Prevx Research Division
MICROSOFT.EXE
Cloaked MalwareFree PC Cleanup from Webroot
Use Webroot SecureAnywhere to remove MICROSOFT.EXE.
"Just when you thought it couldn't get any better or faster. The Webroot scanning engine is 'high octane' with a hidden nitrous oxide system. Bravo!!!" W. Lodzinski, SecureAnywhere User
Associated Malware Groups
The unsafe files using this name are associated with the malware groups:
- Cloaked Malware
- Malicious Software
- Worm
File Behavior
MICROSOFT.EXE has been seen to perform the following behavior:
- This process creates other processes on disk
- Deletes Links in the Start Menu
- Adds a Link in the Start Menu
- This Process Deletes Other Processes From Disk
- The process hooks code into all running processes which could allow it to take control of the system or record keyboard input, mouse activity and screen contents
- Disables Access to the Task Manager built into Windows
- Modifies Windows Security Policies to restrict/expand User Privileges on the machine
- Changes to the file command map within the registry
- Disables the built in Windows File Protection System
- Disables Access to the Windows Registry Editior
- Disables the Built in Windows System Restore Feature
- Adds a Registry Key (RUN) to auto start Programs on system start up
- Makes outbound connections to other computers using NETBIOSOUT protocols
- The Process is packed and/or encrypted using a software packing process
- Writes to another Process's Virtual Memory (Process Hijacking)
- Injects code into other processes
- Performs DNS look ups to resolve URL IP addresses
- Can communicate with other computer systems using HTTP protocols
- Executes a Process
- Registers a Dynamic Link Library File
- Creates system tray popups, messages, errors and security warnings
- Opens browser pop ups
- Runs Javascript code
- Checks for the use of debuggers
- Creates new folders in the file system
- Creates a new Background Service on the machine
- Uses DNS to retrieve the IP address for web sites
- Creates, modifies or schedules batch jobs
- The Process is polymorphic and can change its structure
- Found on infected systems and resists interrogation by security products
MICROSOFT.EXE has been the subject of the following behavior:
- Executed as a Process
- Created as a process on disk
- Deleted as a Link in the Start Menu
- Added as a Link in the Start Menu
- The process is hooked into all running processes which could allow it to take control of the system or record keyboard input, mouse activity and screen contents
- Changes to the file command map within the registry
- Added as a Registry auto start to load Program on Boot up
- Has code inserted into its Virtual Memory space by other programs
- Terminated as a Process
- Registered as a Dynamic Link Library File
- Copied to multiple locations on the system
- Deleted as a process from disk
- Created as a new Background Service on the machine
- Created by processes which appear to be checking for interception by security products
Country Of Origin
The filename MICROSOFT.EXE was first seen on May 24 2007 in the following geographical regions of the Webroot community:
- The United States on May 24 2007
- Sweden on Jun 24 2007
- Spain on Jul 20 2007
- Canada on Aug 21 2008
- India on Feb 24 2009
- Netherlands on Aug 18 2010
- Morocco on Feb 8 2012
File Name Aliases
MICROSOFT.EXE can also use the following file names:
- WINXP.EXE
- WEB.EXE
- EMPTY.PIF
- BURHANI .EXE
- MICROSOFT .EXE
- MICROSOFT_001.EXE
- MICROSOFT (1).EXE
- MKS.EXE
- MKS_001.EXE
- MKS_002.EXE
- OJMQABF.TMP
- XPLORER.EXE
- KHATRA.EXE
- GHOST.EXE
- USER.EXE
- MY RECEIVED FILES.EXE
- KHATARNAKH.EXE
- BIKINI02.SCR
- USER.SCR
- NEW FOLDER(n).EXE
- MSAPPS.EXE
- CONNECTION WIZARD.EXE
- TEMP.EXE
- APPPATCH.EXE
- DRIVER CACHE.EXE
- DEBUG.EXE
- WINNT.EXE
- SYSTEM32.EXE
- SYSTEM.EXE
- REPAIR.EXE
- HELP.EXE
- CONFIG.EXE
- MSAGENT.EXE
- CURSORS.EXE
- MEDIA.EXE
- JAVA.EXE
- ADDINS.EXE
- SECURITY.EXE
- TWAIN_32.EXE
- SPEECH.EXE
- REGISTRATION.EXE
- MWW32.EXE
- SERVICEPACKFILES.EXE
- IME.EXE
- SHELLNEW.EXE
- DRWATSON.EXE
- MINIDUMP.EXE
- SOFTWAREDISTRIBUTION.EXE
- K.BACKUP.EXE
- DRIVERS.EXE
- RAS.EXE
- SPOOL.EXE
- WINS.EXE
- DHCP.EXE
- WBEM.EXE
- NPP.EXE
- IAS.EXE
- SHELLEXT.EXE
- EXPORT.EXE
- MUI.EXE
- MACROMED.EXE
- LOG.EXE
- INETSRV.EXE
- ROCKET.EXE
- CATROOT.EXE
- RPCPROXY.EXE
- IE_DE.EXE
- COM.EXE
- DTCLOG.EXE
- NTMSDATA.EXE
- CERTSRV.EXE
- DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS.EXE
- STALIN.EXE
- PHD AWARD 10.10.2008.EXE
- STAL.EXE
- WSSV STUFF.EXE
- COMMUNICATIONS.EXE
- SYSTEM TOOLS.EXE
- ENTERTAINMENT.EXE
- ACCESSIBILITY.EXE
- GAMES.EXE
- ACCESSORIES.EXE
- ADMINISTRATIVE TOOLS.EXE
- MOZILLA FIREFOX.EXE
- TREND MICRO OFFICESCAN CLIENT.EXE
- MICROSOFT OFFICE TOOLS.EXE
- PREVX CSI.EXE
- VERYPDF PDF2WORD V3.0.EXE
- WINRAR.EXE
- PROGRAMS.EXE
- STARTUP.EXE
- START MENU.EXE
- RAR PASSWORD RECOVERY.EXE
- DESKTOP.EXE
- ETC.EXE
- DISDN.EXE
- DELL.EXE
- AUSTRALIA VISA.EXE
- ABHIMANYU.EXE
- NEW FOLDER.EXE
- POLICIES.EXE
- INCOMPLETE.EXE
- UNUSED DESKTOP SHORTCUTS.EXE
- RECEIPT.JSP_FILES.EXE
- DWHELPER.EXE
- WINDOWS.EXE
