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PWS-Banker.gen.c

This page shows details and results of our analysis on the malware PWS-Banker.gen.c

Threat Detail

Malware Type: Trojan

Malware Sub-type: Password Stealer

Discovery Date: 2005-03-25

Next Steps:

Overview

This is a trojan detection. Unlike viruses, trojans do not self-replicate. They are spread manually, often under the premise that they are beneficial or wanted. The most common installation methods involve system or security exploitation, and unsuspecting users manually executing unknown programs. Distribution channels include email, malicious or hacked web pages, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), peer-to-peer networks, etc.


Minimum DAT

4354 (2004-04-28)

Updated DAT

4895 (2006-11-14)

 Minimum Engine

5.1.00

File Length

Varies

 Description Added

2004-04-28

Description Modified

2006-03-10

Malware Proliferation

Characteristics

PWS-Banker.gen.c is a password stealing trojan that captures bank account information (username/password) and sends this information to the author via different methods. These methods include (this is not an exclusive list)

  • FTP
  • SMTP
  • HTTP (embedded through URLs or through FORMs)
  • Fake HTTP pages
  • Keyloggers
  • Custom backdoors
  • Injecting DLLs into memory

There are several variants of the trojan. The description is a general guide.  Newer variants require the latest DAT files for detection and cleaning.

In addition, Password Stealers may steal data from the hard drive.

Symptoms

The Trojan is running in the process list.

Mails may be sent using Outlook in some instances, or network traffic on port 25, connecting to a remote SMTP (mail) server to send email data to the malware author.

Infected user might be prompted to enter their online banking credentials after running the malware.

Method of Infection

N/A. Password Stealers are not viruses, and as such do not themselves contain any method to replicate. However they may themselves be downloaded by other viruses and/or Trojans to be installed on the user's system.

Many of these additionally are mass spammed by the author to entice people into double-clicking on them.

Alternatively they may be installed by visiting a malicious web page (either by clicking on a link, or by the website hosting a scripted exploit which installs the Password Stealer onto the user's system with no user interaction.

Removal

All Users:
Use specified engine and DAT files for detection and removal.

Additional Windows ME/XP removal considerations

Variants

United States - English