W32.HLLW.Axata

SUMMARY

W32.HLLW.Axata is a password stealer that stores the stolen passwords in the file Axatak.is and then sends the file to the virus creator. The virus also allows unauthorized access to an infected computer on ports 8888 and 8889.

NOTE: Definitions dated prior to March 14, 2003 may detect some of the variants as W32.Axatak.

Protection

• Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) August 21, 2002
• Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) August 21, 2002

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
• Releases Confidential Info: E-mails user passwords to the virus creator
• Compromises Security Settings: Allows unauthorized access to an infected computer.

Distribution

• Distribution Level: Low
• Ports: 8888, 8889

TECHNICAL DETAILS

When W32.HLLW.Axata runs, it does the following:

It copies itself to %system%<random file name>.exe, and to the root of all drives as a random file name

NOTE: %system% is a variable. The virus locates the System folder and copies itself to that location. By default this is C:WindowsSystem (Windows 95/98/Me), C:WinntSystem32 (Windows NT/2000), or C:WindowsSystem32 (Windows XP).

It creates the Autorun.inf file, which is configured to execute the viral file whenever you access the drive.

The virus allows unauthorized access to an infected computer on ports 8888 and 8889. The virus allows its creator to perform several functions, including opening and closing the CD-ROM drive, creating and deleting files, and listing folders, among others.

The virus adds the value

axataK %system%<random file name>.exe

to the registry key

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunServices

so that it runs each time that you start Windows.

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. Update the virus definitions.
2. Run a full system scan, and delete all the files that are detected as W32.HLLW.Axata.
3. Delete the value
   
   axataK %system%<random file name>.exe
   
   from the registry key
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun

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

1. Updating 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 Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate).
• Downloading the definitions using the Intelligent Updater: The Intelligent Updater virus definitions are posted on U.S. business days (Monday through Friday). 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 Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater).
  
  The 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. Scanning for and deleting 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 W32.HLLW.Axata, click Delete.

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

1. Click Start, and then 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_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
   
4. In the right pane, delete the value
   
   axataK %system%<random file name>.exe
   
5. Exit the Registry Editor.