Virus Encyclopedia
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Gaobot.MWL | |
Threat Level Damage Distribution |
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Common name: | Gaobot.MWL |
Technical name: | W32/Gaobot.MWL.worm |
Threat level: | Low |
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: | April 14, 2006 |
Detection updated on: | April 14, 2006 |
Statistics | No |
Proactive protection: | Yes, using TruPrevent Technologies
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Brief Description | |
Gaobot.MWL 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. It sends the gathered information to a remote user by any available means: email, FTP, etc. It affects productivity, preventing tasks from being carried out: - In the affected computer:
it converts the computer into a platform for taking malicious action surreptitiously: spam sending, launch of Denial of Service attacks, malware distribution, etc.
- In the local network:
it generates a large amount of network activity and consumes bandwidth.
It reduces the security level of the computer:
it awaits remote-control orders received through
IRC. It uses stealth techniques to avoid being detected by the user: - It uses techniques included in its code to hide itself while it is active.
- It deletes the original file from which it was run once it is installed on the computer.
Gaobot.MWL 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.
- Via Internet, exploiting remote vulnerabilities: attacking random IP addresses, in which it tries to insert a copy of itself by exploiting one or more vulnerabilities.
- Email: sending emails that include a copy of itself as an attachment. The computer is infected when the attachment is run.
- 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.
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