| Name | Backdoor.Owashell |
| Type | Backdoor Trojan |
| Short Description | Steals user credentials and saves them in log.txt file in encrypted format. |
| Symptoms | A log.txt file in either of the hard drive partitions of the user PC. May also be present on a flash drive or a memory stick. PC crashing. Unfamiliar PC processes. Unusual behavior of familiar PC processes. |
| Distribution Method | Bundling. |
| Detection tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By Backdoor.Owashell |
Backdoor.Owashell is your typical backdoor trojan. The difference in relation to other threats is that it is reported by Symantec researchers to be present on Outlook Web App which is an element in Microsoft Exchange Server. This particular trojan is known for stealing different information from the user PC, including PC’s time, username, password and other info momentarily. Security researchers strongly advise users to scan their systems with an advanced anti-malware program in case they identify any of the above-mentioned symptoms on their PCs.
Backdoor.Owashell – How Did I Get Infected?
One way to become a victim of this trojan is to open a file from a spam e-mail message. Cyber criminals conduct many spam campaigns containing backdoors. A spam mail may contain different file attachments in it. They may be documents for reading or pictures. Most spam mails may also contain a second file that may be in one of the following potentially risky file types:
→.exe;.bat;.cmd;.dll
Such files usually activate scripts that create different files and thus infect the computer. This is why users should be on high alert for such files and always use mail software that blocks out any spam mails from the computer, such as Thunderbird or Firefox.
Backdoor.Owashell – More About It
Once on the computer, the trojan’s dll file is reported to create the following file in a specific drive or partition, for example:
→C:\log.txt
Once activated it looks to obtain the user’s time zone, his host address, usernames and passwords, user agents. What is more is that the trojan encrypts the information gathered and puts the encrypted code in the ‘log.txt’ file.
What happens next is that the threat opens up a back door connection on the infected PC. After this is done, researchers believe that the trojan may essentially assume control over the back door connection. From there it might:
- Steal directory information.
- Get read and write privileges to various files.
- Obtain file management privileges. (Cut, copy, delete, etc.)
- Download other malware on the user PC.
- Execute downloaded files from another server.
- Keep active connection with a malicious domain.
- In case the infected PC is a server, mess with the SQL Database.
Cyber-criminals have become increasingly smarter on their tracks to reach their goals. What is more, they have realized that the most important detain when infecting PCs with malware such as backdoors is the social engineering part itself. This is why both experienced and inexperienced users should constantly keep up to date with latest methods of infection and security software to detect and prevent them.
Backdoor.Owashell – Remove It from Your PC
In order to remove this threat it is vital to isolate it from the computer, first. The most simple and easy method of removing it is by simply booting into safe mode which is offline and scan your computer in this way. But some threats may even have scripts that prevent them to be discovered, like something called process migration, for example.
This is why in case the tutorial, mentioned below does not help you. You should scan your computer by booting a live Windows version from a standalone flash drive or a live CD. The fact that it will scan the system from distance without the actual OS running ensures that all of the threats connected with this virus are properly quarantined. For more information check this article. This method is also appropriate in case your computer has crashed.
IMPORTANT: Booting a live OS may be risky because if the malware has corrupted several key windows files, the OS may not function properly. Before attempting it, make sure you back up your data to another PC or a drive.
Step 1: Start Your PC in Safe Mode to Remove Backdoor.Owashell.
Removing Backdoor.Owashell from Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Removing Backdoor.Owashell from Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 systems:
Substep 1:
Open the Start Menu
Substep 2:
Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Substep 3:
After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.
Substep 4:
You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.
Substep 5:
After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Substep 6:
Click on Restart.
Substep 7:
A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart and boot into Safe Mode so you can scan for and remove Backdoor.Owashell.
Step 2: Remove Backdoor.Owashell automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.
To clean your computer you should download an updated anti-malware program on a safe PC and then install it on the affected computer in offline mode. After that you should boot into safe mode and scan your computer to remove all Backdoor.Owashell associated objects.
