WINLOGON.EXE

File Behavior

WINLOGON.EXE has been seen to perform the following behavior:

• The Process is packed and/or encrypted using a software packing process
• This process creates other processes on disk
• Executes a Process
• Adds a Registry Key (RUN) to auto start Programs on system start up
• Modifies Windows Initialization And System Settings Used On Start up
• This Process Deletes Other Processes From Disk
• Can communicate with other computer systems using HTTP protocols
• Modifies Windows Security Policies to restrict/expand User Privileges on the machine
• Disables Access to the Windows Registry Editior
• Changes to the file command map within the registry
• Adds a Link in the Start Menu
• Writes to another Process's Virtual Memory (Process Hijacking)
• Modifies the Windows Host File which could be used to stop you visiting specific web sites by redirecting you to alternative addresses without you knowing
• Makes outbound connections to other computers using NETBIOSOUT protocols
• Registers a Dynamic Link Library File
• Terminates Processes
• Executes Processes stored in Temporary Folders
• Hooks the WININET.DLL function allowing it to read or copy Http and Https web page content and session information
• Creates new folders on the system
• Downloads program file(s) and other content from the web
• Injects code into other processes
• Performs DNS look ups to resolve URL IP addresses
• Downloads hidden code from covert web sites
• This Process is a file infector which modifies program files to include a copy of the infection
• Creates new folders in the file system
• Looks at the contents of the autoexec.bat file
• Reads email address and phone book details
• Uses DNS to retrieve the IP address for web sites
• Creates, modifies or schedules batch jobs
• Modifies System Runtime Policies to limit system usability
• Adds a Registry Key (DXCOM) to auto start Programs on system start up
• Copies files
• Adds products to the system registry
• Found on infected systems and resists interrogation by security products
• Sets processes to start during user logon
• Disables the built in Windows File Protection System
• Examines the system to determine what windows patches and security updates are in place
• Can communicate with other computers using TCP protocols
• Enables an In Process Object/Server - Common with DLL Injections
• Adds a Registry Key (EXPLORER) to auto start Programs on system start Boot up
• Adds a Winlogon Notification DLL to automatically load on system start up
• Modifies the User Shell objects used to run code from other processes
• Automatically changes your firewall settings to allow itself or other programs to communicate over the internet
• Changes the PC's date or time settings
• Creation and Registers a Browser Helper Object in Internet Explorer
• Creates a new Background Service on the machine
• Uses backdoor interfaces to certain security applications
• Checks for the use of debuggers
• Opens browser pop ups
• Uses your PC to connect to Chat rooms
• Uses functions commonly associated with BOTNET BOT agents
• The Process is polymorphic and can change its structure
• Can Send email using SMTP protocols
• This Process sends MIME Email
• This Process can access Web Mail Servers

WINLOGON.EXE has been the subject of the following behavior:

• Created as a process on disk
• Executed as a Process
• Deleted as a process from disk
• Has code inserted into its Virtual Memory space by other programs
• Terminated as a Process
• Registered as a Dynamic Link Library File
• Created by processes which appear to be checking for interception by security products
• Added as a Registry auto start to load Program on Boot up
• Added as a Registry Key (DXCOM) to auto start Programs on system start up
• Copied to multiple locations on the system
• Executed from Temporary Folders
• Victim of a Heap Based Buffer Overflow Exploit
• This process has been seen to have code injected by malicious programs
• Executed by Internet Explorer
• This program is often downloaded from the web