W32.Flamer.B

Posted: October 16, 2012

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Ranking:	14,652
Threat Level:	2/10
Infected PCs:	3,925

First Seen:	October 16, 2012
Last Seen:	September 11, 2023
OS(es) Affected:	Windows

W32.Flamer.B is a malware module that was only identified recently due to the niche, targeted nature of its functions. As can be guessed from its name, SpywareRemove.com malware analysts have found W32.Flamer.B to be associated with the Flame malware (also known as Flamer or Skywiper) that was used to attack industries in the Middle East. However, W32.Flamer.B can operate separately from the main Flame program and doesn't require its presence to conduct attacks. Unless you work for a Middle Eastern business, the chances of your PC being infected by W32.Flamer.B modules are low. However, W32.Flamer.B's payload is very dangerous and includes worm distribution capabilities, backdoor Trojan functions and spyware functions for stealing confidential information. As a sophisticated form of malware, if you think W32.Flamer.B is on your PC, W32.Flamer.B should be removed with equally powerful anti-malware software.

W32.Flamer.B: the Little Spark Next to a Digital Bonfire

While Flame has been known to SpywareRemove.com malware researchers for some length of time, W32.Flamer.B was only detected more recently than Flame – due to analyzed protocol data for Flame C&C servers. These servers interfaced with both Flame and W32.Flamer.B, giving PC security experts throughout the industry a basic idea of the W32.Flamer.B module's capabilities.

Like Flame, W32.Flamer.B uses removable devices as its primary means of infecting computers – which makes a good deal of sense for targeting industrial computer setups that lack Internet access. Any removable device in contact with a W32.Flamer.B-infected PC may be infected by W32.Flamer.B as well, and this device can then become an unwilling party in installing W32.Flamer.B on any computer that uses the device.

W32.Flamer.B also includes backdoor capabilities similar to Flame and will make contact with C&C servers to receive instructions, download malware or upload stolen information. SpywareRemove.com malware researchers also have confirmed W32.Flamer.B's compatibility with Windows versions 95 up to (and including) Win 7. By default, W32.Flamer.B gathers information related to the PC's memory processes, network settings and operating system, but W32.Flamer.B may be configured to steal other information.

Stamping Out the Last Remains of Flame by Securing Your PC from W32.Flamer.B

Of course, SpywareRemove.com malware analysts have found competent anti-malware programs to be effective at detecting W32.Flamer.B infections as they attempt to distribute themselves through USB drives and similar devices. In spite of its capabilities, W32.Flamer.B doesn't display symptoms of its various attacks.

Since W32.Flamer.B is a sophisticated (potentially even government-sponsored) worm that conceals some of its components in system folders, manual efforts at finding or deleting W32.Flamer.B can be hazardous and inaccurate. SpywareRemove.com malware researchers have found anti-malware scans from advanced security products to be the most efficient way of shutting W32.Flamer.B down. However, as a recently-detected threat, W32.Flamer.B may not be detectable unless your anti-malware scanners are using their latest threat databases.

Technical Details

Additional Information

The following URL's were detected:

peepholetwin.com