If we presume that a person’s Windows computer is (a) installing Windows updates automatically, and (b) has an antivirus application with current definitions, then I don’t think there’s much to worry about. If either a or b above is not true, then the system in question has many potential exposures.

If you are looking for what would constitute due diligence, I would suggest:

1. Run Windows Update and install all updates (start with SP3 on XP or SP1 on Vista if it isn’t there already)

2. Verify that the vulnerability exploited by this attack is installed; look for update KB958644 which was released in October, 2008.

3. Check that the antivirus application has current definitions.

4. Schedule or start a full system scan at the end of the workday.

That’s what I’d do.

If the Live OneCare online scanner if going slowly, you can use the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool, which address a set of common malware, to detect and remove Conficker (http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx). Similar tools are available from the major A/V vendors.

More general information, including links to various remediation tools, is available at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conficker

Larry, I hope that helps,

—Geoff

From: Technology Discussion at UVM [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Larry Kost
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 11:54 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: FW: Alert - Additional Microsoft Security Guidance Published on Conficker

Should we be having our folks take some kind of action? I am running the Windows Live OneCare safety scanner. It has been running for about two hours and isn't even half done. Is there something quicker, like Stinger that would work for this particular problem? Should this have bee caught by NODE32, assuming it is running and up to date?

Larry Kost

At 08:57 AM 3/30/2009 -0400, you wrote:

FYI. Geoff

From: Mark Nissen [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Saturday, March 28, 2009 11:44 AM
To: [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]
Subject: Alert - Additional Microsoft Security Guidance Published on Conficker

What is the purpose of this alert?

This alert is to notify you that Microsoft has published new information regarding the Conficker worm on March 27, 2009.

The new information published today will appear on Microsofts Conficker landing pages, Microsofts security-related blogs and in the Microsoft Malware Protection Center (MMPC) malware encyclopedia.

These resources aim to help customers by providing answers to common questions, steps customers can use to protect their systems, and steps that can be used to recover systems that have been infected.

Summary

Microsoft has published new information today on the following web pages:

·         Microsoft Conficker guidance page for IT Professionals and those focused on security in the enterprise: HTTP://www.microsoft.com/conficker.

·         Microsoft Conficker guidance page for consumers and home users: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/viruses/worms/conficker.mspx.

·         The Microsoft Malware Protection Center (MMPC) encyclopedia page for the Conficker family of malware: http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/Entry.aspx?name=Win32/Conficker.

·         The Microsoft Malware Protection Center blog: http://blogs.technet.com/mmpc/.

·         The Microsoft Security Response Center Blog: http://blogs.technet.com/msrc/.

Please use these new resources as your starting point for guidance on Conficker. The content will be refreshed periodically when new information is available.

Answers to Common Questions

Q: What will happen on April 1, 2009?

A: Based on our collective technical analysis, we've determined that systems infected with the latest version of Conficker will begin to use a new algorithm to determine what domains to contact. We have not identified any other actions scheduled to take place on April 1, 2009.

Q: Will an updated version of Conficker go out to already-infected systems on April 1, 2009?

A: It is possible that systems with the latest version of Conficker will be updated with a newer version of Conficker on April 1, 2009 by contacting domains on the new domain list. However, these systems could be updated on any date before or after April 1, 2009 as well using the "peer- to-peer" updating channel in the latest version of Conficker.

Q: Should the general public be alarmed? Why or why not?

A: No, the general public should not be alarmed. Most home users have been protected by Microsoft Security Update MS08-067 (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-067.mspx) being applied automatically.

Q: What should people who are worried about April 1, 2009 and Conficker do?

A: We recommend that home users who have not yet enabled automatic updates do so and ensure their security software is up to date with the latest antivirus signatures for Windows Live OneCare, or the antivirus product they use. We recommend that enterprise customers continue to focus on the guidance from Microsoft and take multiple measures to minimize the risk of getting infected:

·         Fully Install MS08-067 (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-067.mspx) on all Windows computers in your environment. Because 100 percent deployment can be challenging in diverse enterprises, the next defense-in-depth steps can help minimize the risk too.

·         Use an antivirus product that has solid detection of Conficker. Such an antivirus program should be able to block the worm from copying itself to other machines. For example, Microsoft Forefront Client Security and Windows Live OneCare can detect and block this worm from the very first day of its discovery.

·         Use strong passwords both for any user account and also for any file share in your environment.

·         Make sure to use only AutoPlay options that you are familiar with as other options may have been added by malicious software. Some customers may prefer to disable the AutoRun functionality altogether.

·         Evaluate additional security best practices in accordance with their organization's policies and procedures.

Customers who believe they are affected and need additional support can contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support. Contact CSS in North America for help with security update issues or viruses at no charge using the PC Safety line (866)PCSAFETY or resources found at: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/support/default.mspx.

International customers can contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support by using methods found at: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/worldwide/default.mspx.

Regarding Information Consistency

We strive to provide you with accurate information in static (this mail) and dynamic (Web-based) content. Microsofts security content posted to the Web is occasionally updated to reflect late-breaking information. If this results in an inconsistency between the information here and the information in Microsofts Web-based security content, the information in Microsofts Web-based security content is authoritative.

If you have any questions regarding this alert please contact your Technical Account Manager or Application Development Consultant.

Thank you,

Microsoft CSS Security Team