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

SpyBot.AJZ 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: causes system slowdowns.

• In the local network: it generates a large amount of network activity and consumes bandwidth.

It reduces the security level of the computer: it listens on open ports in order to control the computer remotely; it awaits remote-control orders received through HTTP.

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

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

SpyBot.AJZ 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.