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

Sdbot.LVU is a backdoor that allows hackers to gain remote access to the affected computer in order to carry out actions that compromise user confidentiality and impede the tasks performed on the computer.

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 several methods in order to avoid detection by antivirus companies:

• It terminates its own execution if it detects that it is being executed in a virtual machine environment, such as VMWare or VirtualPC.

Sdbot.LVU 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 (shared resources): it creates copies of itself in shared network resources to which it has access.