CNN is doing a story on this as if it as emergency, so, to err on the side of precaution , I am passing it on:

Windows 2000, NT and XP (That has NOT been upgraded)

W32.Zotob.D is a worm that opens a back door and exploits the Microsoft Windows Plug and Play Buffer Overflow Vulnerability (described in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-039) on TCP port 445.

Apparently, CNN and ABC news got popped--no video for them.

Micorosoft 2000 is the target. It blocks you from getting you to anitviral sites and sends you to chatrooms (I think they said) and they get control of your computer. It prevents you from getting to Microsoft's site for a patch.  May come in as a plug-n-play patch.

Also, they said it may not be Zotob, and may be a new worm. At 5 pm CST, the FBI said they know of no new worm. So who knows.

It is international, too.

http://www.microsoft.com/security/incident/zotob.mspx
Zotob.A is a worm targeting Windows 2000–based systems which takes advantage of a security issue that was addressed by Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-039. This worm installs malicious software, and then looks for other computers to infect.

Important If you have installed the update released with Security Bulletin MS05-039, you are already protected from Zotob.A. If you are using any supported version of Windows other than Windows 2000, you are not at risk from Zotob.A.

As part of our Software Security Incident Response Process, our investigation has determined that only a small number of customers have been affected, and Microsoft security professionals are working directly with them. We have seen no indication of widespread impact to the Internet. Customers who believe they have been attacked should contact their local FBI office or post their complaint on the Internet Fraud Complaint Center Web site. Customers outside of the United States should contact the national law enforcement agency in their country.


Check for Infection

When Zotob.A infects a computer, it attempts to deliver a malicious file named Botzor.exe. If your computer is infected, this file will be present and your registry will show changes. Use any of the following methods to check for infection. (If you find the file, you do not need to check the registry, and vice versa.)

Search your computer for the Botzor.exe file

1.


Click Start, point to Search, and then click For Files and Folders.

2.


Click Use Advanced Search Options. Under Search by any or all of the criteria below, enter the following information:

A. Under All or part of the file name: enter Botzor.exe.

B. Under Look in: click Local Hard Drives.

C. Under More Advanced Options, select Search system folders and Search hidden files and folders.

3.


Click Search.

Look for new keys added to the registry
•

In registry key HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
CurrentVersion\Run added value WINDOWS SYSTEM with data of botzor.exe
•

In registry key HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
CurrentVersion\RunServices added value WINDOWS SYSTEM with data botzor.exe


If Your Computer Is Not Infected

Help protect your computer against Zotob.A by installing Security Update 899588. Find the download link for your version of Windows in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-039.

If Your Computer Is Infected

Follow the Zotob.A recovery steps in the Microsoft Antivirus Encyclopedia.

http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.zotob.d.html

W32.Zotob.D

Discovered on: August 16, 2005
Last Updated on: August 16, 2005 10:41:50 AM



W32.Zotob.D is a worm that opens a back door and exploits the Microsoft Windows Plug and Play Buffer Overflow Vulnerability (described in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-039) on TCP port 445.



Type: Worm
Infection Length: 51,326 bytes



Systems Affected: Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP





# Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) *


August 17, 2005
# Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™) **


August 17, 2005

*


Intelligent Updater definitions are released daily, but require manual download and installation.
Click here to download manually.

**


LiveUpdate virus definitions are usually released every Wednesday.
Click here for instructions on using LiveUpdate.

Wild

* Number of infections: 0 - 49
* Number of sites: 0 - 2
* Geographical distribution: Low
* Threat containment: Easy
* Removal: Moderate



Threat Metrics


Wild:
Low


Damage:
Medium


Distribution:
Medium

Damage

* Payload Trigger: n/a
* Payload: Opens a back door.
o Large scale e-mailing: n/a
o Deletes files: Deletes files, some of which may be security-related.
o Modifies files: n/a
o Degrades performance: n/a
o Causes system instability: n/a
o Releases confidential info: n/a
o Compromises security settings: Ends processes, some of which may be security-related.

