WINSSK32.EXE PROCESS INFORMATION

Process Name  : winssk32.exe

Process Path : %WINDOWS%\winssk32.exe [ C:\Windows\winssk32.exe]

Process type    : Internet Worm

Malware Name : W32.Sobig.E@mm

Alias             : I-Worm.Sobig.gen, WORM_SOBIG.E, W32/Sobig-E, Sobig.E Worm

Threat level : Low

Process Details

                     Winssk32.exe is the main component dropped by Sobig.E worm. It uses e-mail addresses collected from DBX, HTML, DBX, EML, HML, TXT and WAB files to send infected messages. It is very similar to Sobig.B Worm. Sobig.E infects Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, NT, XP systems. It also copies to shared network drives. Sobig.E worm will not spread after July 13th 2003.

                     The infected e-mail attachment and e-mail subject is chosen from the list given in the worm. The email body contains the text "Please see the attached zip file for details." and the sender field is randomly chosen by the worm.

                     When the infected attachment is executed, the worm copies itself to Windows folder as "winssk32.exe". Sobig.E worm creates new keys in the registry Run section to load automatically. The registry modification is given below.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
"SSK Service" = %Windows%\winssk32.exe

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
"SSK Service" = %Windows%\winssk32.exe

                     Sobig.E worm copies to the shared network drives startup folder in the remote machine. So the infected files will be executed automatically on the next startup. It copies to the following shared drives

Windows\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp
Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

How can I protect my system?

                   Solo has incorporated winssk32.exe in its signature file to protect users from this worm attack. Solo antivirus registered users are already protected from this worm. Make sure that you have installed registered version of Solo Antivirus to protect your system from all virus threats.

How to remove this worm?

                   Solo antivirus can detect and remove Sobig.E Worm safely. Use the following link to Download 30 day trial version of Solo antivirus to remove viruses from your computer.

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