- DRAFTS.EXE
- ADOBE PREMIERE PRO AUTO-SAVE.EXE
- GRANVILLE.EXE
- PP.EXE
Filesizes
The following file size has been seen:
- 262,144 bytes
- 48,893 bytes
- 49,107 bytes
- 16,384 bytes
- 455,168 bytes
- 458,752 bytes
- 506,687 bytes
File Type
The filename MICROSOFT.EXE is used by multiple object types including executable programs,objects.
File Activity
One or more files with the name MICROSOFT.EXE creates, deletes, copies or moves the following files and folders:
- Creates c:\windows\system32\cscript.exe
- Creates c:\documents and settings\all users\start menu\programs\startup\(Empty).LNK
- Moves c:\documents and settings\all users\start menu\programs\startup\desktop.ini to c:\windows\k.backup\C_Drive_Documents and Settings_All Users_Start Menu_Programs_Startup_desktop.ini
- Moves c:\documents and settings\user\start menu\programs\startup\desktop.ini to c:\windows\k.backup\C_Drive_Documents and Settings_user_Start Menu_Programs_Startup_desktop.ini
- Copies filec:\windows\KHATARNAKH.exe to c:\documents and settings\user\local settings\application data\microsoft\cd burning\KHATRA.exe
- Copies filec:\windows\inf\Autoplay.inF to c:\documents and settings\user\local settings\application data\microsoft\cd burning\AUTORUN.inF
- Copies filec:\windows\KHATARNAKH.exe to c:\documents and settings\user\local settings\application data\microsoft\cd burning\user.exe
- Copies filec:\windows\KHATARNAKH.exe to c:\documents and settings\user\local settings\application data\microsoft\cd burning\New Folder(3).exe
- Copies filec:\windows\KHATARNAKH.exe to c:\documents and settings\user\my documents\my received files\My Received Files.exe
- Copies filec:\windows\KHATARNAKH.exe to c:\documents and settings\user\my documents\My Received Files.exe
- Creates c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\aut23.tmp
- Creates c:\windows\system32\avphost.dll
- Deletes c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\aut23.tmp
- Deletes c:\windows\Xplorer.exe
- Deletes c:\windows\system\gHost.exe
- Deletes c:\KHATRA.exe
- Deletes c:\windows\KHATARNAKH.exe
- Deletes c:\windows\system32\KHATRA.exe
- Creates c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\bikini02.scr c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cscript.exe
- Creates c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\user.scr c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cscript.exe
- Deletes c:\documents and settings\user\local settings\application data\microsoft\cd burning\AUTORUN.inF
- Deletes c:\documents and settings\user\local settings\application data\microsoft\cd burning\New Folder(3).exe
- Copies filec:\windows\system32\KHATRA.exe to c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\bikini02.scr
- Moves c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\kma58442.tmp to c:\windows\New WinZip File.cab
- Deletes c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\bikini02.scr
- Copies filec:\windows\system32\KHATRA.exe to c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\user.scr
- Moves c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\kma24810.tmp to c:\windows\New WinRAR archive.cab
- Deletes c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\user.scr
- Creates c:\windows\temp\n7ekopu1.TMP
- Creates c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab2
- Creates c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab3
- Creates c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab4
- Creates c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab5
- Creates c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab6
- Creates c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab7
- Creates c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab8
- Deletes c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab2
- Deletes c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab3
- Creates c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\kma58442.tmp
- Deletes c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab4
- Deletes c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab5
- Deletes c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab6
- Creates c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab9
- Creates c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab10
- Creates c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab11
- Deletes c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab7
- Deletes c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab8
- Deletes c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab9
- Deletes c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab10
- Deletes c:\docume~1\user\locals~1\temp\cab11
Network Activity
One or more files with the name MICROSOFT.EXE performs the following network events:
- DNS Lookup1.1.20.1 DC20-D075EA77
Help the Webroot Community to fight cyber crime
We are always looking for ways to improve the quality and speed of research to help us protect you from malicious software and cyber crime.
PCMag.com Editors' Choice Award Logo is a trademark of Ziff Davis Publishing Holdings Inc. Used under license.