Distribution

* Subject of email: n/a
* Name of attachment: n/a
* Size of attachment: n/a
* Time stamp of attachment: n/a
* Ports: TCP port 6667: TCP port 1117 and; TCP port 445.
* Shared drives: n/a
* Target of infection: n/a



When W32.Zotob.D is executed, it performs the following actions:

1. Creates the mutex "windrg322", so that only one copy of the worm runs at one time.

2. Copies itself as %System%\wbev\windrg32.exe.

Note: %System% is a variable that refers to the System folder. By default this is C:\Windows\System (Windows 95/98/Me), C:\Winnt\System32 (Windows NT/2000), or C:\Windows\System32 (Windows XP).

3. Adds the value:

"WinDrg32" = "%System%\wbev\windrg32.exe"

to the registry subkey:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

so that it runs every time Windows starts.

4. Attempts to detect network connections and will attempt to connect to the following URLs to detect internet connectivity and IP address route-ability:

* http://www.google.com
* http://www.ebay.com
* http://www.yahoo.com

5. Attempts to open a back door by connecting to one of the following IRC servers on TCP port 6667:

* xaeti.m00p.org
* db23a.hack-syndicate.org
* spookystreet.m00p.org
* spookystreet.udp-flood.com

6. Gives a remote attacker full control over the compromised computer to perform various actions, including:

* Downloading and executing files
* Making queries to http://www.google.com
* Ending processes
* Carrying out dictionary attacks on user passwords

7. Opens an FTP server on TCP port 1117.

8. Attempts to terminate the following processes:

* pnpsrv.exe
* winpnp.exe
* csm.exe
* botzor.exe
* CxtPls.exe
* NHUpdater.exe
* ViewMgr.exe
* realsched.exe
* qttask.exe
* CMESys.exe
* EbatesMoeMoneyMaker*.exe

9. Deletes the following registry values:

"Windows PNP Server"
"Windows PNP"
"csm Win Updates"
"MyWebSearch"
"WINDOWS SYSTEM"
"Zotob"
"MyWay"
"WeatherOnTray"
"Apropos"
"IBIS TB"
"TBPS"
"Toolbar"
"Hotbar"
"CMESys"
"NavExcel"
"ViewMgr"
"eZula"
"EbatesMoeMoneyMaker"
"Ebates"
"AutoUpdater"
"Gator"
"Trickler"
"QuickTime"
"GatorDownloader"
"eZmmod"
"Viewpoint"
"TkBellExe"
"180"
"WinTools"
"Real"
"QuickTime Task"
"sais"
"msbb"
"saie"
"180ax"
"lgbibsn"
"tov"

from the following subkeys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\RunOnce

10. Searches for the following files and folders to delete the files and the contents of folders:

* %SYSTEM%\pnpsrv.exe
* %SYSTEM%\winpnp.exe
* %SYSTEM%\csm.exe
* %SYSTEM%\botzor.exe
* %PROGRAMFILES%\MyWebSearch
* %PROGRAMFILES%\MyWebSearch\*.exe
* %PROGRAMFILES%\Hotbar
* %PROGRAMFILES%\Hotbar\*.exe
* %PROGRAMFILES%\MyWay
* %PROGRAMFILES%\MyWay\*.exe
* %PROGRAMFILES%\180Solutions
* %PROGRAMFILES%\180Solutions\*.exe
* %PROGRAMFILES%\Common Files\WinTools
* %PROGRAMFILES%\Common Files\WinTools\*.exe
* %PROGRAMFILES%\Toolbar
* %PROGRAMFILES%\Toolbar\*.exe
* %PROGRAMFILES%\CxtPls
* %PROGRAMFILES%\NavExcel
* %PROGRAMFILES%\AutoUpdate
* %PROGRAMFILES%\AutoUpdate\AutoUpdate.exe
* %PROGRAMFILES%\EbatesMoeMoneyMaker
* %PROGRAMFILES%\eZula
* %PROGRAMFILES%\eZula\mmod.exe
* %PROGRAMFILES%\Common Files\GMT
* %PROGRAMFILES%\Common Files\GMT\GMT.exe
* %PROGRAMFILES%\Common Files\CMEII

Note: %ProgramFiles% is a variable that refers to the program files folder. By default, this is C:\Program Files.

