W32/Rbot-AEL is a worm with IRC backdoor functionality for the Windows platform.
W32/Rbot-AEL runs continuously in the background, providing a backdoor server which allows a remote intruder to gain access and control over the computer via IRC channels.
When first run W32/Rbot-AEL copies itself to <Windows system folder>\fufffy.exe.
W32/Rbot-AEL is capable of spreading to computers on the local network protected by weak passwords after receiving the appropriate backdoor command.
W32/Rbot-AEL may also spread by exploiting the following vulnerabilities for which patches can be obtained from the Microsoft website :
MS04-011
MS04-012
MS03-007
MS02-039
MS01-059
The following registry entries are created to run fufffy.exe on startup:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
NTSF MICROSOFT SYSTEM
fufffy.exe
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
NTSF MICROSOFT SYSTEM
fufffy.exe
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
NTSF MICROSOFT SYSTEM
fufffy.exe
Registry entries are set as follows:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Ole
EnableDCOM
N
HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa
restrictanonymous
1
Sophos's anti-virus products include Genotype detection technology, which can proactively protect against new threats without requiring an update. Sophos customers have been protected against W32/Rbot-AEL (detected as Rbot-Gen) since version 3.88.