October 2010
BitDefender Offers Free Removal Tool for Stuxnet
Standalone utility available for download free of charge on Malwarecity
BitDefender®, an award-winning provider of innovative anti-malware security solutions, released a free removal tool targeting Win32.Worm.Stuxnet. This tool is capable of removing all known variants of Win32.Worm.Stuxnet, as well as the rootkit drivers that are used to conceal critical components of the worm.
Win32.Worm.Stuxnet is a new breed of e-threats that emerged around mid-July. Although it infects all Windows-based systems alike, it primarily targets supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems which run the Siemens WinCC software.
The worm spreads by taking advantage of a multitude of 0-day exploits in the current versions of Windows. Moreover, it can execute itself from an infected removable medium as soon as the .lnk file on the drive has been read by the operating system. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability results in the injection of a backdoor, as well as the installation of two rootkits that will conceal both the .lnk files and the accompanying .tmp files.
“BitDefender added generic detection covering all variants of Stuxnet as of July 19, thus protecting its customers since day zero. As part of its constant efforts to help users worldwide in their fight against e-threats, BitDefender has also created a Stuxnet Removal Tool. Therefore, computer users who are not protected by a BitDefender security solution can now eliminate Stuxnet from their infected systems as well.”, said Catalin Cosoi, Head of the BitDefender Online Threats Lab.
The tool can be run on both 32- and 64-bit installations and it will eliminate both the rootkit drivers and the worm.
Stuxnet Removal Tool can be downloaded from the Removal Tools section of www.malwarecity.com, a BitDefender initiative for the software security community and a free resource for those interested in their online security.
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About Bitdefender®
Bitdefender is the creator of one of the world's fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified internet security software.Since 2001, the company has been an industry pioneer, introducing and developing award-winning protection. Today, Bitdefender technology secures the digital experience of around 400 million home and corporate users across the globe.
Recently, the company has won a range of key independent recommendations in the US, UK and across Europe, including ConsumerSearch, Which?, Stiftung Warentest and Taenk. Bitdefender antivirus technology has also finished top in leading industry tests from both AV Test and AV-Comparatives. More information about Bitdefender's antivirus products is available from the company's security solutions press room. Additionally, Bitdefender publishes Malware City providing the latest updates on security threats and helping users stay informed in the everyday battle against malware.