11. Generates random IP addresses, and attempts to exploit the Microsoft Windows Plug and Play Buffer Overflow Vulnerability (described in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-039), using TCP port 445.

12. Creates the file named inst on the target machine, if successful. This file contains FTP script that will download a copy of the worm from the compromised computer, using the previously opened FTP server. This file is saved as run[NUMBER].exe and then executed. The worm logs the successfully exploited IP's in the IRC channel it joined.



Symantec Security Response encourages all users and administrators to adhere to the following basic security "best practices":

* Turn off and remove unneeded services. By default, many operating systems install auxiliary services that are not critical, such as an FTP server, telnet, and a Web server. These services are avenues of attack. If they are removed, blended threats have less avenues of attack and you have fewer services to maintain through patch updates.
* If a blended threat exploits one or more network services, disable, or block access to, those services until a patch is applied.
* Always keep your patch levels up-to-date, especially on computers that host public services and are accessible through the firewall, such as HTTP, FTP, mail, and DNS services (for example, all Windows-based computers should have the current Service Pack installed.). Additionally, please apply any security updates that are mentioned in this writeup, in trusted Security Bulletins, or on vendor Web sites.
* Enforce a password policy. Complex passwords make it difficult to crack password files on compromised computers. This helps to prevent or limit damage when a computer is compromised.
* Configure your email server to block or remove email that contains file attachments that are commonly used to spread viruses, such as .vbs, .bat, .exe, .pif and .scr files.
* Isolate infected computers quickly to prevent further compromising your organization. Perform a forensic analysis and restore the computers using trusted media.
* Train employees not to open attachments unless they are expecting them. Also, do not execute software that is downloaded from the Internet unless it has been scanned for viruses. Simply visiting a compromised Web site can cause infection if certain browser vulnerabilities are not patched.



The following instructions pertain to all current and recent Symantec antivirus products, including the Symantec AntiVirus and Norton AntiVirus product lines.

1. Disable System Restore (Windows Me/XP).
2. Update the virus definitions.
3. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected.
4. Delete any values added to the registry.

For specific details on each of these steps, read the following instructions.

1. To disable System Restore (Windows Me/XP)
If you are running Windows Me or Windows XP, we recommend that you temporarily turn off System Restore. Windows Me/XP uses this feature, which is enabled by default, to restore the files on your computer in case they become damaged. If a virus, worm, or Trojan infects a computer, System Restore may back up the virus, worm, or Trojan on the computer.

Windows prevents outside programs, including antivirus programs, from modifying System Restore. Therefore, antivirus programs or tools cannot remove threats in the System Restore folder. As a result, System Restore has the potential of restoring an infected file on your computer, even after you have cleaned the infected files from all the other locations.

Also, a virus scan may detect a threat in the System Restore folder even though you have removed the threat.

For instructions on how to turn off System Restore, read your Windows documentation, or one of the following articles:

* How to disable or enable Windows Me System Restore
* How to turn off or turn on Windows XP System Restore


Note: When you are completely finished with the removal procedure and are satisfied that the threat has been removed, reenable System Restore by following the instructions in the aforementioned documents.

For additional information, and an alternative to disabling Windows Me System Restore, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base article: Antivirus Tools Cannot Clean Infected Files in the _Restore Folder (Article ID: Q263455).

2. To update the virus definitions
Symantec Security Response fully tests all the virus definitions for quality assurance before they are posted to our servers. There are two ways to obtain the most recent virus definitions:

* Running LiveUpdate, which is the easiest way to obtain virus definitions: These virus definitions are posted to the LiveUpdate servers once each week (usually on Wednesdays), unless there is a major virus outbreak. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by LiveUpdate, refer to Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate).
* Downloading the definitions using the Intelligent Updater: The Intelligent Updater virus definitions are posted daily. You should download the definitions from the Symantec Security Response Web site and manually install them. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by the Intelligent Updater, refer to Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater).

The latest Intelligent Updater virus definitions can be obtained here: Intelligent Updater virus definitions. For detailed instructions read the document: How to update virus definition files using the Intelligent Updater.



