Spyware.RemoteKey

SUMMARY

Behavior

Spyware.RemoteKey deploys executables to remote computers to log keystrokes and sends logs to a configured email address in realtime.

Symptoms

Your Symantec program detects this threat as Spyware.RemoteKey.

Transmission

Spyware.RemoteKey must be manually installed.

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) November 10, 2004
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) November 10, 2004

TECHNICAL DETAILS

When Spyware.RemoteKey is installed, the following actions are performed:

1. Creates the following files:
   
   • %CommonProgramFiles%Remote KeyLoggerDisk1 - Directory that stores installation files.
   • %SystemDrive%Documents and SettingsAll UsersStart MenuProgramsRemote KeyLoggerRemote KeyLogger1.01.lnk - Start Menu link,
   • %SystemDrive%Documents and SettingsAll UsersStart MenuProgramsRemote KeyLoggerRead Me.lnk - Start Menu link,
   • %SystemDrive%Documents and SettingsAll UsersStart MenuProgramsRemote KeyLoggerUninstall.lnk - Start Menu link,
   • %ProgramFiles%Remote KeyLoggerRKL1.01-dynamic.exe - Main configurator/log viewer. Detected as Spyware.RemoteKey.
   • %ProgramFiles%Remote KeyLoggerRKL1.01-static.exe - Main configurator/log viewer. Detected as Spyware.RemoteKey.
   • %ProgramFiles%Remote KeyLoggereadme.txt - Documentation.
     
     Notes:
   • %CommonProgramFiles% is a variable that refers to the Common Files folder. By default, this is C:Program FilesCommon Files.
   • %SystemDrive% is a variable that refers to the drive on which Windows is installed. By default, this is drive C.
   • %ProgramFiles% is a variable that refers to the program files folder. By default, this is C:Program Files.
     
     
2. Creates the values:
   
   "UninstallString" = "RunDll32 C:PROGRA~1COMMON~1INSTAL~1PROFES~1RunTime700Intel32Ctor.dll,LaunchSetup "%ProgramFiles%InstallShield Installation Information{3B0C7994-F456-4BCC-B3F0-49C35BFA8199}setup.exe" -l0x9 "
   "DisplayName" = "Remote KeyLogger"
   "LogFile" = "%ProgramFiles%InstallShield Installation Information{3B0C7994-F456-4BCC-B3F0-49C35BFA8199}setup.ilg"
   "ProductGuid" = "{3B0C7994-F456-4BCC-B3F0-49C35BFA8199}"
   "InstallLocation" = "%ProgramFiles%Remote KeyLogger"
   "DisplayVersion" = "1.0.0.0"
   "Version" = "0x1000000"
   "MajorVersion" = "0x1"
   "MinorVersion" = "0x0"
   "LogMode" = "0x1"
   
   in the registry key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall{3B0C7994-F456-4BCC-B3F0-49C35BFA8199}
   
   
3. Creates the following registry key:
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERsoftwareNextSecurityRemote KeyLogger
   
   where it stores the program settings.
   
   

Once installed, Spyware.RemoteKey can be used to log keystrokes on remote machines. The following actions are performed on the remote machines:

1. Creates the following files:
   
   • %System%RKLogger.dll - Detected as Spyware.RemoteKey.
   • %System%RKLExe.exe - Main logger. Detected as Spyware.RemoteKey.
   • %System%RKLSvc.exe - Detected as Spyware.RemoteKey.
     
     Note: %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).
     
     
2. RKLExe.exe is executed.
   

REMOVAL

The following instructions pertain to all Symantec antivirus products that support Security Risk detection.

1. Update the definitions.
2. Uninstall Remote KeyLogger using the Add/Remove Programs utility.
3. Restart the computer in Safe mode.
4. Run a full system scan.
5. Delete the value that was 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 uninstall the Adware

1. Do one of the following:
   • On the Windows 98 taskbar:
     1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
     2. In the Control Panel window, double-click Add/Remove Programs.
        
        
   • On the Windows Me taskbar:
     1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel.
     2. In the Control Panel window, double-click Add/Remove Programs.
        If you do not see the Add/Remove Programs icon, click "...view all Control Panel options."
        
        
   • On the Windows 2000 taskbar:
     By default, Windows 2000 is set up the same as Windows 98, so follow the instructions for Windows 98. If otherwise, click Start, point to Settings > Control Panel, and then click Add/Remove Programs.
     
     
   • On the Windows XP taskbar:
     1. Click Start > Control Panel.
     2. In the Control Panel window, double-click Add or Remove Programs.
        
        
2. Click Remote KeyLogger.
   
   
   Note: You may need to use the scroll bar to view the whole list.
   
   
3. Click Add/Remove, Change/Remove, or Remove (this varies with the operating system). Follow the prompts.

3. To restart the computer in Safe mode
Shut down the computer and turn off the power. Wait for at least 30 seconds, and then restart the computer in Safe mode. For instructions, read the document, "How to start the computer in Safe Mode."

4. To run the scan

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program, and then run a full system scan.
   
   Note: If you ran the Add/Remove programs applet as described in the previous section, all the files may have been removed, and thus none of them will be detected.
   
2. If any files are detected as Spyware.RemoteKey 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 threat 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 threat 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 threat for this scan only, and thus, the threat 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.
       
       
   • 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 threat 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.

5. 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 keys only. Read the document, "How to make a backup of the Windows registry," for instructions.

1. Click Start > Run.
2. Type regedit
   
   Then click OK.
   
   
3. Delete the following subkeys:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall{3B0C7994-F456-4BCC-B3F0-49C35BFA8199}
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERsoftwareNextSecurityRemote KeyLogger
   
   
4. Exit the Registry Editor.