Infostealer.Bankash.D

SUMMARY

Infostealer.Bankash.D is a Trojan horse program that attempts to steal passwords and usernames for certain financial Web sites. The Trojan will also disable antivirus software.

NOTE : Definitions prior to May 10, 2006 may detect this threat as PWSteal.Bankash.D

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) March 16, 2005
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) March 16, 2005

Threat Assessment

Wild

• Wild Level: Low
• Number of Infections: 0 - 49
• Number of Sites: 0 - 2
• Geographical Distribution: Low
• Threat Containment: Easy
• Removal: Moderate

Damage

• Damage Level: Medium
• Deletes Files: Deletes files related to Microsoft AntiSypware and some Anti-Virus products.
• Releases Confidential Info: Steals usernames and passwords for various Web sites including financial institutions.
• Compromises Security Settings: Disables Microsoft AntiSpyware and some Anti-Virus software.

Distribution

• Distribution Level: Low

TECHNICAL DETAILS

When Infostealer.Bankash.D is executed, it performs the following actions:

1. May drop the file %System%ASH.DLL.
   
   Notes: %System% is a variable that refers to the System folder. By default this is C:WindowsSystem (Windows 95/98/Me), C:WinntSystem32 (Windows NT/2000), or C:WindowsSystem32 (Windows XP). %Windir% is a variable that refers to the Windows installation folder. By default, this is C:Windows or C:Winnt.
   
   
2. Creates the following registry subkeys:
   
   HKEY_CLASS_ROOTCLSID{32E9E0E2-02C7-4418-8E3B-137A21088799}
   HKEY_CLASS_ROOTTypeLib{41D290C3-055E-480B-B46B-0BDDA1E4858D}
   HKEY_CLASS_ROOTInterface{DA2EBA6F-B221-45ED-A17A-07339F31CF60}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftCurrentVersionExplorer
   Browser Helper Object{32E9E0E2-02C7-4418-8E3B-137A21088799}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesAntiSpy.AntiSpy
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREClassesAntiSpy.AntiSpy.1
   
   to register the .dll file.
   
   
3. Creates the following subkeys:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTAntiSpy.AntiSpy
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTAntiSpy.AntiSpy.1
   
   
4. Monitors alert messages from firewall applications that contain the following strings:
   
   
   • Microsoft Internet Explorer
   • Are you sure you want to navigate away from this page?
   • Warning: Components Have Changed
   • Warning: some components changed
   • Hidden Process Requests Network Access
   • Windows Security Alert
     
     
5. Adds the value:
   
   "Start Page" = "about:blank"
   
   to the registry subkeys:
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMain
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMain
   
   so that the start page of Internet Explorer is changed.
   
   
6. Searches for email addresses in files with the following extensions:
   
   
   • .xml
   • .xls
   • .eml
   • .vbs
   • .rtf
   • .uin
   • .doc
   • .oft
   • .msg
   • .dbx
   • .adb
   • .wab
   • .tbb
   • .asp
   • .ph*
   • .pl*
   • .tx*
   • .*ht*
     
     It ignores addresses containing the following strings:
     
     
   • kaspersky
   • viruslist
   • avp.
   • f-secure
   • mcafee
   • admin
   • root
   • support
   • microsoft
   • nai.com
   • symantec
     
     
7. Stores the email addresses in %Windir%email.log.
   
   Note: %Windir% is a variable that refers to the Windows installation folder. By default, this is C:Windows or C:Winnt.
   
