner will not be able to do this.
     • If you see a message, "Delete Failed" (or similar message), manually delete the file.
     • Click the file name of the risk that is under the Filename column.
     • In the Item Information box that displays, write down the full path and file name.
     • Then use Windows Explorer to locate and delete the file.
       
       If Windows reports that it cannot delete the file, this indicates that the file is in use. In this situation, complete the rest of the instructions on this page, restart the computer in Safe mode, and then delete the file using Windows Explorer. Restart the computer in Normal mode.

3. To delete the value from the registry
Important: Symantec strongly recommends that you back up the registry before making any changes to it. Incorrect changes to the registry can result in permanent data loss or corrupted files. Modify the specified subkeys only. Read the document: How to make a backup of the Windows registry.

1. Click Start > Run.
2. Type regedit
   
   Then click OK.
   
   
3. Navigate to the subkey:
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerExplorer
   
   
   
4. In the right pane, delete the value:
   
   "000" = "pwdservice.exe"
   
   
5. Exit the Registry Editor.