Virus Encyclopedia
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Gaobot.MSI | |
Threat Level Damage Distribution |
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Common name: | Gaobot.MSI |
Technical name: | W32/Gaobot.MSI.worm |
Threat level: | Medium |
Type: | Worm |
Effects: |
It spreads and affects other computers.
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Affected platforms:
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Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95 |
First detected on: | March 31, 2006 |
Detection updated on: | March 31, 2006 |
Statistics | No |
Proactive protection: | Yes, using TruPrevent Technologies
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Brief Description | |
Gaobot.MSI is a worm that spreads by copying itself, without infecting other files. It captures certain information entered or saved by the user, with the corresponding threat to privacy:
passwords saved by certain Windows services. - In the local network:
it generates a large amount of network activity and consumes bandwidth.
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 opens one or more ports to allow remote access to the computer and takes action that compromises user confidentiality; it awaits remote-control orders received through
IRC. 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.
Gaobot.MSI 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.
- Email: sending emails that include a copy of itself as an attachment. The computer is infected when the attachment is run.
- IRC: It sends a copy of itself to all users connected to the channel to which the infected user is connected.
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