   
8. Adds the values:
   
   "install_em" = "ok"
   "install_pw" = "ok"
   
   to the registry subkey:
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersion
   
   
9. Attempts to gather all locally cached passwords, saving them to the file %Windir%pass.log.
   
   
10. Monitors Microsoft Internet Explorer continuously for access to the Web pages of the following financial institutions:
    
    
    • SORRY_SPARK
    • SORRY_DEUTCH2
    • SORRY_COMMERZ
    • BOS_Halifax
    • VR_DEU
    • HOME_DEU
    • SORRY_CITY
    • HELPER_PAGE
    • HSBC_COM_HK
    • IBLogin_COM
    • BankWest_COM_AU
    • National_COM_AU
    • PT_ActivoBank7
    • PT_Caixadirecta_CGD
    • PT_BPInet
    • PT_FiniBanco
    • PT_BBVA_COM
    • Web_Da_Us_Citibank_Com
    • Anz_COM_AU_NZ
    • Westpac_NZ
    • Westpac_AU
    • BankCardServices_CO_UK
    • Halifax
    • RBSDigital
    • NatWest
    • Natwide
    • Lloyds
    • Cahoot
    • Barclays
    • Abbey
    • HSBC_CO_UK
      
      
11. Displays a fake Web page when the browser attempts to access the Web sites of the above financial institutions. Logs all data entered into these fake Web pages.
    
    
12. Monitors Microsoft Internet Explorer for access to Web pages containing the following strings and starts logging keystrokes entered into these Web pages:
    
    
    • ba-ca.com
    • onba.zkb.ch
    • banking.bawag.com
    • raiffeisendirect
    • ebankas.vb.it
    • tatrabanka.sk
    • rba.hr
      
      
13. Monitors Microsoft Internet Explorer for access to Web pages containing the following strings and stops logging keystrokes:
    
