Home Malware Programs Trojans Troj/Agent-ZMO

Troj/Agent-ZMO

Posted: January 3, 2013

Threat Metric

Ranking: 2,277
Threat Level: 9/10
Infected PCs: 302
First Seen: January 3, 2013
Last Seen: March 7, 2025
OS(es) Affected: Windows

Troj/Agent-ZMO is a Trojan that's distributed through spam e-mail messages. Current Troj/Agent-ZMO attacks utilize message formats that portray Troj/Agent-ZMO as a series of bikini photos from an acquaintance, although enclosed file actually is a malicious SCR (screensaver type executable). Executable files that are downloaded from misleading and deceptive sources – including both EXE and SCR file types – are one of the leading methods through which malware can be introduced to new computers. Due to Troj/Agent-ZMO's lack of symptoms and high probability of conducting heavily invasive attacks against any computer that Troj/Agent-ZMO gains access to, SpywareRemove.com malware researchers recommend removing Troj/Agent-ZMO both immediately and with a worthy anti-malware product.

Troj/Agent-ZMO: Digital Attacks Hiding Behind Swimsuits

SpywareRemove.com malware research team has seen cases of Troj/Agent-ZMO being marketed to multiple countries and in multiple languages, such as English and Eurocentric languages like Italian. Although the spam e-mail messages that carry Troj/Agent-ZMO attacks appear to be casting wide nets for victims, their ruse always is the same: they pretend to offer season's greetings along with a ZIP archive of scantily-clad women. These e-mails often use formats that try to pass themselves off as being sent by a friend named Gretchen, Selma, Ciara, etc.

The attachment of a normal ZIP file that includes the actual malicious file, Troj/Agent-ZMO, is a typical tactic for spam-based malware distribution. SpywareRemove.com malware experts note that this is one of many good reasons to be exceptionally careful about opening ZIP archives from unusual sources. Similar e-mail-based malware attacks that also have been recorded this year include Win32/Cbeplay.P, Troj/Bredo-VV, Trojan-Spy.Win32.Zbot.gtvm, TSPY_ZBOT.SMHA and Troj/Agent-WXL – some of which even use the same basic hoax as Troj/Agent-ZMO: the promise of supposedly enticing feminine photos.

What Happens to Your Computer After You Get an Eyeful of Troj/Agent-ZMO

SpywareRemove.com malware analysts have noted that Troj/Agent-ZMO does not have any visible symptoms during its immediate attacks, but, in spite of its low-key attitude, Troj/Agent-ZMO is a meaningful danger to your computer's security. Designed to compromise Windows PCs, Troj/Agent-ZMO may conduct any of the following attacks:

  • Install other malicious software without your permission, such as rogue security programs, ransomware Trojans or browser hijackers.
  • Change your security settings to disable network and/or browser-related security features.
  • Be used in attacks that try to steal confidential information. Account passwords and login fields are especially targeted by such attacks, which can include keylogging (attacks that record all the information that you type on your keyboard).
  • Block other programs, particularly Windows security tools like Task Manager, to prevent you from removing other malware or even Troj/Agent-ZMO, itself.

Like all spam-based attacks, you should scan your PC with a dependable anti-malware program as soon as possible after your PC has been compromised by the Troj/Agent-ZMO file attachment. Doing so will prevent Troj/Agent-ZMO from causing permanent damage to your PC or its contents, but delay risks additional complications in the form of other PC threats being installed.

Technical Details

File System Modifications

Tutorials: If you wish to learn how to remove malware components manually, you can read the tutorials on how to find malware, kill unwanted processes, remove malicious DLLs and delete other harmful files. Always be sure to back up your PC before making any changes.

The following files were created in the system:



6ec7654c71ea3e44339c2fdb40000925 File name: 6ec7654c71ea3e44339c2fdb40000925
Size: 276.48 KB (276480 bytes)
MD5: 6ec7654c71ea3e44339c2fdb40000925
Detection count: 35
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: January 7, 2013
Bikini.zip File name: Bikini.zip
Mime Type: unknown/zip
Group: Malware file
Bikini.scr File name: Bikini.scr
Mime Type: unknown/scr
Group: Malware file

Additional Information

The following messages's were detected:
# Message
1Subject: HAPPY NEW YEAR
Ciao mia cara!
Come stai? Come promesso, ecco le mie foto bikini. Spero che sarà love it!
Questo è il mio umile dono per il nuovo anno! Ci vediamo più tardi :)
Il tuo amore Selma
01.01.2013 16:04:43
2Subject: Merry Christmas
Hello my dear!!!
How are you? As I promised, here's my bikini photos. I hope you will be love it!
This is my humble gift for Christmas! See you later :)
Your love Ciara
28.12.2012

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