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>From http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/index.cfm?newsid=5869 Beware geeks bearing rootkits Robert McMillan Security researchers at Sana Security are warning of a new type of malicious software designed to steal usernames and passwords from web surfers. The malware, dubbed "rootkit.hearse", uses rootkit-cloaking techniques, making it extremely difficult to detect. To steal information, however, the software must first be downloaded on to a user's system. This can be done by tricking the user into downloading the malicious code, or by infecting a computer with some other form of malware. Once installed, it sends the sensitive information to a server in Russia, that appears to have been in operation since 16 March, Sana said. The software has two components: a Trojan horse application that communicates with the Russian server, as well as rootkit software that cloaks the malicious software from system tools and antivirus programs. Sana has observed the software being downloaded in conjunction with the Win32.Alcra worm. Rootkit.hearse uses the same kind of cloaking techniques made infamous by Sony's XCP rootkit software, making it hard to find, according to Sana chief technology officer Vlad Gorelik. As of late Monday, rootkit.hearse was detected by only five of the 24 security products that Sana tested it against, though that number is expected to change as word gets out. "I'm sure that there are others who are beginning to pick it up at this point," Gorelik said. The Trojan horse software spends most of its time lurking in the background, but it springs to life to communicate with the Russian server whenever a user hits a website that requires authentication. The software can read password information as it is typed or even when it is automatically stored and submitted by features such as Internet Explorer's AutoComplete. As of Tuesday, the Russian server had stored about 35,000 unique usernames and logins that could be used on about 7,000 different websites, including banking, auction and social-networking sites, Gorelik said. Sana informed the Russian ISP for the site in question on Monday, Gorelik said. Sana declined to name the ISP. As of yesterday morning, the Russian site was still operational, he said. Read About It Information about PWS-Banker.be is located on VIL at: http://vil.mcafeesecurity.com/vil/content/v_138991.htm Detection PWS-Banker.be was first discovered on March 21, 2006 and detection was added to the 4723 dat files (Release Date: March 21, 2006). To stay updated and protected download the latest dat files from http://www.mcafeesecurity.com/us/downloads/default.asp If you suspect you have PWS-Banker.be, please submit a sample to http://www.webimmune.net. Risk Assessment Definition For further information on the Risk Assessment and AVERT Recommended Actions please see: http://www.mcafeesecurity.com/us/security/resources/risk_assessment.htm Mike Grant Bytware, Inc. 775-851-2900 http://www.bytware.com CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message and any attachment to this e-mail message contain information that may be privileged and confidential. This e-mail and any attachments are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity named above (the recipient) and may not be forwarded to or shared with any third party. If you are not the intended recipient and have received this e-mail in error, please notify us by return e-mail or by telephone at 775-851-2900 and delete this message. This notice is automatically appended to each e-mail message leaving Bytware, Inc.
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