    
    • safeform.com
    • northeast.on.ca
    • salesforce.com
    • prudential.com.hk
    • sammikk.com
    • samsunggsbn.com
    • sbc.com
    • s-central.com.au
    • ebay
    • sciamdigital.com
    • scicollege.org.sg
    • upjs.sk
    • eutelsat.net
    • searchfit.org
    • seatbooker.net
    • sebra.com
    • yimg.com
    • acadiau.ca
    • adultfriendfinder.com
    • advisor.com
    • authorize.net
    • bearshare.com
    • betbanking.com
    • bnpparibas.net
    • c1hrapps.com
    • customersvc.com
    • konetic.org
    • delias.com
    • deluxepass.com
    • directnic.com
    • directsex.com
    • earthport.com
    • elance.com
    • element5.com
    • elsevier
    • emetrix.com
    • e-registernow.com
    • europeonline.com
    • ezpeer.com
    • fredericks.com
    • gevalia.com
    • hilton.com
    • hostdozy.com
    • hotbar.com
    • idx.com.au
    • indigosp.com
    • infusion-studios.com
    • intuitcanada.com
    • reuters.com
    • kent.net
    • lkw-walter.com
    • medibank.com.au
    • mouse2mobile.com
    • mysylvan.com
    • nacelink.com
    • nai.com
    • netbilling.com
    • netfirms.com
    • netspeed.com.au
    • nike.com.hk
    • novuslink.net
    • nzqa.govt.nz
    • oberon-media.com
    • onlineaccess.net
    • optusnet.com.au
    • orcon.net
    • ordering.co.uk
    • oztralia.com
    • register.com
    • safesite.com
    • shaw.ca
    • billerweb.com
    • sms.ac
    • sparkart.com
    • sparknotes.com
    • starbiz.net.sg
    • telusmobility.com
    • thewheelconnection.com
    • tickle.com
    • trekblue.com
    • tsn.cc
    • ubi.com
    • vandyke.com
    • w2express.com
    • mgm-mirage.com
    • webeweb.net
    • wn.com.au
    • securecart.net
    • secureordering.com
    • secureserver.net
    • imrworldwide.com
    • playstation.com
    • western-inventory.com
    • securewebexchange.com
    • securitymetrics.com
    • selfmgmt.com
    • t-mobile.co.uk
    • xtra.co.nz
    • canon-europe.com
    • senecac.on.ca
    • sephora.com
    • liveperson.net
    • ariba.com
    • sympatico.ca
    • xs4all.nl
    • macau.ctm.net
    • rogers.com
    • sfgov.org
    • cic.gc.ca
    • vodafone.co.uk
    • hku.hk
    • sfa.prudential.com.sg
    • shkcorpws5.shkp.com
    • ecompanystore.com
    • o2online.de
    • shopadmin.daum.net
    • shoppersoptimum.ca
    • go-fia.com
    • zoovy.com
    • shopundco.com
    • shutterfly.com
    • signup.sprint.ca
    • silicon-power.com
    • singnet.com.sg
    • simplyhotels.com
    • sims.sfu.ca
    • singaporeair.com
    • site-secure.com
    • esdlife.com
    • flextronics.com
    • cometsystems.com
    • snapfish.com
    • solo3.nordea.fi
    • soccer.com
    • hkuspace.org
    • soundclick.com
    • swamp.lan
    • spiritair.com
    • sportingbet.com
    • sportodds.com
    • worldgaming.net
    • adaptec.com
    • sqnet.com.sg
    • srp.org.sg
    • ains.com.au
    • campoints.net
    • ingrammicro.com
    • kundenserver.de
    • speedera.net
    • farlep.net
    • lanck.net
    • .sok
    • monster.com
    • ihost.com
    • gigaisp.net
    • webtrendslive.com
    • a-net.com
    • puma.com
    • apple.com
    • streamload.com
    • maximonline.com
    • look.ca
    • supergo.com
    • cablebg.net
    • dell
    • sony
    • symantec
    • inlandrevenue.gov.uk
    • tbihosting.com
    • quickbooks.com
    • techdata.com
    • telpacific.com.au
    • telstra.com
    • freedom.net
    • recruitsoft.com
    • tepore.com
    • theaa.com
    • three.com.hk
    • ticketmaster.com
    • ultrastar.com
    • ti.com
    • tirerack.com
    • tm.net.my
    • tmi-wwa.com
    • tdcwww.net
    • stanfordalumni.org
    • 012.net
    • starhubshop.com.sg
    • datasvit.net
    • ssdcl.com.sg
    • music
    • iinet.net.au
    • iprimus.com.au
    • hp.com
    • game
    • towerhobbies.com
    • travel.com.au
    • travel.priceline.com
    • travelclub.swiss.com
    • travelcommunications.co.uk
    • trivita.com
    • trust1.com
    • trustinternational.com
    • yorku.ca
    • preschoicefinancial.com
    • united.intranet.ual.com
    • unixcore.com
    • uwindsor.ca
    • ucas.co.uk
    • ups.com
    • yesasia.com
    • usafis.org
    • uscden.net
    • uscitizenship.info
    • va-bank.com
    • vasa.slsp.sk
    • veloz.com
    • victoriassecret.com
    • videotron.com
    • mcafee.com
    • virginblue.com.au
    • virginmobileusa.com
    • vodafone
    • vpost.com.sg
    • vutbr.cz
    • opusit.com.sg
    • ibm.com
    • aircanada.ca
    • walgreens.com
    • watchguard.com
    • icq.com
    • ych.com
    • uottawa.ca
    • uoguelph.ca
    • there.com
    • webassign.net
    • comcast.net
    • douglas.bc.ca
    • carleton.ca
    • mcgill.ca
    • mcmaster.ca
    • queensu.ca
    • sheridanc.on.ca
    • ubc.ca
    • unb.ca
    • .ac.at
    • .ac.nz
    • .ust.hk
    • microsoft.com
    • guidehome.com
    • sap-ag.de
    • nwa.com
    • webzdarma.cz
    • intel.com
    • bigpond.net.au
    • willhill.com
    • .ac.uk
    • t-mobile.com
    • uwaterloo.ca
    • delawarenorth.com
    • worldwinner.com
    • worth1000.com
    • wrem.sis.yorku.ca
    • sierraclub.org
    • serviticket.com
    • yagma.com
    • yes.com.hk
    • .edu
    • yourastrologysite.com
    • ytv.com
    • .o2.co.uk
    • zwallet.com
      
      
14. Saves captured keystrokes to %Windir%form.log.
    
    
15. Saves HTTP GET requests to %Windir%eq.log.
    
    
16. Attempts to delete the following registry subkey:
    
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRungcasServ
    
    in order to disable the Microsoft AntiSpyware application.
    
