Ranky.QN is a Trojan, which although seemingly inoffensive, can actually carry out attacks and intrusions. 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.
It reduces the security level of the computer:
it changes the security settings of Internet Explorer, decreasing its security level; it notifies the attacker that the computer has been compromised and is ready to be used maliciously; it awaits remote-control orders received through
other channels. Ranky.QN accesses several websites to download files, which it then runs. These can be any type of file, although they are normally malware. It uses stealth techniques to avoid being detected by the user: - It injects itself in running processes.
- It deletes the original file from which it was run once it is installed on the computer.
Ranky.QN 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.
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