Trojans dominate BitDefender’s monthly e-threats report

Nov. 4, 2009 - PRLog -- The top spot on BitDefender’s top ten list of e-threats for October once again goes to Trojan.Clicker.CM. This threat is present on websites hosting illegal applications such as cracks, key generators and serial numbers for popular commercial software applications. It is typically used to force advertisements inside the browser.
 
Ranking second, Trojan.AutorunInf.Gen is a generic mechanism used to spread malware via removable devices such as flash drives, memory cards or external hard-disk drives. Win32.Worm.Downadup and Win32.TDSS are two of the most famous families of malware to use this approach to trigger new infections.
 
Win32.Worm.Downadup takes third position this month. Also known as Conficker or Kido, the worm restricts access to websites associated with IT security vendors. More than that, the latest variant of the worm installs rogue security software on the compromised machines.
 
Trojan.Wimad, which takes advantage of a less-known feature implemented by Microsoft in order to store coordinated digital media data, comes in fourth place. The Trojan affects ASF files, an extensible file format that supports data delivery over a wide variety of networks and is extremely easy to play back locally. A specially crafted ASF file abuses the feature which allows it to download the appropriate codec in order to install Trojans instead.
 
In fifth, Exploit.PDF-JS.Gen is a generic detection for specially crafted PDF files that exploit different vulnerabilities found in Adobe PDF Reader's Javascript engine, in order to execute malicious code on the user's computer. Upon opening an infected PDF file, a specially crafted Javascript code triggers the download of malicious binaries from remote locations.
 
Win32.Sality.OG takes the sixth position. This is a polymorphic file infector that appends its encrypted code to executable files (.exe and .scr binaries). In order to hide its presence on the infected machine, it deploys a rootkit and attempts to kill antivirus applications installed locally.
 
Seventh place goes to Trojan.Autorun.AET, a malicious code spreading via the Windows shared folders, as well as through removable storage devices. The Trojan exploits the Autorun feature implemented in Windows for automatically launching applications when an infected storage device is plugged in.
 
Worm.Autorun.VHG is an internet /network worm that exploits the Windows MS08-067 vulnerability in order to execute itself remotely using a specially crafted RPC (remote procedure call) package (an approach also used by Win32.Worm.Downadup). The worm ranks eighth this month.
 
In ninth position, Trojan.Swizzor.6 is yet another variant of the Swizzor family.  The Trojan adds its key to the Windows Registry in order to execute a copy of itself each time Windows is started.  

And finally, ranking last in this month's top ten e-threats, Gen:Adware.Heur.wq0@j4oukhei, is a generic routine that detects a wide range of adware applications, especially the NaviPromo family.
 
BitDefender’s October 2009 top ten e-threat list includes:

1   Trojan.Clicker.CM   9.47
2   Trojan.AutorunINF.Gen  8.54
3   Win32.Worm.Downadup.Gen   5.29
4   Trojan.Wimad.Gen.1   4.90
5   Exploit.PDF-JS.Gen   4.84
6   Win32.Sality.OG   2.31
7   Trojan.Autorun.AET   2.20
8   Worm.Autorun.VHG   1.49
9   Trojan.Swizzor.6   1.22
10   Gen:Adware.Heur.wq0@j4oukhei   1.21
   OTHERS   58.53


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About BitDefender®
BitDefender is the creator of one of the industry's fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified security software. Since its inception in 2001, BitDefender has continued to raise the bar and set new standards in proactive threat prevention. Every day, BitDefender protects tens of millions of home and corporate users across the globe - giving them the peace of mind of knowing that their digital experiences will be secure. BitDefender solutions are distributed by a global network of value-added distribution and reseller partners in more than 100 countries worldwide. More information about BitDefender and its products are available at the company’s security solutions press room. Additionally, BitDefender’s http://www.malwarecity.com provides background and the latest updates on security threats helping users stay informed in the everyday battle against malware.

For more information see http://www.bitdefender.co.uk

ENDS

Contact:
Nick Billington
BitDefender Country Manager (UK and Ireland)
Tel: 0845 130 5096
E-mail: nbillington@bitdefender.co.uk


Issued by:
Mike Ottewell
MJO PR for BitDefender UK
Tel: 0845 883 3435
E-mail: mottewell@bitdefender.co.uk