    
17. Attempts to disable the Microsoft AntiSpyware application by ending the following processes:
    
    
    • GCASCLEANER
    • GCASDTSERV
    • GCASINSTALLHELPER
    • GCASNOTICE
    • GCASSERV
    • GCASSERVALERT
    • GCASSWUPDATER
    • GCIPTOHOSTQUEUE
    • GIANTANTISPYWAREMAIN
    • GIANTANTISPYWAREUPDATER
      
      
18. Attempts to delete all files in the following folders:
    
    
    • %ProgramFiles%Microsoft AntiSpyware
    • %ProgramFiles%Common FilesSymantec Shared
    • %ProgramFiles%Kaspersky Lab
    • %ProgramFiles%McAfee
    • %ProgramFiles%Common FilesNetwork Associates
    • %ProgramFiles%Norton Antivirus
      
      Note: %ProgramFiles% is a variable that refers to the program files folder. By default, this is C:Program Files.
      
      
19. Periodically tries to download an updated copy of itself via FTP or HTTP.

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

The following instructions pertain to all current and recent Symantec antivirus products, including the Symantec AntiVirus and Norton AntiVirus product lines.

1. Disable System Restore (Windows Me/XP).
2. Restart the computer in Safe Mode.
3. Delete the values that were added to the registry.
4. Reinstall your Symantec AntiVirus Product.
5. Update the virus definitions.
6. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Infostealer.Bankash.D.
7. Reset the Internet Explorer home page.
8. Reset the Internet Explorer Search Page
   

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

1. To disable System Restore (Windows Me/XP)
If you are running Windows Me or Windows XP, we recommend that you temporarily turn off System Restore. Windows Me/XP uses this feature, which is enabled by default, to restore the files on your computer in case they become damaged. If a virus, worm, or Trojan infects a computer, System Restore may back up the virus, worm, or Trojan on the computer.

Windows prevents outside programs, including antivirus programs, from modifying System Restore. Therefore, antivirus programs or tools cannot remove threats in the System Restore folder. As a result, System Restore has the potential of restoring an infected file on your computer, even after you have cleaned the infected files from all the other locations.

Also, a virus scan may detect a threat in the System Restore folder even though you have removed the threat.

For instructions on how to turn off System Restore, read your Windows documentation, or one of the following articles:

• How to disable or enable Windows Me System Restore
• How to turn off or turn on Windows XP System Restore

Note: When you are completely finished with the removal procedure and are satisfied that the threat has been removed, re-enable System Restore by following the instructions in the aforementioned documents.

For additional information, and an alternative to disabling Windows Me System Restore, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base article: Antivirus Tools Cannot Clean Infected Files in the _Restore Folder (Article ID: Q263455).

2. To restart the computer in Safe mode or VGA mode
Shut down the computer and turn off the power. Wait for at least 30 seconds, and then restart the computer in Safe mode or VGA mode.

• For Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, or XP users, restart the computer in Safe mode. For instructions, read the document, "How to start the computer in Safe Mode."
• For Windows NT 4 users, restart the computer in VGA mode.
  

Note: Step 4 should be completed while in Safe 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. For instructions refer to 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_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersion
   
   
4. In the right pane, delete the value:
   
   "install_em" = "ok"
   "install_pw" = "ok"
   
5. Navigate to and delete the subkeys:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{32E9E0E2-02C7-4418-8E3B-137A21088799}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTTypeLib{41D290C3-055E-480B-B46B-0BDDA1E4858D}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInterface{DA2EBA6F-B221-45ED-A17A-07339F31CF60}
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftCurrentVersionExplorer
   Browser Helper Objects{32E9E0E2-02C7-4418-8E3B-137A21088799}
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTAntiSpy.AntiSpy
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTAntiSpy.AntiSpy.1
   
   
6. Exit the Registry Editor.
   
7. Reboot the system to Normal Mode.

4. To reinstall your Symantec antivirus program
As this virus attempts to remove the files and registry subkeys that your Symantec antivirus program uses, you may need to reinstall the program. If your Symantec antivirus program is not working properly, uninstall, and then reinstall it. For instructions on how to do this, please consult the documentation that came with your Symantec product.

