Fake AV Software Updates Are Distributing Malware - Symantec Security Response

There is a new social engineering spam that attempts to trick users into running malware on their computers. Malware authors use various methods including emails pretending to be from various antivirus software companies with an important system update required to be installed by the end user, along with attaching a fake hotfix patch file for their antivirus software.

The email plays on end user concern over the lack of detection, especially in the face of the latest threats showcased in the media recently, such as the Cryptolocker Trojan. This type of social engineering entices users to open and install the hotfix without using realising what they are installing. 

Symantec has observed a number of different email subject lines that include many well-known antivirus software companies (see image):
• AntiVir Desktop: Important System Update - requires immediate action
• Avast Antivirus: Important System Update - requires immediate action
• AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition: Important System Update - requires immediate action
• Avira Desktop: Important System Update - requires immediate action
• Baidu Antivirus: Important System Update - requires immediate action
• Cloud Antivirus Firewall: Important System Update - requires immediate action
• ESET NOD32 Antivirus: Important System Update - requires immediate action
• Kaspersky Anti-Virus: Important System Update - requires immediate action
• McAfee Personal Firewall: Important System Update - requires immediate action
• Norton AntiVirus: Important System Update - requires immediate action
• Norton Internet Security: Important System Update - requires immediate action
• Norton 360: Important System Update - requires immediate action
• Symantec Endpoint Protection: Important System Update - requires immediate action
• Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security: Important System Update - requires immediate action

Although the subject line changes, the attached zip file containing the malicious executable stays the same. Once the malware is executed, a connection is made to networksecurityx.hopto.org to download another file. The malware uses a process called ozybe.exe to perform tasks.

Symantec recommends
The Skeptic scanner of Symantec Email Security.cloud can block this and similar emails before it can even reach the end user. In addition, Symantec also detects the files associated with this attack using the following signature names:
• Trojan.Gen
• Trojan.Zbot
• WS.Viral.1

Symantec advises following best practices to avoid becoming a victim of social engineering spam attacks:
• Do not click on suspicious links in email messages.
• Do not open any attachments from recipients you do not know or expect an attachment from.
• Do not provide any personal information when replying to an email.
• Use comprehensive security software, such as Norton Internet Security or Norton 360, which protects you from phishing and social networking scams.
• Exercise caution when clicking on enticing links sent through email or posted on social networks.

Read the full Symantec Security Response blog:
http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/fake-av-software-updates-are-distributing-malware

Click for big version.

ENDS

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