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Spyware.Watchdog

Friday, June 27 2008

Symantec Security Response

http://www.symantec.com/business/security_response/index.jsp

Spyware.Watchdog

Updated: February 13, 2007 11:48:13 AM
Type: Spyware
Risk Impact: High
File Names: %Windir%\Wdc\AppChat.WD%Windir%\Wdc\Ijl11.dll%Windir%\Wdc\omnithread_rt.dll%Windir%\Wdc\remo
Systems Affected: Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP

SUMMARY

Behavior


Spyware.WatchDog is a spyware program that logs keystrokes. It monitors Instant Messenger conversations, Web sites visited, and programs used. It can also block access to URLs, files, and applications. It has a client and a server component, and installed files and registry subkeys vary depending on which component is installed.

Symptoms


Spyware.WatchDog

Transmission


Spyware.WatchDog

Protection

  • Initial Rapid Release version February 10, 2006
  • Latest Rapid Release version June 14, 2008 revision 017
  • Initial Daily Certified version February 10, 2006
  • Latest Daily Certified version June 14, 2008 revision 016
  • Initial Weekly Certified release date February 15, 2006

Click here for a more detailed description of Rapid Release and Daily Certified virus definitions.

TECHNICAL DETAILS


When Spyware.Dogwatch is executed, it performs the following actions:
  1. Creates the following folders:

    • %Windir%\Wdc
    • %Windir%\Wdc\Logfiles
    • %UserProfile%\Start Menu\Programs\Watchdog II Server
    • %ProgramFiles%\Watchdog II Server
    • %ProgramFiles%\Watchdog II Server\Setup

      Notes:
    • %Windir% is a variable that refers to the Windows installation folder. By default, this is C:\Windows or C:\Winnt.
    • %UserProfile% is a variable that refers to the current user's profile folder. By default, this is C:\Documents and Settings\[CURRENT USER] (Windows NT/2000/XP).
    • %ProgramFiles% is a variable that refers to the program files folder. By default, this is C:\Program Files.

  2. Creates the following files:

    • %Windir%\Wdc\AppChat.WD
    • %Windir%\Wdc\Ijl11.dll
    • %Windir%\Wdc\omnithread_rt.dll
    • %Windir%\Wdc\remote.exe
    • %Windir%\Wdc\Replace.exe
    • %Windir%\Wdc\VBKeyboardHook.dll
    • %Windir%\Wdc\VNCHooks.dll
    • %Windir%\Wdc\Wdc.exe
    • %UserProfile%\Start Menu\Programs\Watchdog II Server\Watchdog II Server.lnk
    • %ProgramFiles%\Watchdog II Server\ELicense.txt
    • %ProgramFiles%\Watchdog II Server\INSTALL.LOG
    • %ProgramFiles%\Watchdog II Server\License.txt
    • %ProgramFiles%\Watchdog II Server\Replace.exe
    • %ProgramFiles%\Watchdog II Server\UNWISE.EXE
    • %ProgramFiles%\Watchdog II Server\WatchDog.exe
    • %ProgramFiles%\Watchdog II Server\WatchDog2.chm

  3. Creates the following non-malicious files, which may be used by other applications:

    • %System%\mswinsck.ocx
    • %System%\Richtx32.ocx
    • %System%\SMTP.ocx
    • %System%\Vb6stkit.dll
    • %System%\asycfilt.dll
    • %System%\comcat.dll
    • %System%\msvbvm60.dll
    • %System%\oleacc.dll
    • %System%\oleaut32.dll
    • %System%\olepro32.dll
    • %System%\riched32.dll
    • %System%\stdole2.tlb
    • %System%\Comdlg32.ocx
    • %System%\Mscomct2.ocx
    • %System%\Mscomctl.ocx
    • %System%\Msflxgrd.ocx

      Note: %System% is a variable that refers to the System folder. By default this is C:\Windows\System (Windows 95/98/Me), C:\Winnt\System32 (Windows NT/2000), or C:\Windows\System32 (Windows XP).

  4. Creates the following registry subkeys:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\RHOMBUS
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\RHOMBUS\REMOTEDESKTOP
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\RHOMBUS\REMOTEDESKTOP\Default
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
    \Watchdog II Server
    HKEY_ALL_USERS\Software\RHOMBUS
    HKEY_ALL_USERS\Software\RHOMBUS\REMOTEDESKTOP
    HKEY_ALL_USERS\Software\RHOMBUS\RhomHooks
    HKEY_ALL_USERS\Software\RHOMBUS\RhomHooks\Application_Prefs
    HKEY_ALL_USERS\Software\RHOMBUS\RhomHooks\Application_Prefs\remote.exe
    HKEY_ALL_USERS\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings
    HKEY_ALL_USERS\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\WDCLIENT
    HKEY_ALL_USERS\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\WDCLIENT\SETUP
    HKEY_ALL_USERS\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
    \MenuOrder\Start Menu\Programs\Watchdog II Server
    HKEY_ALL_USERS\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings
    HKEY_ALL_USERS\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\WDSERVERDE
    HKEY_ALL_USERS\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\WDSERVERDE\STARTUP

  5. Creates numerous legitimate registry subkeys associated with the non-malicious components mentioned above.

  6. Adds the values:

    "Wdc" = "%Windows%\Wdc\Wdc.exe"
    "Remote" = "%Windows%\Wdc\remote.exe"

    to the registry subkeys:

    HKEY_ALL_USERS\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

    so that it runs every time Windows starts.

  7. Executes the client component on the computer that is to be monitored.

  8. Allows the client component to be remotely controled and configured by the server component.

  9. Logs keystrokes, applications run on the computer, URLs visited, and chats.

  10. Captures screenshots.

  11. Blocks applications or URLs.

  12. Stores logged data locally but can be imported and viewed by the server component.

  13. Sends logged data via email.

  14. Runs WinVnc silently so that the server component can take control of input devices such as the mouse and the keyboard on the monitored computer.


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, 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.

    • 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.

Important: If you are unable to start your Symantec antivirus product or the product reports that it cannot delete a detected file, you may need to stop the risk from running in order to remove it. To do 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 the next section.

Warning messages may be displayed when the computer is restarted, since the risk may not be fully removed at this point. You can ignore these messages and click OK. These messages will not appear when the computer is restarted after the removal instructions have been fully completed. The messages displayed may be similar to the following:

Title: [FILE PATH]
Message body: Windows cannot find [FILE NAME]. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again. To search for a file, click the Start button, and then click Search.

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.

    Note: If the registry editor fails to open the risk may have modified the registry to prevent access to the registry editor. Security Response has developed a tool to resolve this problem. Download and run this tool, and then continue with the removal.

  3. Navigate to the subkeys:

    HKEY_ALL_USERS\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

  4. In the right pane, delete the values:

    "Wdc" = "%Windows%\Wdc\Wdc.exe"
    "Remote" = "%Windows%\Wdc\remote.exe"

  5. Exit the Registry Editor.




Read More:
Spyware.Watchdog
Also See:
Spyware.SpyClock
Spyware.ScreenView
Spyware.Ultraview
Spyware.GiveMeToo
Spyware.PrintMonitor