Acebot 6667

Overview

Summary

Connects to either a Dalnet or EFnet IRC server on port 6667. On Dalnet it was observed to enter channel #m@%n&-*| with key 'keyz'. The nickname, username and real name all apear to be random and independant of each other. When run, expands to c:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\kernel32.exe. Writes to the registry in two places: 1. [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] as 'KERNEL32'='kernel32.exe' (Possibly related was: 'WHVLXD'='C:\\WINDOWS\\FONTS\\WHVLXD.exe' in the same section of the registry.) 2. [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices] as 'KERNEL32'='kernel32.exe'

Alias

Backdoor Program [Panda], Backdoor.SdBot.05.w [Kaspersky], IRC-Sdbot [McAfee], packed: PE_Patch [Kaspersky], security risk or a "backdoor" program [F-Prot], Win32.Sdbot.G [Computer Associates], Win32/Gnu!Trojan [Computer Associates], Win32/IRC.SdBot.05.W trojan [Eset],

Category

Backdoor: A secret or undocumented means of getting into a computer system, or software that uses such a means to penetrate a system. Some software has a backdoor placed by the programmer to allow them to gain access to troubleshoot or change the program. Software that is classified as a "backdoor" is designed to exploit a vulnerability in a system, and open it to future access by an attacker.

Trojan: Any program with a hidden intent. Trojans are one of the leading causes of breaking into machines. If you pull down a program from a chat room, new group, or even from unsolicited e-mail, then the program is likely trojaned with some subversive purpose. The word Trojan can be used as a verb: To trojan a program is to add subversive functionality to an existing program. For example, a trojaned login program might be programmed to accept a certain password for any user's account that the hacker can use to log back into the system at any time. Rootkits often contain a suite of such trojaned programs.

Origins

Date of Origin

November, 2003

Detection and Removal

Manual Removal

Follow these steps to remove Acebot 6667 from your machine. Begin by backing up your registry and your system, and/or setting a Restore Point, to prevent trouble if you make a mistake.

Stop Running Processes:

Kill these running processes with Task Manager:

Remove Files:

Remove these files (if present) with Windows Explorer:

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