January 2005

ID: 00078
Ref: 09/2005
Date: 28 January 2005:09:10:37
Version: 1

---

Title: New worm currently exploiting MySQL on Windows
Abstract:
Vendors affected: Microsoft
Operating systems affected: Microsoft
Applications affected: Microsoft

---

Title
=====

New worm currently exploiting MySQL on Windows

Detail
======

The worm installs a malicious trojan executable spoolcll.exe in the
System32 directory. spoolcll.exe is installed as a new service "Event
Monitor".



AL-2005.002 -- AUSCERT ALERT
New worm currently exploiting MySQL on Windows
28 January 2005


Product: MySQL
Operating System: Windows
Impact: Administrator Compromise
Distributed Denial of Service
Access: Remote/Unauthenticated


SUMMARY:

AusCERT has become aware of a new worm currently exploiting MySQL on
Windows systems. The worm infects systems using an automated attack on
weak passwords for the MySQL "root" account.

MySQL administrators are encouraged to apply the mitigation steps
below as soon as possible to prevent infection.

Non-Windows MySQL systems are not targeted by this worm, but are
vulnerable to the same attack if MySQL is running as root.


IMPACT:

The worm installs a malicious trojan executable spoolcll.exe in the
System32 directory. spoolcll.exe is installed as a new service
"Event Monitor".

spoolcll.exe connects to one of several IRC servers to receive
instructions for further action. It also sets up three listening
ports which we have observed to be on UDP port 69 and TCP ports 2314
and 2311, though these ports can vary.

The trojan can be commanded to launch distributed denial of service
attacks, remotely control the infected host, scan blocks of IP
addresses and infect further vulnerable systems.

The malicious executable installed by this worm is detected by
several antivirus products as a variant of Wootbot.


MITIGATION:

o Change to a stronger password for MySQL's "root" account.

o Configure MySQL to only accept "root" account connections from the
local host.

These two steps can be implemented using the MySQL 4.1 Server
Instance Configuration Wizard. Under "Modify Security Settings",
input a strong password and also select "Root may only connect
from localhost".

o Run MySQL as an unprivileged user. This is possible under Windows
with MySQL 4.0.17 and higher, and MySQL 4.1.2 and higher.

o Block connections from the internet to MySQL by adding a firewall
rule blocking inbound traffic to port 3306.


REFERENCES:

[1] SANS Handler's Diary January 27 2005
http://isc.sans.org/diary.php?date=2005-01-27


AusCERT has made every effort to ensure that the information contained in this document is accurate. However, the decision to use the information described is the responsibility of each user or organisation. The decision to follow or act on information or advice contained in this security bulletin is the responsibility of each user or organisation, and should be considered in accordance with your organisation's site policies and procedures. AusCERT takes no responsibility for consequences which may arise from following or acting on information or advice contained in this security bulletin.

If you believe that your computer system has been compromised or attacked in
any way, we encourage you to let us know by completing the secure National IT
Incident Reporting Form at:

http://www.auscert.org.au/render.html?it=3192

===========================================================================
Australian Computer Emergency Response Team
The University of Queensland
Brisbane
Qld 4072

Internet Email: auscert@auscert.org.au
Facsimile: (07) 3365 7031
Telephone: (07) 3365 4417 (International: +61 7 3365 4417)
AusCERT personnel answer during Queensland business hours
which are GMT+10:00 (AEST).
On call after hours for member emergencies only. ===========================================================================



______________________________________________________________________

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For additional information or assistance, please contact the HELP Desk by
telephone or Not Protectively Marked information may be sent via
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UNIRAS wishes to acknowledge the contributions of AusCERT for the information
contained in this Briefing.
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