Andrea Lelli Symantec
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W32.Xpaj.B has multiple complex elements - far more than any other file infector. It has two strong layers of protection. These are code encryption and obfuscation. Encryption is achieved using a complex virtual machine. The worm core itself is then heavily obfuscated, making analysis difficult. When the obfuscation is finally bypassed, the infection routine is not trivial. The worm is capable of infecting both user-mode and kernel-mode components. Commands are received from C&C servers in encrypted blobs.
All of these code components have been analysed and are fully described. Access to the C&C servers was obtained and the payload also investigated. The payload is a click-fraud scam which is documented, including graphs showing earnings over time and received traffic.
