Threat Descriptions

Backdoor:W32/PoisonIvy

Classification

Category :

Malware

Type :

Backdoor

Platform :

W32

Aliases :

Backdoor.Win32.PoisonIvy, Gen:Trojan.Heur.PT

Summary

A remote administration tool (RAT) that bypasses the security features of a program, computer or network to give unauthorized access or control to its user.

Removal

Based on the settings of your F-Secure security product, it will either move the file to the quarantine where it cannot spread or cause harm, or remove it.

A False Positive is when a file is incorrectly detected as harmful, usually because its code or behavior resembles known harmful programs. A False Positive will usually be fixed in a subsequent database update without any action needed on your part. If you wish, you may also:

  • Check for the latest database updates

    First check if your F-Secure security program is using the latest updates, then try scanning the file again.

  • Submit a sample

    After checking, if you still believe the file is incorrectly detected, you can submit a sample of it for re-analysis.

    Note: If the file was moved to quarantine, you need to collect the file from quarantine before you can submit it.

  • Exclude a file from further scanning

    If you are certain that the file is safe and want to continue using it, you can exclude it from further scanning by the F-Secure security product.

    Note: You need administrative rights to change the settings.

Technical Details

Poison Ivy variants are backdoors that are created and controlled by a Poison Ivy management program or kit.

The Poison Ivy kit has a graphical user interface and is actively developed. The servers (the actual backdoors) are very small and are typically under 10kB in size. The size can however be considerably different if a packer or protector has been used to obfuscate the file.

Installation

Once executed, the backdoor copies itself to either the Windows folder or the Windows\system32 folder. The filename and locations are defined by the creator of the backdoor when using the Poison Ivy kit to create the server program.Some variants of Poison Ivy are capable of copying themselves into an Alternate Data Stream.

A registry entry will be added to ensure the backdoor is started every time the computer is booted up. The server then connects to a client using an address defined when the server-part was created. The communication between the server and client programs is encrypted and compressed. Below is the screenshot of the client application:

Poison Ivy can be configured to inject itself into a browser process before making an outgoing connection to help in bypassing firewalls.

Activity

Backdoor:W32/PoisonIvy gives the attacker practically complete control over the infected computer. Exact functionality depends on the variant in question but the following are the most common operations available to the attacker. Operations:

  • Files can be renamed, deleted, or executed. Files can also be uploaded and downloaded to and from the system
  • The Windows registry can be viewed and edited
  • Currently running processes can be viewed and suspended or killed
  • Current network connections can be viewed and shut down
  • Services can be viewed and controlled (for example stopped or started)
  • Installed devices can be viewed and some devices can be disabled
  • The list of installed applications can be viewed and entries can be deleted or programs uninstalled

Other functionality includes viewing a list of open windows or starting a remote command shell on the infected computer. Poison Ivy variants can also steal information by taking screenshots of the desktop and recording audio or webcam footage. They can also access saved passwords and password hashes.

Some variants also have a keylogger. Additional features not provided by the Poison Ivy configuration kit can be added by third party plugins.