Note that web links below are colored in red but not underlined like normal links.

This information courtesy of Symantec – makers of Norton 360 – Internet Security and Endpoint.

Conficker - (aka Downadup)

 Discovered: January 13, 2009

Type: Removal Information

This tool is designed to remove the infections of:

·                                 W32.Downadup

·                                 W32.Downadup.B

·                                 W32.Downadup.C

Important:

·                                 If you are on a network or have a full-time connection to the Internet, such as a DSL or cable modem, disconnect the computer from the network and Internet. Disable or password-protect file sharing, or set the shared files to Read Only, before reconnecting the computers to the network or to the Internet. Because this worm spreads by using shared folders on networked computers, to ensure that the worm does not reinfect the computer after it has been removed, Symantec suggests sharing with Read Only access or by using password protection.

For instructions on how to do this, refer to your Windows documentation, or the document: How to configure shared Windows folders for maximum network protection.

For further information on the vulnerability and patches to resolve it please refer to the following document:
Microsoft Windows Server Service RPC Handling Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

 

·                                 If you are removing an infection from a network, first make sure that all the shares are disabled or set to Read Only.

·                                 This tool is not designed to run on Novell NetWare servers. To remove this threat from a NetWare server, first make sure that you have the current virus definitions, and then run a full system scan with the Symantec antivirus product.

How to download and run the tool

Important: You must have administrative rights to run this tool on Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, or Windows XP.


Follow these steps to download and run the tool:

1.                               Download the FixDwndp.exe file from: http://www.symantec.com/content/en/us/global/removal_tool/threat_writeups/FixDwndp.exe.  Also found here http://gwrra-gaa.com/files/FixDwndp.exe

2.                               Save the file to a convenient location, such as your Windows desktop.

3.                               Optional: To check the authenticity of the digital signature, refer to the "Digital signature" section later in this writeup.

Note: If you are sure that you are downloading this tool from the Security Response Web site, you can skip this step. If you are not sure, or are a network administrator and need to authenticate the files before deployment, follow the steps in the "Digital signature" section before proceeding with step 4.

4.                               Close all the running programs.

5.                               If you are on a network or if you have a full-time connection to the Internet, disconnect the computer from the network and the Internet.

6.                               If you are running Windows Me or XP, turn off System Restore. 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

7.                               Locate the file that you just downloaded.

8.                               Double-click the FixDwndp.exe file to start the removal tool.

9.                               Click Start to begin the process, and then allow the tool to run.

NOTE: If you have any problems when you run the tool, or it does nor appear to remove the threat, restart the computer in Safe mode and run the tool again.

10.                            Restart the computer.

11.                            Run the removal tool again to ensure that the system is clean.

12.                            If you are running Windows Me/XP, then reenable System Restore.

13.                            If you are on a network or if you have a full-time connection to the Internet, reconnect the computer to the network or to the Internet connection.

14.                            Run LiveUpdate to make sure that you are using the most current virus definitions.

When the tool has finished running, you will see a message indicating whether the threat has infected the computer. The tool displays results similar to the following:

·                                 Total number of the scanned files

·                                 Number of deleted files

·                                 Number of repaired files

·                                 Number of terminated viral processes

·                                 Number of fixed registry entries

What the tool does
The Removal Tool does the following:

·                                 Terminates the associated processes

·                                 Deletes the associated files

·                                 Deletes the registry values added by the threat

·                                 Removes the scheduled jobs created by the threat

Digital signature
For security purposes, the removal tool is digitally signed. Symantec recommends that you use only copies of the removal tool that have been directly downloaded from the Symantec Security Response Web site.

If you are not sure, or are a network administrator and need to authenticate files before deployment, you should check the authenticity of the digital signature.

Follow these steps:

1.                               Go to http://www.wmsoftware.com/free.htm.

2.                               Download and save the Chktrust.exe file to the same folder in which you saved the removal tool.

Note: Most of the following steps are done at a command prompt. If you downloaded the removal tool to the Windows desktop, it will be easier if you first move the tool to the root of the C drive. Then save the Chktrust.exe file to the root of C as well.

(Step 3 to assume that both the removal tool and Chktrust.exe are in the root of the C drive.)

3.                               Click Start > Run.

4.                               Type one of the following:

Windows 95/98/Me:
command

Windows NT/2000/XP:
cmd

5.                               Click OK.

6.                               In the command window, type the following, pressing Enter after typing each line:

cd\
cd downloads
chktrust -i FixDwndp.exe

7.                               You should see one of the following messages, depending on your operating system:

Windows XP SP2:
The Trust Validation Utility window will appear.

Under Publisher, click the Symantec Corporation link. The Digital Signature Details appears.
Verify the contents of the following fields to ensure that the tool is authentic:

Name: Symantec Corporation
Signing Time: 03/30/2009 10:53:57 AM

All other operating systems:
You should see the following message:

Do you want to install and run "FixDwndp.exe" signed on March 30, 2009 10:53:57 AM and distributed by Symantec Corporation?

Notes:
The date and time in the digital signature above are based on Pacific time. They will be adjusted your computer's time zone and Regional Options settings.

If you are using Daylight Saving time, the displayed time will be exactly one hour earlier.

If this dialog box does not appear, there are two possible reasons:

The tool is not from Symantec: Unless you are sure that the tool is legitimate and that you downloaded it from the legitimate Symantec Web site, you should not run it.

The tool is from Symantec and is legitimate: However, your operating system was previously instructed to always trust content from Symantec. For information on this and on how to view the confirmation dialog again, read the document: How to restore the Publisher Authenticity confirmation dialog box.

8.                               Click Yes or Run to close the dialog box.

9.                               Type exit, and then press Enter. (This will close the MS-DOS session.)