Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95

Brontok.GS is a worm that spreads by copying itself, without infecting other files.

It reduces the security level of the computer:it terminates processes belonging to security tools, such as antivirus programs and firewalls, leaving the computer defenseless against attacks from other malware; it changes system permissions, decreasing the security level.

It uses stealth techniques to avoid being detected by the user:

• It terminates processes corresponding to several security tools, such as antivirus programs and firewalls, to prevent detection.
• It deletes the original file from which it was run once it is installed on the computer.

It uses several methods in order to avoid detection by antivirus companies:

• It prevents scanning tools from running, such as Windows Registry Editor, FileMonitor, etc.

Brontok.GS uses the following propagation or distribution methods:

• Exploiting vulnerabilities with the intervention of the user: exploiting vulnerabilities in file formats or applications. To exploit them successfully it needs the intervention of the user: opening files, viewing malicious web pages, reading emails, etc.
• Computer networks (mapped drives): it creates copies of itself in mapped drives.
• Computer networks (shared resources): it creates copies of itself in shared network resources to which it has access.