Restart the computer in Normal mode and proceed with section 5.

5. To update the virus definitions
Symantec Security Response fully tests all the virus definitions for quality assurance before they are posted to our servers. There are two ways to obtain the most recent virus definitions:

• Running LiveUpdate, which is the easiest way to obtain virus definitions: These virus definitions are posted to the LiveUpdate servers once each week (usually on Wednesdays), unless there is a major virus outbreak. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by LiveUpdate, refer to the document: Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate).
• Downloading the definitions using the Intelligent Updater: The Intelligent Updater virus definitions are posted daily. You should download the definitions from the Symantec Security Response Web site and manually install them. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by the Intelligent Updater, refer to the document: Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater).
  
  The latest Intelligent Updater virus definitions can be obtained here: Intelligent Updater virus definitions. For detailed instructions read the document: How to update virus definition files using the Intelligent Updater.

6. To scan for and delete the infected files

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program and make sure that it is configured to scan all the files.
   • For Norton AntiVirus consumer products: Read the document: How to configure Norton AntiVirus to scan all files.
   • For Symantec AntiVirus Enterprise products: Read the document: How to verify that a Symantec Corporate antivirus product is set to scan all files.
2. Run a full system scan.
3. If any files are detected as infected with Infostealer.Bankash.D, click Delete.
   
   Note: If your Symantec antivirus product reports that it cannot delete an infected file, Windows may be using the file. To fix this, run the scan in Safe mode. For instructions, read the document: How to start the computer in Safe Mode. Once you have restarted in Safe mode, run the scan again.
   
   After the files are deleted, restart the computer in Normal mode and proceed with section 7.
   

7. To reset the Internet Explorer home page

1. Start Microsoft Internet Explorer.
2. Connect to the Internet, and then go to the page that you want to set as your home page.
3. Click Tools > Internet Options.
4. In the Home page section of the General tab, click Use Current > OK.

For additional information, or if this procedure does not work, read the Microsoft® Knowledge Base article: Home Page Setting Changes Unexpectedly, or You Cannot Change Your Home Page Setting, Article ID 320159.

8. To reset the Internet Explorer Search page

Follow the instructions for your version of Windows.

Windows 98/Me/2000
1. Start Microsoft Internet Explorer.
2. Click the Search button on the toolbar.
3. In the Search pane, click Customize.
4. Click Reset.
5. Click Autosearch Settings.
6. Select a search site from the drop-down list, and then click OK.
7. Click OK.

Windows XP
Because Windows XP is set by default to use animated characters in the search, how you do this can vary. Read all the instructions before you start.
1. Start Microsoft Internet Explorer.
2. Click the Search button on the toolbar.
3. Do one of the following:
   • If the pane that opens looks similar to the following picture, click the word Customize and proceed to step h:
     
     
     
     
     
   • If the pane that opens has the words "Search Companion" at the top, and the center looks similar to the following picture, click the Change preferences link and proceed with step d.
     
     
     
     
     
4. Click the Change Internet search behavior link.
5. Under "Internet Search Behavior," click With Classic Internet Search.
6. Click OK. Then close Internet Explorer. (Close the program for the change to take effect.)
7. Start Internet Explorer. When the search pane opens, it should look similar to the following picture:
   
   
   
   
   
   Click the word Customize, and then proceed with the next step.
   
   
8. In the Search pane, click Customize.
9. Click Reset.
10. Click Autosearch Settings.
11. Select a search site from the drop-down list, and then click OK.
12. Click OK.
13. Do one of the following:
    • If you were using (or want to continue using) the "Classic Internet Search" panel, stop here (or proceed with the next section).
    • If you want to go back to the "Search Companion" search (it usually has an animated character at the button), proceed with step n.
      
      
14. Click the word Customize again.
15. In the "Customize Search Settings" window, click Use Search Companion > OK.
16. Close Internet Explorer. The next time you open it, it will again use the Search Companion.