Malicious Software Encyclopedia: Win32/Korgo
Published:
September 8, 2005
Win32/Korgo is a family of worms that spread by exploiting vulnerabilities in certain versions of Microsoft Windows that do not have Microsoft security update MS04-011 installed. Some variants of this worm open a backdoor component to gain unauthorized access to other computers.
On This Page
Threat Overview
| Class/type | Worm - Network
|
| Discovered | May 21, 2004 |
| Circulating | Yes |
| Affected operating systems | Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows Server 2003
|
| Affected software |
Not specified
|
| Infection rating | Low |
| Recovery difficulty | Moderate |
| Damage rating | Medium |
| Transmission rating | Low |
Aliases (Also Known As)
Different antivirus vendors may be using different names to refer to this malicious software. Here are some of the names currently in use by antivirus software vendors participating in the Microsoft Virus Information Alliance (VIA):
CA:
Win32.KorgoMcAfee:
W32/Korgo.wormSymantec:
W32.KorgoTrend Micro:
WORM_KORGO
Learn more about the
Microsoft Virus Information Alliance.
Related Security Bulletins
The following Microsoft Security bulletins are related to this issue:
MS04-011 - Security Update for Microsoft Windows (835732)Technical Analysis
Variants of the Win32/Korgo worm spread by exploiting buffer overflow vulnerabilities in the Private Communication Technology (PCT) protocol and the Windows Local Security Authentication Server (LSASS) service process. These vulnerabilities are patched in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-011.
Win32/Korgo creates a command shell on the infected computer, which then downloads and runs a copy of the worm. The worm may also open a backdoor to an unpatched computer to gain unauthorized access. The worm may download executable files, such as worm updates, from a specified server.
How to Prevent Infection
Take the following steps to help prevent infection on your system:
Enable a firewall on your computer
Get the latest computer updates
Use up-to-date antivirus software
Enable a firewall on your computer
Use a third-party firewall product or turn on the Microsoft Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall.
To turn on the Internet Connection Firewall in Windows XP
Click Start, and click Control Panel.
Click Network and Internet Connections, and click Network Connections. If you do not see Network and Internet Connections, click Switch to Category View.
Highlight a connection that you want to help protect, and click Change settings of this connection.
Click Advanced, and select Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet.
Click OK.
Get the latest computer updates
Updates help protect your computer from viruses, worms, and other threats as they are discovered. You can use the Automatic Updates feature in Microsoft Windows XP to automatically download future Microsoft security updates while your computer is on and connected to the Internet.
To turn on Automatic Updates
Click Start, and click Control Panel.
Click Performance and Maintenance. If you do not see Performance and Maintenance , click Switch to Category View.
Click System.
Click Automatic Updates, and select Keep my computer up to date.
Select a setting. Microsoft recommends selecting Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify and setting a regular update time.
If you choose to have Automatic Updates notify you in step 5, you will see a notification balloon when new downloads are available to install. Click the notification balloon to review and install updates.
Use up-to-date antivirus software
Most antivirus software can detect and prevent infection by known malicious software. You should always run antivirus software on your computer that is updated with the latest signature files to automatically help protect you from infection.
How to Tell If Your Computer Is Infected
Your computer may be infected with Win32/Korgo, if you notice one or more of the following symptoms:
How to Recover from Infection
Automatic Recovery
To attempt to automatically remove this threat, run one of the following removal tools:
Affected Ports
| Protocol | Port number |
|---|
| TCP | 445 |
| TCP | 443 |
