W32.HLLW.Gaobot.AG

W32.HLLW.Gaobot.AG is a minor variant of W32.HLLW.Gaobot.AE. It attempts to spread to network shares that have weak passwords and allows attackers to access an infected computer through an IRC channel.

The worm uses multiple vulnerabilities, including:

• The DCOM RPC vulnerability (described in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS03-026) using TCP port 135. Using this exploit, the worm specifically targets Windows XP computers.
• The RPC locator vulnerability (described in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS03-001) using TCP port 445.
  
  W32.HLLW.Gaobot.AG is compressed with UPX.

Protection

• Initial Rapid Release version September 24, 2003
• Latest Rapid Release version September 23, 2003
• Initial Daily Certified version September 24, 2003
• Latest Daily Certified version September 23, 2003
• Initial Weekly Certified release date September 24, 2003

Click here for a more detailed description of Rapid Release and Daily Certified virus definitions.

Threat Assessment

Wild

• Wild Level: Low
• Number of Infections: 50 - 999
• Number of Sites: More than 10
• Geographical Distribution: Low
• Threat Containment: Easy
• Removal: Moderate

Damage

• Damage Level: Medium

Distribution

• Distribution Level: Medium