3. To scan for and delete the infected files

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program and make sure that it is configured to scan all the files.
* For Norton AntiVirus consumer products: Read the document: How to configure Norton AntiVirus to scan all files.
* For Symantec AntiVirus Enterprise products: Read the document: How to verify that a Symantec Corporate antivirus product is set to scan all files.
2. Run a full system scan.
3. If any files are detected, click Delete.


Important: If you are unable to start your Symantec antivirus product or the product reports that it cannot delete a detected file, you may need to stop the risk from running in order to remove it. To do this, run the scan in Safe mode. For instructions, read the document, How to start the computer in Safe Mode. Once you have restarted in Safe mode, run the scan again.

After the files are deleted, restart the computer in Normal mode and proceed with the next section.

Warning messages may be displayed when the computer is restarted, since the threat may not be fully removed at this point. You can ignore these messages and click OK. These messages will not appear when the computer is restarted after the removal instructions have been fully completed. The messages displayed may be similar to the following:

Title: [FILE PATH]
Message body: Windows cannot find [FILE NAME]. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again. To search for a file, click the Start button, and then click Search.


4. To delete the value from the registry
Important: Symantec strongly recommends that you back up the registry before making any changes to it. Incorrect changes to the registry can result in permanent data loss or corrupted files. Modify the specified subkeys only. For instructions refer to the document: How to make a backup of the Windows registry.

1. Click Start > Run.
2. Type regedit
3. Click OK.

Note: If the registry editor fails to open the threat may have modified the registry to prevent access to the registry editor. Security Response has developed a tool to resolve this problem. Download and run this tool, and then continue with the removal.

4. Navigate to the subkey:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

5. In the right pane, delete the value:

"WinDrg32" = "%System%\wbev\windrg32.exe"

6. Exit the Registry Editor.

Transmitted by E-mail???  CNN talking about it now........

That's it

SEATTLE, Washington (Reuters) -- A new Internet virus targeting recently uncovered flaws in Microsoft Corp.'s Windows operating system is circulating on the Internet, an anti-virus computer software maker said on Monday.

The ZOTOB virus appeared shortly after the world's largest software maker warned of three newly found "critical" security flaws in its software last week, including one that could allow attackers to take complete control of a computer.

Trend Micro Inc. said that the worm exploits security holes in Microsoft's Windows 95, 98, ME, NE, 2000 and XP platforms and can give computer attackers remote access to affected systems.

"Hundreds of infection reports were sighted in the United States and Germany," Tokyo-based Trend Micro said.

But computer security engineers at Microsoft said that the worm is only targeting Windows 2000 and not the other versions of Windows.

"It only affected Windows 2000," said Stephen Toulouse, a manager at Microsoft's Security Response Center. "So far its has shown a very limited impact -- we're not seeing any widespread impact to the Internet, but we remain vigilant."

The latest virus drops a copy of itself into the Windows system folder as BOTZOR.EXE and modifies the system's host file in the infected user's computer to prevent the user from getting online assistance from anti-virus Web sites, Trend Micro added.

The worm can also connect to a specific Internet relay chat server and give hackers remote control over affected systems, which can be used to infect other unpatched machines in a network and slow down network performance.

"Since most users may not be aware of this newly announced security hole so as to install the necessary patch during last weekend, we can foresee more infections from WORM tZOTOB," it said.

Last Tuesday, Microsoft issued patches to fix its security flaws as part of its monthly security bulletin. The problems affect the Windows operating system and Microsoft's Internet Explorer Web browser.

Microsoft has warned that an attacker could exploit a vulnerability in its Internet Explorer Web browser, lure users to malicious Web pages and could run a software code on the user's PC giving the attacker control of the affected computer.

Computer users should update their anti-virus pattern files and apply the latest Microsoft patches to protect their computer systems, Trend Micro said.

More than 90 percent of the world's PCs run on the Windows operating system and Microsoft has been working to improve the security and reliability of its software.

www.microsoft.com/security/incident/zotob.mspx

It only affected Windows 2000," said Stephen Toulouse, a manager at Microsoft's Security Response Center.

ONLY?!?

MS doesn't want to admit that the MAJORITY of its installed base is *still* on Win2k, despite everything they've done to force businesses to "upgrade".